Femmeworth
Banned
Audition is a good horror movie, doesn't meet your requirements though.
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I'm convinced most Japanese live action is terrible. Change my mind.
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Perfect Blue
Banned
I would have mentioned Kurosawa (among others) but I assumed he wanted recent stuff.
that was such a goooood movie, damn
I enjoyed this one quite a bit.Sion Sono has made some great films, I think there's a few on Netflix
O.DOGG
Member
I'll repeat some of the recommendations that I've seen and actually enjoyed.
Confessions (Kokuhaku)
Kikujiro no Natsu
Hanabi
Sonatine
Okuribito
13 Assassins
I want to add:
Zatoichi
Goemon (Hey, I liked it!)
Rajio no Jikan (the only Japanese comedy I found to be actually funny)
I'm looking forward to more recommendations.
Confessions (Kokuhaku)
Kikujiro no Natsu
Hanabi
Sonatine
Okuribito
13 Assassins
I want to add:
Zatoichi
Goemon (Hey, I liked it!)
Rajio no Jikan (the only Japanese comedy I found to be actually funny)
I'm looking forward to more recommendations.
ThoseDeafMutes
Member
It certainly wouldn't be controversial to say that their acting is very different to what we as English speakers envisage "natural acting" to be like, but I'd be interested to see if Japanese people thought the same about Western films. What seems natural and what is natural are almost never the same thing, and would certainly be culturally influenced.
It's not like the thread doesn't have enough room for it, but going off-topic so early with no prompting from the OP seems very strange. Like why would you even do that?
The Storyteller
Member
I'll third All About Lily Chou-Chou. Haunting film, it really stays with you.
Live Action as in Manga/ Anime adaptions or Movies and series in general?
For the first try Great Teacher Onizuka. It is even better than the Anime and Manga.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdpIijQF6vo
For other stuff. It really depends what you are looking for. But there is a ton of actual great series XD
Romance:
Long Vacation
Mystery/crime
Unfair:
Hero:
And if you want a short overview. At first try everything with Kimura Takyua in it.
For the first try Great Teacher Onizuka. It is even better than the Anime and Manga.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdpIijQF6vo
For other stuff. It really depends what you are looking for. But there is a ton of actual great series XD
Romance:
Long Vacation
Mystery/crime
Unfair:
Hero:
And if you want a short overview. At first try everything with Kimura Takyua in it.
Finaika
Member
This is the superior version:
I have not watched it yet. But saying it is superior after 1 episode is kind of streching or?^^
Haven't seen that one but the first series was painfully awful. It was first japanese live action show I ever seen, I watched it because it was considered some kind of master piece but I don't really see how come. I love the anime but the live action is just fucking trash.This is the superior version:
Come to think of it, I have liked only one JP live action tv series, Bayside Shakedown (Odoru Daisōsasen). I don't even know why I like it, maybe because I was rather young when it first aired and it has some nostalgia value. I would like some kind of serious Yakuza/cop drama from Japan, in vain of the 60s Yakuza films but seems like they have to have young pop stars leading in every show these days so I guess that is out of the question :/
There is just something that I can't stand about the Japanese tv shows, biggest reason usually is the acting tho. I really should give some of the tv shows from the 70s and 80s a shot.
No mention of Hana Yori Dango and First Kiss? What the hell is this.
You might find HYD a bit comedic but it's awesome. I repeat, it's awesome.
First Kiss is awesome too.
Also I'd recommend watching Bambino!.
These are all series.
E: Also watch Zettai Kareshi because of Aibu Saki. How can one be so pretty.
You might find HYD a bit comedic but it's awesome. I repeat, it's awesome.
First Kiss is awesome too.
Also I'd recommend watching Bambino!.
These are all series.
E: Also watch Zettai Kareshi because of Aibu Saki. How can one be so pretty.
Odoru Daisōsasen was a great series. I did not like the movies through. And yes jdrama are very melodramatic for the most party and if you do not like this kind of stuff you will hate basically every Japanese media.
Take this for example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zse1WGihjaA
This is the reason why I love Japanese dramas.
Also back than I watched alot of very very sad dramas and if you are getting invested in these characters they will really destroy you. Like Beautiful Life for example. Or sekai no chuushin de ai wo sakebu.....
At Panty: That is one reason why I do not like today's Jdramas anymore. The whole Ikemen "bullshit" is just too much....
Take this for example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zse1WGihjaA
This is the reason why I love Japanese dramas.
Also back than I watched alot of very very sad dramas and if you are getting invested in these characters they will really destroy you. Like Beautiful Life for example. Or sekai no chuushin de ai wo sakebu.....
At Panty: That is one reason why I do not like today's Jdramas anymore. The whole Ikemen "bullshit" is just too much....
Finaika
Member
For one, he actually looks like Onizuka.
This is one of my all time favorites, so great. If you like it you should watch Juzo Itami filmography. Starting with Tampopo.
