Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Classic Movies

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20-05-2023 cookie

If you are a lover of Japanese culture and art, you definitely cannot ignore the classic movies that have made the name of this country's cinema. From innovative and unique animated films, to psychological, social and dramatic films that deeply reflect the reality and life of Japanese people, all bring timeless artistic and cultural values. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 10 most classic Japanese movies, along with their unique contents. Let's explore the masterpieces of Japanese cinema through this article and don't forget to vote for your favorite work!

1

Departures (Okuribito)

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Departures (Okuribito)

2008 Departures Official Trailer 1

This is a great movie about life and death, about love and forgiveness. The film tells the story of Daigo Kobayashi, a violinist who is unemployed when his orchestra disbands. He and his wife moved back to his hometown in Yamagata, where he found a new job: serving as a ceremonial for the dead. At first, he was shy and fearful of dealing with corpses, and was also despised by his family and friends because of his odd profession. But gradually, he realizes that his job is not only to beautify the dead, but also to help the living find meaning and comfort in grief. He also learns many things from his boss, Sasaki, who is experienced and dedicated to the profession. Through different funerals, Daigo feels appreciation and respect for life and death, and also better understands the relationship between parents and children. The movie Departures (Okuribito) is a touching and poignant film, giving viewers different emotions about life and death. The film won the Oscar for best foreign film in 2009, and was also highly appreciated by critics and audiences around the world.

2

My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro)

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My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro)

My Neighbor Totoro - Official Trailer

My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro) is a Japanese animated fantasy film, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and produced by Studio Ghibli in 1988. The film tells the story of two Little girls Satsuki and Mei, the daughter of a university professor, and their adventures with friendly forest spirits in post-war Japan. The film is a creative and emotional work of art, expressing Miyazaki's love for nature, children, and rural life. The film also brings messages about life, joy, hope and family. The film has received numerous awards and appreciation from audiences and critics worldwide, and has become a cultural icon of Japan. The main character of the film, Totoro, is a very lovable big-bellied furry beast that has become the mascot of Studio Ghibli and one of the most popular cartoon characters. The movie My Neighbor Totoro is an animated film not to be missed for those who love the genre, and a meaningful gift for children and adults.

3

Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)

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Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)

Spirited Away - Official Trailer

Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) is a Japanese animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of little Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who gets lost in the world of gods and youkai when her parents are turned into pigs. In order to save her parents and return home, Chihiro must work at a public bathhouse under the management of the witch Yubaba. In the process, she met many new friends and experienced many amazing adventures. The film is a creative and meaningful work of art that expresses Miyazaki's love for nature and people. The film was also a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese film history and winning several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

 

4

Rashomon (Rashōmon)

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Rashomon (Rashōmon)

Rashomon Original Trailer

Rashomon (Rashōmon) is a popular Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, released in 1950. The film is based on two short stories by writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa: Rashomon and In the Forest. The film tells the story of a murder that occurs in the forest, but there are four different versions of the incident from four witnesses: a bandit, a dead samurai, the samurai's wife, and a buffalo herder. Each version has contradictions and expresses the narrator's own point of view. The film explores themes and highlights messages of objective and relative truth, as well as human weakness and selfishness. The film made a strong impression on audiences and critics worldwide, and is considered a classic of Japanese cinema.

5

Tokyo Story

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Tokyo Story

Tokyo Story Official Trailer

The Japanese film Tokyo Story is a cinematic classic directed by Yasujiro Ozu. The film tells the story of an elderly couple in a remote village, visiting their children and grandchildren in Tokyo. However, they were not warmly received and faced with the alienation and coldness of the younger generation. The film is a poignant picture of Japanese family, social and cultural life after the Second World War. The film is also a statement of love, gratitude and sacrifice of parents for their children. The film Tokyo Story has been highly praised by critics and audiences worldwide, and is considered one of the best films of all time.