279 Japanese Cinema Films

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A Mother's Love

1950 • 86 min

A woman working in a bar attempts to arrange for her three children, each fathered by a different man, to be taken in by relatives in the countryside.

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6.3

Utamaro and His Five Women

1946 • 94 min

Drama

In a time of great artistic freedom, Utamaro, a celebrated artist, finds inspiration in Tokyo's pleasure districts. He creates beautiful portraits that capture the essence of women, navigating a world full of passion and complicated desires. The women he paints,…

7.1

7.0

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Late Chrysanthemums

1954 • 101 min

Drama

Director Naruse presents a moving story about four aging geishas dealing with the difficulties of love and financial security. The film portrays their struggles with a subtle sense of sadness, revealing their inner conflicts and strength. It offers a realistic…

7.3

7.4

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When a Woman Ascends the Stairs

1960 • 111 min

Drama

"Mama," set in Tokyo's Ginza district, offers a look into the life of Keiko, a 30-year-old hostess. The film follows her daily experiences as a widow navigating societal expectations and the demands of her job. Keiko must project confidence and…

7.9

8.0

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A Woman's Sorrows

1937 • 74 min

Takako Irie stars as young Hiroko, whose traditional values clash with modern expectations. Having accepted her mother's arranged marriage, she finds herself in a wealthy family where she is treated more like a servant than a wife, confined and controlled.…

6.7

6.8

Man of the House

1936 • 73 min

The film centers on Tochuken, a performer from the Meiji era, and his relationship with his wife, who accompanied him with shamisen music during his performances. It follows his affair with a geisha, and the subsequent breakdown of his marriage…

6.0

6.1

Apart from You

1933 • 64 min

A seasoned geisha finds herself working with a younger geisha who harbors resentment towards her family for their decision to enter this profession. The younger woman's feelings are compounded by her teenage son's shame of his mother's work.

7.0

7.1

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A Tale of Archery at the Sanjusangendo

1945 • 77 min

In A Tale of Archery, a young and timid archer named Kazuma (Akitake Kôno) aims to surpass the record of Hoshino Kanzaemon, a shadowy figure linked to the death of Kazuma’s father. Gifted with natural talent but plagued by cowardice,…

5.8

6.8

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Chikamatsu Monogatari

1954 • 102 min

Drama, Romance

In 17th century Kyoto, a talented scroll-maker and his wife navigate the strict rules of their society. False rumors of an affair between his wife and his employee shatter their peaceful life. Threatened by public shame and financial loss, they…

7.7

8.0

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The French Connection

1971 • 104 min • Budget $1M • Box office $41M

Action, Crime, Thriller

Popeye Doyle is a dedicated narcotics detective fighting to break up a vast international drug smuggling network. He's determined to catch a wealthy French playboy believed to be leading a major heroin operation. The chase takes him across America and…

7.5

7.6

17+

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Tokyo March

1929 • 24 min

Set in 1920s Tokyo, this classic love story explores the impact of social inequality in Taishō-era Japan. The film offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city's past, beautifully accompanied by the title song, "Tokyo March." Unfortunately, only a portion of…

6.0

6.6

Image of a Mother

1959 • 89 min

Michio, a young boy, is grieving the loss of his mother. His father, Sadao, remarries Sonoko, a compassionate woman with a daughter. The family works through their feelings of loss, finds love, and begins to build a new life together.

8.5

7.7

The Hidden Fortress

1958 • 139 min

During a brutal war between feudal Japanese clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, former soldiers from a defeated army, find themselves guided by a mysterious man to a hidden fortress in the mountains.