Try watching it again. I really liked it for the first time but after some time I decided to watch it for the second time and I realised how dumb it actually was
Well, it's not a bad movie but during the second view many of the scenes just felt over long and the whole revenge scheme was really out there for the first time but on second watch it made even less sense.Bomber Bob
Banned
High Schooler everywhere. Yup that's Japan
No that is today's media. If you go back to 2000s or even 90s you will see alot of this here.
Why PR when you can get the superior japanese Super Sentai ?
Love Exposure made me fall in love with Sono and Cold Fish hate him. I have to say that Mitsuru Fukikoshi is really underrated actor, he was really great in Cold Fish. I probably should watch Guilty Romance but after Cold Fish I don't really feel like watching Sono films ever again. Himizu has gotten some great reviews too, maybe I will give Sono another chance... I don't know what to DO!
TheKaeptain
Banned
Blue Spring is really good
RiderKairuu
Member
Nothing like dat TOKU!
pants
Member
I've seen Tampopo about a thousand times and I adore it. Seems me and you will get along very well
Go_Ly_Dow
Member
subscribed! will use this as my new recommendation thread so keep them coming.
as for me, i'm going to recommend a tv series that isn't a ridiculous and unrealistic love story.
has many core themes, really solid direction and an amazing ost.
the beginning is kinda slow, but after episode 2 i'm sure you will want to continue watching so hopefully you can at least try the first 2!
as for me, i'm going to recommend a tv series that isn't a ridiculous and unrealistic love story.
has many core themes, really solid direction and an amazing ost.
Freeter, Ie o Kau
Synopsis
The story revolves around Take Seiji, who quits his job after three months. With no dreams, no savings, and a poor relationship with his family, he becomes a hikikomori. However, after his mother falls ill with depression, he ends up having to take on a part-time job at a construction site. Because of that, he soon decides to work towards rebuilding his life: "Even though I'm just a freeter, I'm going to buy a house for the sake of my family." One of the people he meets at the construction site is Chiba Manami, who graduated from a top-class university and joined a well-known general contracting firm. Manami is the complete opposite of Seiji. But while their personalities clash at first, they gradually come to understand each other.
Synopsis 2
Seiji Take (Kazunari Ninomiya) is a young man who quits his job after working for only 3 months. He has no dreams, no will and zero money. He also fights with his father over his ways and then becomes a "hikkimori" - a recluse who never leaves his room. When his mother falls ill due to depression, Seiji is then forced to take a part time job at a construction company. He believes his job is just temporary and acts distant with his co-workers. Seiji then meets on site-supervisor Manamai Chiba (Karina) whose personality is the polar opposite of Seiji's. They have disagreements at first but become more understanding of each other. Through his work Seiji's outlook on life starts to change and he starts to rebuild his life.
the beginning is kinda slow, but after episode 2 i'm sure you will want to continue watching so hopefully you can at least try the first 2!
Oh yeah freeter was fantastic as well.
Another would be Last friends:
Another would be Last friends:
Last Friends tackles issues that afflict the current generation. Michiru's mother has brought a man back to their home and she is bullied at her workplace where she works as a beauty parlour assistant. She starts cohabiting with her boyfriend, a good young man who works at the Child Welfare Division and the only person who can give her emotional support, but ends up the victim of domestic violence and becomes fearful of love. The boyishly charming Ruka was a classmate of Michiru's in junior high school. She has performed brilliantly as a motocross racer and aims to win the national championship, but as the story progresses, a deep worry that she can neither confide in her parents or close friends grows evident. Takeru is a hair and makeup artist acquainted with Ruka. He is a good confidant to females due to his kindness and perceptiveness, and finds himself attracted to Ruka but has a phobia of sex as a result of a past trauma. The three of them become house mates and through their associations with others, gain the capacity to be positive about life. --jade_frost
1st Tokyo Drama Awards: Best Youth Drama
1st Tokyo Drama Awards: Best Actress - Ueno Juri
57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Drama
57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress: Ueno Juri
57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor: Nishikido Ryo
57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Director: Kato Hiromasa, Nishisaka Mizuki, Endo Mitsutaka
57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Script: Asano Taeko
57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Theme Song
12th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Spring 2008): Best Supporting Actor: Nishikido Ryo
12th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Spring 2008): Best Supporting Actress: Ueno Juri
Shadow of the BEAST
Banned
I dont know japanese. But to me it sounds like the still speak very articulated and dramatic, like theater.
Like they did in alot of older western movies.
Like they did in alot of older western movies.
Yup, don't know why, but I love that acting (well, overacting).
TheKaeptain
Banned
Yeah that and silent movies have a huge impact of Japanese acting.
Yeah same here. I also love these silent moments when they are sitting on a bench or so and not saying anything before they are starting an important conversation.
