Cast: Fujio Tokita

Direction Shôhei Imamura

Cast Ken Ogata · Sumiko Sakamoto · Tonpei Hidari · Aki Takejô

Synopsis The Ballad of Narayama (1983) is a cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly blends the traditional art of Japanese Kabuki with contemporary filmmaking techniques. This adaptation of Shichiro Fukazawa's 1956 novel tells the poignant story of a 69-year-old woman who embarks on...

Direction Kon Ichikawa

Cast Koji Ishizaka · Kiichi Nakai · Takuzo Kawatani · Atsushi Watanabe

Direction Hideo Gosha

Cast Tatsuya Nakadai · Kinnosuke Nakamura · Tetsurô Tanba · Yôko Tsukasa

Synopsis Steel Edge of Revenge (Official Gold) (1969) follows the journey of a tormented samurai, burdened by his past, as he strives to prevent a looming bloodbath. Driven by his inner demons, he navigates a world of danger and deceit, determined...

Direction Shôhei Imamura

Cast Kôji Yakusho · Misa Shimizu · Mitsuko Baisho · Akira Emoto

Synopsis The Eel (1997) begins with Takuro Yamashita, portrayed by Koji Yakusho, a man who appears to lead an ordinary life as a salaryman, discovering that his wife might be unfaithful. In a moment of rage, he stabs both his wife...

Direction Naomi Kawase

Cast Nijiro Murakami · Jun Yoshinaga · Makiko Watanabe · Hideo Sakaki

Synopsis Still the Water (2014) unfolds on the lush, subtropical Japanese island of Amami, where ancient customs and nature's rhythms persist. During the August full moon, when traditional dances fill the night, 16-year-old Kaito stumbles upon a lifeless body adrift in...

Direction Kihachi Okamoto

Cast Shintarô Katsu · Toshirô Mifune · Ayako Wakao · Osamu Takizawa

Direction Shôhei Imamura

Cast Norihei Miki · Ken Ogata · Leonard Kuma · Mitsuko Baisho

Direction Taku Shinjo

Cast Chen Rui · Yuriko Hoshi · Tongyu Liang · Ken Mitsuishi

Direction Kon Ichikawa

Cast Sayuri Yoshinaga · Hideki Noda · Takuzo Kawatani · Kirin Kiki

Synopsis Tsuru (1988) is a captivating film inspired by the traditional folk tale "Repayment from a Crane." The story unfolds on a chilly, snowy evening when a stunning woman, known as Tsuru (Crane), appears at the humble abode of a destitute...

Direction Akira Matsumoto · Masahisa Sadanaga · Eiichi Kudo · Koreyoshi Kurahara

Cast Tsutomu Yamazaki · Yumiko Nogawa · Makoto Fujita · Takayuki Akutagawa

Synopsis Hissatsu shiokinin (TV Series) (1973) is a gripping television series set in the bustling city of Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the mid-1800s. The narrative revolves around a seemingly ordinary group of merchants who, unbeknownst to many, are a clandestine band...

Direction Tai Kato

Cast Kinnosuke Nakamura · Misako Watanabe · Wataru Ômae · Fujio Tokita

Synopsis Sasuke and His Comedians (1963) is set in Osaka during the early 17th century, following the tumultuous Battle of Sekigahara. A band of orphaned children roam the battlefield, searching for discarded armor and supplies. Their journey takes an unexpected turn...

Direction Masahiro Makino

Cast Kyû Sakamoto · Yôko Minamida · Fujio Tokita · Fumitake Ômura

Direction Kon Ichikawa

Cast Yutaka Mizutani · Toshiyuki Nagashima · Rie Nakahara · Etsuko Ichihara

Synopsis Lonely Heart (1981) follows the aftermath of a brutal crime where a gunman fatally shoots everyone in a bookstore. The narrative shifts to focus on the detectives tasked with solving the case. One of the officers was betrothed to one...

Cast Toshirô Mifune · Gen Kimura · Ichirô Izawa · Tokubei Hanazawa

Synopsis Surônin makaritôru (TV Miniseries) (1981) follows the tale of a skilled samurai who is enlisted by a young woman to eliminate a corrupt local official who has instilled fear in the hearts of his people. The samurai, known for his...

Direction Ikuo Sekimoto

Cast Miki Fujitani · Makoto Akatsuka · Naomi Hosokawa · Hairi Katagiri

Synopsis Nozomi Witches (1990) follows the story of Nozomi Egawa and Ryoutaro Shiba, two fresh faces at their new high school. During an unexpected meeting, Nozomi discovers Ryoutaro's extraordinary reflexes and keen eyesight, prompting her to encourage him to join the...

Direction Shusuke Kaneko

Cast Ryo Amamiya · Zenkichi Yoneyama · Natsuki Ozawa · Ginjo Gao

Direction Toshiya Fujita

Cast Meiko Kaji · Tatsuya Fuji · Yoshio Harada · Takeo Chii

Synopsis Stray Cat Rock: Beat '71 (1971) marks the concluding chapter of the series, where the protagonist, Kaji, finds herself in a dire situation. After being falsely accused and imprisoned by her boyfriend's father, Kaji seeks solace and assistance from a...

Direction Mitsuo Wakasugi

Cast Akira Terao · Fumi Dan · Ai Mizuki · Tsunehiko Kamijô

Direction Masahiro Shinoda

Cast Tamasaburo Bando · Go Kato · Tsutomu Yamazaki · Koji Nambara

Synopsis Yasha-ga-ike (1979) unfolds in the serene yet eerie landscape surrounding a small Japanese village, where a enigmatic pond is home to legendary beings. The narrative delves into themes of vengeance, sorrow, and the profound strength of genuine affection. This timeless...

Direction Kon Ichikawa

Cast Sayuri Yoshinaga · Mitsuko Mori · Bunta Sugawara · Koji Ishizaka

Synopsis Actress (1987) chronicles the remarkable journey of Japanese cinema icon Kinuyo Tanaka, whose influence on her country's film industry paralleled that of Lillian Gish in the United States. The narrative unfolds during the production of "The Life of Oharu" (1952),...