8.0

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+11

A Mother's Journey

1958 • 92 min

5.0

6.0

Sound in the Mist

1956 • 84 min

In the Japanese Alps, botany professor Kazuhiko Onuma is having an affair with Tsuruko in Kamikochi. One night, his wife Kazuyo finds them and confronts him. Tsuruko witnesses the argument and leaves the next morning. For the following ten years,…

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7.9

A Wanderer's Notebook

1962 • 124 min

A Wanderer’s Notebook, hailed as a standout late work by Yasujiro Ozu and a masterful film biography, features powerful performances from Hideko Takamine – Phillip Lopate calls it “probably her greatest” – and Kinuyo Tanaka as mother and daughter struggling…

7.2

7.6

Children of the Beehive: What Happened Next

1951 • 95 min

In a sequel to his 1948 classic, a journalist travels to the remote Izu mountains to investigate a secretive community. She seeks answers to a haunting question: What happened to the children who were raised in the Beehive? Three years…

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7.6

Under the Blossoming Peach

1951 • 74 min

A woman who operates picture-story-shows travels with her son, Akira, who lives separately from her, to a hot spring for medical treatment. They share a brief moment of happiness together before it's time to part ways. This film by master…

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6.3

Introspection Tower

1941 • 111 min

In a secluded rural reform school, 200 troubled youths are housed. The staff struggle to maintain order. Water is frequently scarce, and one day, the school's well completely dries up.

6.7

6.9

Late Spring

1949 • 108 min

Drama

Noriko, a 27-year-old woman happily living with her father, enjoys a peaceful life free from marital expectations. But her aunt Masa's attempts to help disrupt their close family. Worried Noriko will be alone, Masa convinces her father, Shukichi, to find…

8.0

8.2

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Early Spring

1956 • 145 min

Drama, Romance

This film explores the strained marriage of a Tokyo couple, focusing on the husband's struggle with the routine and lack of connection in his life. Seeking escape from his passionless relationship, he begins an affair. The movie examines the personal…

7.5

7.7

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Sansho the Bailiff

1954 • 124 min

Drama

In feudal Japan, a determined mother embarks on a difficult journey to find her exiled father and reunite her family. Years ago, he was banished from his home, and now his whereabouts are unknown. Facing hardships in medieval Japan, she…

8.1

8.3

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The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

1952 • 59 min

Drama, History, Thriller

Set in medieval Japan, this historical adventure follows Yoshitsune Minamoto and his devoted followers as they flee their enemies. Disguised as monks to evade detection, they rely on a comical but resourceful porter to guide them through dangerous territory. Facing…

6.7

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The Whole Family Works

1939 • 65 min

A father of nine struggles to find work. His children, despite their own hopes, are urged by both parents to take on low-paying jobs and help support the family.

6.2

6.6

Throwing the Soul Away

1935 • 27 min

This film follows a group of talented junior high baseball players. When their teammate, Izawa, is asked by his father to quit playing before a crucial game, another player, Hayasaki, falls ill and misses practice. The team decides to confront…

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Miss Okichi

1935 • 64 min

Kenji Mizoguchi oversaw this uncommon Japanese genre film. It features Isuzu Yamada (known for *Osaka Elegy* and *Throne of Blood*) as a skilled criminal – a mix of con artist and martial artist – who develops feelings for an ordinary…

6.0

5.9

Flame of My Love

1949 • 84 min

In 1880s Japan, Eiko Hirayama journeys from Okayama to Tokyo, where she becomes involved with the newly formed Liberal Party. There, she assists the party's efforts and develops a relationship with its leader, Kentaro Omoi, only to witness the party's…

5.1

7.3

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Mistress of a Foreigner

1930 • 4 min

Tōjin Okichi is a 1930 film by Kenji Mizoguchi, adapted from a novel by Gisaburo Juichiya. Only a four-minute fragment of the film remains. This surviving piece was released on DVD in 2007 as part of a collection with The…

6.2

5.8

Early Summer

1951 • 125 min

Drama

This film follows a 28-year-old woman as she grapples with pressure from her friends and family to get married and have children. It explores her journey through love, loneliness, and finding herself. As she's urged towards marriage, she must examine…

7.8

8.0

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A Fond Face from the Past

1941 • 34 min

Set in a rural village near Kyoto, *A Fond Face from the Past* is a poignant short film, clocking in at thirty-six minutes. It’s arguably Naruse's most powerful portrayal of the era's militaristic constraints, directly confronting the culture of war.…

5.9

6.6

Repast

1951 • 97 min

Drama

Michiyo lives a predictable life as a housewife in Osaka, dedicating herself to her husband and home. Though she appears content, a deep unhappiness persists. Surrounded by the city's energy, Michiyo quietly struggles with marital dissatisfaction and a longing for…

7.5

7.6

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No poster

The Tale of Jiro

1955 • 98 min

This film follows a young boy growing up in the countryside, experiencing a peaceful and carefree existence. However, his world is irrevocably changed when his mother becomes ill and eventually passes away.