As far as dramas go, I feel like they were much better in the early 90s than they are now. Hell, even late 90s. Aoi Tori (the one with Toyokawa Etsushi) was absolutely fantastic.
Loved Crows Zero but I'm a fan of the manga, so it might not be for everyone.
I think the best j-movie I've seen is High and Low, it was quite good. But it doesn't feature young people and it's an old movie, so it may not be what OP wants.
Loved Crows Zero but I'm a fan of the manga, so it might not be for everyone.
I think the best j-movie I've seen is High and Low, it was quite good. But it doesn't feature young people and it's an old movie, so it may not be what OP wants.
Yeah Life was nice too but for serious school dramas I really prefer Kinpachi Sensei. It is a shame that not many seasons were actually translated...
Other great slice of life dramas are the Hotman series, Salaryman Kintaro or engine.
And of course for Romance almost everything with Kimura Takuya like Pride for example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpC8v_EJr3E
damn I really need to rewatch some stuff. Jdramas back than were sooooo good.
Brofist
Member
The only Japanese drama I've ever truly enjoyed was Galileo. Every other one was garbage pretty much. Not a big fan of the cornball Kimutaku dramas where he plays the same character every time. Karei naru Ichizoku was a decent drama as far as his go though.
I don't even bother watching Jdrama anymore, I barely have enough time to watch the actual good shows out there.
I don't even bother watching Jdrama anymore, I barely have enough time to watch the actual good shows out there.
If you like Galieo maybe you also would like Mr.Brain but it with Kimura as well. Its basically a japanese version CIS only better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apc7mClCGxs
Another fantastic crime Series is Boss. Has anyone watched that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P23J21GhN3I&feature=relmfu
InaudibleWhispa
Member
ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU-CHOU!
It was mentioned earlier. It is a fantastic film, I get chills whenever I think about it. Heart-warming and heart-wrenching all at once. The soundtrack is phenomenal and the cinematography is stunning.
Edit:embarrassing, didn't see that mention directly above my post...
It was mentioned earlier. It is a fantastic film, I get chills whenever I think about it. Heart-warming and heart-wrenching all at once. The soundtrack is phenomenal and the cinematography is stunning.
Edit:embarrassing, didn't see that mention directly above my post...
Clear
CliffyB's Cock Holster
Some of my favourite Japanese features:
In my personal top 10 of all time:
Hana-Bi (Pretty much my all-time #1, I love all of Kitano's work, but this for me is his best)
Casshern* (I love this film. Incredible looking despite a tiny $6m budget and what a soundtrack. Avoid the butchered US print like the plague)
Battle Royale (Shame that the "Director's cut" -which it isn't- is the most widely known version, the original cut is superior)
Horror:
Audition
Ichi The Killer
Cure
Kairo (Pulse)
Ring/Ring 2/Dark Water (Hideo Nakata's original J-Horror)
Hypnosis (aka Saimin aka The Hypnotist)
Uzumaki
Gemini
Action/Cult/SF:
Sharkskin Man & Peach Hip Girl
Returner
Versus (Ideally see the "ultimate" edition)
Tetsuo/Tetsuo II: Body Hammer
Baby Cart Series (Shogun Assassin is a fun primer)
13 Assassins
And many, many, more
In my personal top 10 of all time:
Hana-Bi (Pretty much my all-time #1, I love all of Kitano's work, but this for me is his best)
Casshern* (I love this film. Incredible looking despite a tiny $6m budget and what a soundtrack. Avoid the butchered US print like the plague)
Battle Royale (Shame that the "Director's cut" -which it isn't- is the most widely known version, the original cut is superior)
Horror:
Audition
Ichi The Killer
Cure
Kairo (Pulse)
Ring/Ring 2/Dark Water (Hideo Nakata's original J-Horror)
Hypnosis (aka Saimin aka The Hypnotist)
Uzumaki
Gemini
Action/Cult/SF:
Sharkskin Man & Peach Hip Girl
Returner
Versus (Ideally see the "ultimate" edition)
Tetsuo/Tetsuo II: Body Hammer
Baby Cart Series (Shogun Assassin is a fun primer)
13 Assassins
And many, many, more
Ethereal Ardor
Banned
If you find something comically humorous in this movie then I would've lost a bit of faith in humanity whilst smh-ing.
EDIT: You mentioned starring younger Japanese cast, but still recommended if you haven't seen it.
Movie was entertaining and served it's purpose.
Anyone making general miike recommendations should be ignored. If ever there was a director the phrase "you should check out some of [x]'s stuff" was not applicable it's takashi miike.
Edit:
Also my joe hisashi pandora station has me wanting to watch hana-bi. The soundtrack is fucking amazing.
Edit:
Also my joe hisashi pandora station has me wanting to watch hana-bi. The soundtrack is fucking amazing.
Silphonica
Banned
Go watch A scene at the sea by Takeshi Kitano, amazing film.
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