Ugetsu [Special Edition]

Great review Chris! I have been waiting for your review on this. And finally a Japanese Criterion disc review here in a long time. Can't wait to get my hands on this. Now bring on the review of Pickpocket.

--Ranjan

Chris,

Will you be reviewing Pickpocket too? Also, can u please list the movies by great Japanese directors (no Kurosawa coz I know his stuff) that you like. The same way you listed Herzog movies in the Burden of dream posts. This will help me greatly...Thanks

--Ranjan

"Pickpocket" is coming soon - later this week for sure. I'll give some thought to the Japanese directors, though I have to admit that I have mostly only seen the popular ones available here in the states (for obvious reasons) so I can't claim to be any kind of Japanese cinema expert. But you can be sure there'll be a few Takeshi Kitano movies in my list - it's about time he is acknowledged as a modern master!

Seijun Suzuki is a good bet for viewers curious to get off the beaten track. Of course, you can't forget Hayao Miyazaki, though this is perhaps Chris's greatest failing as a movie buff--he doesn't really like animation of any sort. :.(

Consider this a list of some Japanese films I think are great, rather than an attempt at a definitive list of the best Japanese films.

Fifteen Great Japanese Films

Sansho the Bailiff (Mizoguchi)
The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums (Mizoguchi)
Ugetsu (Mizoguchi)
Tokyo Story (Ozu)
Good Morning (Ozu)
Floating Weeds (Ozu)
Throne of Blood (Kurosawa)
High and Low (Kurosawa)
Yojimbo (Kurosawa)
Pistol Opera (Suzuki)
Branded to Kill (Suzuki)
Fireworks (Kitano)
Kikujiro (Kitano)
Woman in the Dunes (Teshigahara)
My Neighbor Totoro (Miyazaki)


I am not as familiar with contemporary Japanese films except for Takeshi Kitano's work (I also think "Zatoichi" and "Brother" are great). I am not a Miike fan, though "Audition" is good, and I haven't really cared for much of the recent cycle of Japanese horror films. There is a nifty 2005 release called "Tony Takitani" by Jin Ichikawa.

Other staff members know much more about recent Japanese films than I do. Maybe they'll chime in too.

Chris,

I suppose Eddie will be surprised by your inclusion of 'My Neighbor Totoro.' Regardless, it's my favourite Miyazaki film. Although I very much enjoyed Nausicaa, Porco Rosso and Kiki's Delivery Service (minus the english dub) as well. In terms of other great Japanese animations, I would definitely include 'Grave of the Fireflies,' which is a must see whether you're a fan of animation or not.

One of my favourite Japanese films of all time is Shinoda's 'Double Suicide.' Then again I haven't seen too many Japanese films outside of the one's helmed by either Ozu or Kurosawa.

Kurtis

Kurtis,

I was already aware of Chris's admiration of "Totoro", but you should really talk to him in person about animation. His lack of interest often makes me feel sad, especially for someone as passionate and knowledgeable about movies as he is. :.(

Eddie

I really have no idea why Eddie keeps making this claim. I bet I have more animation in my collection than he does. It is true that I am not overly fond of most feature-length animation, though there are a few exceptions. I do, however, love quite a lot of short-form animation, esp. Looney Tunes. I agree with the author (I can't remember who) who claimed that Wile E. Coyote was the most honest character in all of 20th Century Western culture.

Plus there's the simple fact that I have vastly better taste than Eddie in every possible way.

Chris,

Having quantity does not automatically mean that you have quality.

But, don't worry--I respect and dig your approach to cinema in general (but will always shed tears when I think of your animosity towards feature-length animation).

Eddie