5.0

6.5

The Road I Travel with You

1936 • 69 min

Asaji (Heihachirô Ôkawa) is a promising young man whose life is ruined by societal prejudice against him and his family, who are considered illegitimate and of low social standing. His younger brother Yuji (Hideo Saeki) shares the same fate.

6.3

6.1

The Mountain Pass of Love and Hate

1934 • 102 min

In November 1884, a member of the Liberal Party is imprisoned following the Chichibu incident. A determined actress decides to sell herself to raise money for his release. This is a largely lost film.

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Morning's Tree-Lined Street

1936 • 60 min

The film explores the theme of the city, opening with shots from Chiyo's perspective as she travels from the countryside to Tokyo. After struggling to find work downtown, Chiyo takes a job as a hostess in a bar in Shiba…

6.7

6.9

Keijo

1940 • 24 min

Produced at the request of the Japanese railway authorities during the occupation of Korea, this documentary aimed to promote the idea of Korea and Japan as inseparable allies. Like many films of the era, it intended to clearly convey this…

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6.4

Miyamoto Musashi

1944 • 56 min

In the first film of the Musashi series, Shinobu and her brother Genichiro seek out the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, begging him to train them so they can avenge their father's death. Those who murdered their father discover the siblings…

6.1

6.3

Record of a Woman Doctor

1941 • 95 min

During their summer break, a team of female doctors journeys to a secluded village to provide free healthcare. They find themselves facing not only medical challenges but also deeply ingrained prejudice and superstition among the villagers.

6.0

6.5

Delinquent Girl

1949 • 85 min

This is a passionate love story about a rebellious young woman and an idealistic scholar who returns from his studies in the city, seeking mentorship. The film was long thought to be lost.

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7.6

A Whistle in My Heart

1959 • 126 min

This film explores the social struggles of the Ainu people of Japan, focusing on how the characters grapple with their marginalized position in society.

6.3

7.3

Shining Love

1931 • 38 min

Produced by Shochiku’s cultural film department for the Ministry of Education, this film presents an ironic story comparing the lives of a cooper's son and the son of a white-collar worker. It promotes the values of honest poverty and hard…

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A Story of Floating Weeds

1934 • 86 min

Drama

An aging actor returns to his hometown with his theater troupe, unexpectedly finding his long-lost love and son. This reunion stirs up a flood of emotions and old conflicts. The actor's current affair is threatened when these hidden connections are…

7.2

7.6

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The Sorrow of the Beautiful Woman

1931 • 158 min

Two individuals become captivated by a sculptor's statue. The film then loses its way.

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4.8

Walk Cheerfully

1930 • 95 min

Kenji is a petty thief with a fondness for drinking and brawling. He falls for the kind and uncomplicated Yazue, but she leaves him when she discovers his true nature, telling him to change into an honest man. Kenji soon…

6.0

6.5

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No poster

Him, Her, and the Boys

1935 • 67 min

A Japanese film follows a young woman who unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a complex relationship with a much older man. Their connection deepens, leading them to question societal expectations and personal desires. As their bond strengthens, they navigate the…

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College Is a Nice Place

1936 • 114 min

In a Tokyo boarding house, a group of students and recent graduates navigate the challenges of finishing their studies and searching for employment. This film was originally unavailable to the public.

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6.8

An Innocent Maid

1935 • 67 min

In a Tokyo back alley, Kihachi observes a series of romantic entanglements among the local residents. This film is considered lost.

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6.3

That Night's Wife

1930 • 66 min

During the Great Depression in Japan, a father robs a bank to pay for his daughter's life-saving medical treatment. He successfully obtains the money, but unforeseen problems quickly emerge.

