I watch about a film a day, a mix of English language, Japanese, and whatever seems interesting.
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The Constitution of Japan 2005
I have just started studying at a Japanese university (distance learning). I found this film at my local library, and watched it as it relates to one of my units of study.
The first half documents the creation of the Japanese constitution. The second half relates the 2005 contemporary controversy around efforts to revoke Article 9 of the constitution, which forbids military action except in the case of self defense, and the effort of then Prime Minister Koizumi’s attempt…Translated from by -
Tokyo-Ga 1985
A lovely documentary that is about Yasujiro Ozu, but makes major detours through Japan in the 80s. In between interviews of Chishu Ryu and Ozu’s cameraman. Wenders tours pachinko parlors, teenagers dressed as 50s Americans dancing in the park, artisans making restaurant display food, and travels around Japan by train. If you’re interested in Ozu, or Japan, or just like travelogues and interviews with interesting people, then you‘ll enjoy this film.
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Past Lives 2023
A really confident debut feature, and a stylish, grown up relationship drama.
The movie uses lot of facial expressions and pregnant pauses to tell the story. The three leads are really excellent and believable in this carefully crafted gem of a film. It’s a really interesting situation, even if I haven’t had such a dilemma or I don’t necessarily agree with all of the characters’ choices. It also looks wonderful, and makes me want to visit Seoul and New York.…
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Mom, Is That You?! 2023
Yoji Yamada has directed nearly 100 movies and is still going strong into his 90s. This one is about a widow, a semi-retired tabi sock-maker, who strikes up a romantic relationship with a priest. It’s also a multi generational story. Her son is separated from his wife, and has work dramas. Her granddaughter is not enjoying university, and is fighting with her father. The rest of the cast is filled out with people from the neighborhood including rice cracker sellers…
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