Over the past decade, the Charles County Public Library has made a dedicated effort to expand our global cinema collection. This blog will highlight some of the most popular films from Japan that we currently have in our catalog.
It would be impossible to write about director Akira Kurosawa’s impact on filmmaking in one blog post; however, here are some of our recommendations to check out! (Links to more information and how to reserve these films will be provided below in the title).
Rashomon (1950)
A psychological thriller that examines the different viewpoints of human perspective. Starring the iconic Toshiro Mifune, this was one of the early films that exposed Japan to the world of Western cinema and inspired many future filmmakers with its unique blend of storytelling and dramatic intrigue.
Seven Samurai (1954)
Perhaps Kurosawa’s defining work, Seven Samurai, is renowned the world over for its originality, presentation, and endearing characters. It’s essentially the original “team up” movie, which has been the formula for films such as The Avengers, the Magnificent Seven, the Expendables, and many more.
Kwaidan (1964)
Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, Kwaidan provides a different look into Japanese mythology and horror. Kwaidan presents a series of short stories depicting ghosts, witches, and other supernatural phenomena in a beautifully artistic manner.
Gojira (1954)
The original “kaiju” (strange beast) film from Japan, Gojira, is a timeless classic that started the Godzilla franchise. This dark allegory for the atomic bomb served as a reminder of the horrors of World War II and captivated the world with its practical effects and captivating score by Akira Ifukube, which is still played in modern Godzilla films.
Good Morning (1959)
A more simplistic view of a suburban 1950’s Japanese family. Good Morning, directed by Yasujiro Ozu, is a nice change of pace from the other films on this list. While the film may seem mundane to some, it demonstrates the intergenerational relationships between family members and how they cope with their differences.
Pale Flower (1969)
One could only describe Pale Flower as an emotional yakuza rollercoaster. Rooted in the Japanese underworld, this film follows a Yazuka underling trying to find his footing after being imprisoned. This film personifies the artistic Japanese New-Wave modernist presentation that would follow for decades to come.