6.5

6.9

17+

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Spring Comes from the Ladies

1932 • 74 min

A student tries different ways to avoid paying a tailor back what he owes. This film was never completed.

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6.0

Young Lady

1930 • 135 min

A missing film. Two reporters keep losing out on stories to a sharp new female journalist known as "young miss." They decide to work with her to uncover a secret club catering to wealthy voyeurs. The film is rumored to…

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3.9

The Luck Which Touched the Leg

1930 • 74 min

A salaryman discovers a sum of money on the street and is rewarded for returning it to its owner. Suddenly, his colleagues begin asking for loans and trying to sell him unwanted items, causing friction with his wife. Often considered…

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4.8

Battle of Roses

1950 • 98 min

This Japanese melodrama follows three sisters whose lives become entangled with competing fashion empires. Their relationships are strained by ambition and rivalry, leading to a shocking attempt on a life, triggered by an incident in a bathroom.

6.0

6.6

The Revengeful Spirit of Eros

1930 • 28 min

A young couple attempt suicide by jumping into the sea together. The man is rescued, only to later learn his lover is alive and working in a dance hall. This largely forgotten film tells their story.

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4.9

A Primer on Marriage

1930 • 71 min

A dentist, feeling unfulfilled in his marriage, begins flirting with a young woman he meets on a train. This sparks a series of escalating misunderstandings involving his wife, the young woman, and the young woman's husband. Often considered a flawed…

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6.0

Rhapsody in August

1991 • 98 min

Drama

The film centers on an elderly woman, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in World War II. While caring for her four grandchildren one summer, she unexpectedly learns that her long-lost brother, Suzujiro, is living in Hawaii and…

7.2

The Wiser Age

1962 • 111 min

This drama explores the interconnected lives of a store owner and his five daughters, along with his daughter-in-law.

7.3

7.4

Tsuruhachi and Tsurujiro

1938 • 88 min

A drama exploring a couple's journey of self-discovery through music, navigating their individual ambitions and the complexities of their relationship.

6.3

6.9

A Mother Should Be Loved

1934 • 74 min

A young man learns that the woman he's known as his mother is actually his stepmother. His stepbrother, who doesn't know this, harbors resentment towards his mother for consistently disciplining him more harshly than his stepsibling.

5.7

6.5

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Days of Youth

1929 • 103 min

Watanabe and Yamamoto, two students, find themselves unintentionally vying for the affection of a shared girl.

5.5

6.3

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The Idiot

1951 • 166 min

Drama, Romance

This moving drama follows Kameda as he travels from an Okinawan asylum to Hokkaido, where he encounters Taeko and Ayako. He develops a love for Taeko, but their connection is complicated when Akama also falls for her. Realizing he can't…

7.0

7.1

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A Woman Crying in Spring

1933 • 96 min

Kenji and Chuko journey to Hokkaido as migrant workers and take jobs as miners under the strict guidance of Guzuyasu. During the voyage to Hokkaido, Kenji catches the attention of Ohama, who is heading to the island to open a…

6.8

High and Low

1963 • 142 min • Budget $250K

Drama, Crime

A powerful CEO must abandon his corporate world to race against time and save a boy who has been mistakenly kidnapped. As he works to get the ransom and bring his employee's child home, the situation becomes increasingly urgent. This…

8.3

8.4

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Sanshiro Sugata

1943 • 80 min

Drama

"A Tale of Strength and Adaptation" follows Sanshiro, a young man determined to master Jujutsu. His journey changes when he meets Judo, a new style of self-defense. Sanshiro's resolve is challenged as he learns this different discipline, testing his strength…

6.5

6.7

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Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth?

1932 • 86 min

After inheriting his father's successful business, a young man bends the rules to secure positions for three of his college friends.

6.5

6.9

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The Lady and the Beard

1931 • 75 min

Okajima, a recent graduate, struggles with everyday life because of his traditional beard, in a comedy that examines the conflict between old and new ways of thinking.

5.8

6.4

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I Flunked, But...

