Exploring Japanese Film

November 11, 2008 2:10 PM

What are some of the best web & print resources to aid my exploration of Japanese film?

Besides resources that go into depth, I'd like some quick overviews. I'd especially like to find a statistical breakdown of films by highest-gross, awards, critical acclaim, etc.

While you're at it, feel free to recommend your favorite Japanese films (anime included). (Kurosawa & Miyazaki are givens.)

posted by keith0718 to media & arts (5 answers total)

While anime-ted, Grave of the Fireflies is an excellent, serious and sad film about WWII.
posted by moxiedoll at 2:25 PM on November 11, 2008

Film recommendation: Inagaki's Samurai series.

I did a search for Japanese movie resources, but I couldn't seem to find what you were looking for. Sorry. You might find information compiled across the net through sites like Wikipedia and IMDB.
posted by nikkorizz at 2:30 PM on November 11, 2008

Donald Richie is generally considered the western authority on this topic. His book is good.
posted by one_bean at 2:54 PM on November 11, 2008

Film recommendation per critical acclaim - Love Letter.

Yes, as the name suggests, it's a love story, but well made with great acting.
posted by icollectpurses at 3:23 PM on November 11, 2008

Midnight Eye is an excellent resource. I don't think it has the breakdown you're looking for, but it covers some popular films in the features section, and the film reviews are excellent.
Recommendations: A taste of tea, 9 souls, a scene by the sea (really anything with/by Takeshi Kitano), Gozu
posted by pantsrobot at 8:52 PM on November 11, 2008