1930 • 65 min

This comedic story follows a group of college roommates who try to cheat on their exams. The plan goes awry for the main character, and his classmates soon face equally unfortunate consequences.

5.9

6.3

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Mother

1952 • 98 min

A teenage girl observes her mother struggling to keep their family afloat after her father's death.

6.9

7.5

13+

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The Sentimental Idiot

1956 • 71 min

A young man steals money for a cabaret singer.

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6.9

Japanese Girls at the Harbor

1933 • 72 min

In Yokohama, Sunako and Dora, two Christian schoolgirls, become friends. Their bond is tested when a young man named Henry arrives on a motorcycle and invites Sunako for a ride. This seemingly simple act sets in motion unforeseen changes, profoundly…

6.2

7.0

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The Golden Demon

1937 • 76 min

A young orphan's life falls apart when the woman he loves is forced into an arranged marriage with a wealthy playboy by her family. Heartbroken and convinced she was motivated by greed, he transforms into a miser.

6.0

6.6

Moment of Terror

1966 • 100 min

After her only child is killed in a car accident, a mother seeks revenge on the driver. The driver is the wife of a powerful company president who is having an affair. The president covers up the incident, but the…

5.8

7.3

Dreams

1990 • 119 min • Budget $12M • Box office $2M

Fantasy, Drama

Filmmaker Akira Kurosawa explores the dream world, drawing inspiration from his own nocturnal visions to create fantastical stories. Each narrative takes viewers on a journey through magical realms filled with enchantment. Using vivid imagery and storytelling, Kurosawa blurs the lines…

7.7

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A Hero of Tokyo

1935 • 63 min

The film centers on Nemoto, a widower who appears to be a businessman and has one son, Kanichi, as his heir. He remarries a widow with two children of her own. But Nemoto's business is actually a fraudulent scheme, and…

5.0

6.8

Family Diary

1938 • 99 min

Two friends from childhood drift apart after growing up and marrying. Years later, they reconnect, their families meet, and everything seems fine. But underlying tensions begin to surface, leading to conflict.

5.7

6.7

Tokyo Chorus

1931 • 91 min

Comedy, Drama

In 1930s Japan, the film portrays a struggling family's sole provider as he faces unemployment in a city recovering from economic hardship. The resilient protagonist is suddenly jobless, burdened with the responsibility of supporting his family. The film powerfully depicts…

6.7

7.1

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Street of Shame

1956 • 87 min

Drama

The film explores the lives of five women working in a Japanese brothel as the country considers a law to ban prostitution. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of societal change, revealing their personal struggles and the wider impact of…

7.7

7.8

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Dawn Chorus

1941 • 101 min

To ease her family's financial burden, a young woman leaves high school and takes a job as a bus conductor.

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7.5

Sincerity

1939 • 67 min

Nobiko and Tomiko are classmates, but from different worlds. Nobiko, from a less privileged background, is a top student, while Tomiko, wealthy and accustomed to privilege, struggles academically. Tomiko’s father once held a fondness for Nobiko’s mother.

5.4

7.0

The Adventures of Arsène Lupin

1923

A previously lost film by Mizoguchi, made early in his career.

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Drunken Angel

1948 • 98 min

Drama

In a busy city, Doctor Sanada unexpectedly treats wounded gangster Matsunaga after a violent shootout. Examining his patient, Sanada discovers Matsunaga's injuries are linked to tuberculosis. Determined to help him, Sanada encourages Matsunaga to stay for treatment and a fresh…

7.6

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Ramayana

1942 • 17 min

While celebrating with animals, Ravana abducts Sita from Rama and flees to Lanka as Rama's city burns.

7.0

6.6

Japan's Longest Day

1967 • 157 min

After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan's military and government disagree on whether to accept the Allies' demand for unconditional surrender. Army Minister Anami leads officers who want to continue fighting, even if it means the deaths of…

7.2

7.7

A Hen in the Wind

1948 • 84 min

Drama

In a post-World War II small town, Tokiko waits for her husband while raising their young family. When their four-year-old son becomes seriously ill and medical bills mount, she makes the difficult decision to become a prostitute to support him.…

7.1

7.4

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The Lower Depths

1957 • 125 min

Drama

In 19th century Japan, a varied group of people share a rundown boardinghouse. Among them is a quiet old man with a hidden past and a former actor reflecting on his career. Their peaceful lives are disrupted by Sutekichi, a…

7.1

7.2

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Victory of Women

1946 • 84 min

A female lawyer defends a poor mother accused of infanticide, trying to persuade a traditional prosecutor of the advantages of Japan's legal reforms after World War II.

6.5

Shanghai Moon

1941 • 114 min

This is believed to be a previously unseen film.

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7.2

Brother and Sister

1953 • 86 min

Mon, the eldest daughter in a rural family, returns home from Tokyo pregnant after having an affair with a college student named Kobata. This causes a scandal that jeopardizes the marriage prospects of her younger sister, San, in their already…

6.2

7.3

Princess Yang Kwei-fei

1955 • 92 min

Romance, Drama, History

Rinko, a cheerful junior high student, has an extraordinary adventure when she befriends Ruby, a small, enchanting rabbit from Jewel Land. Together, they search for missing Jewel Charms that have appeared in the human world. With their friends, Rinko and…

6.7

7.1

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Eros + Massacre

1969 • 216 min

Drama, Romance, History

This film tells two interconnected stories about love, activism, and freedom. One follows Sakae Osugi, a key anarchist in 1920s Japan. His relationships with three women illuminate the personal and political aspects of his beliefs. At the same time, two…

7.3

7.4

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Treasure Mountain

1929 • 67 min

A young man develops feelings for a geisha who works at the house where he lives. His romance is not accepted by his father or his current girlfriend. This film was considered unfinished and was never released.

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4.3

The Life of an Office Worker

1929 • 57 min

After losing his job, Tsukamoto struggles to tell his wife the news and instead begins searching for new work. This film was never released and is considered incomplete.

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5.7

Here's to the Young Lady

1949 • 90 min

A matchmaker seeks to bring together a young woman from a privileged Tokyo family and the down-to-earth owner of a local auto garage.

6.5

7.0

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The Ball at the Anjo House

1947 • 89 min

Following Japan's defeat in World War II, the Anjo family is stripped of their noble status and fortune. With their mansion about to be seized by a creditor, they gather for a final celebration before departing.

6.8

7.4

Children in the Wind

1937 • 88 min

The day before a family vacation, a young boy is sent to live with his uncle in the countryside. This happens after his father is imprisoned following an accusation of embezzlement.

7.6

7.3

Fighting Friends

1929 • 15 min

Two friends unexpectedly encounter a young woman experiencing homelessness and decide to offer her a place to stay.

5.7

6.0

Tokyo Sweetheart

1952 • 97 min

In post-World War II Tokyo, the lives of several people in a poor neighborhood become connected. A pachinko parlor worker, a shoeshine boy, a costume jewelry maker, and a street artist each strive for survival and happiness amidst hardship.

7.6

7.3

The Shiinomi School

1955 • 100 min

A university professor and his wife raise two sons affected by infantile paralysis. Determined to provide them with opportunities, they work tirelessly to establish a school for disabled children, funding it themselves. This true story, expertly directed by Hiroshi Shimizu,…

6.5

7.0

What Did the Lady Forget?

1937 • 71 min

Professor Komiya and his wife, Tokiko, are tasked with looking after Setsuko, their spirited niece from Osaka. Though young, Setsuko is independent and does as she pleases, even smoking. She persuades Koyima to take her to a geisha house. After…

6.3

7.0

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Forget Love for Now

1937 • 73 min

Yuki is a young single mother working as a bar hostess to support herself and her son, Haru.

7.0

100

Tora-san, Our Lovable Tramp

1969 • 91 min

Tora-san, a traveling salesman who was banished from his family home years ago, unexpectedly reunites with his aunt, uncle, and sister Sakura. His return stirs up trouble, as he causes disruptions like drunken antics at a wedding and jeopardizes Sakura's…

7.8

6.9

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