Category: Travel

One of my favorite ways to prepare a trip to a country that I haven’t visited before, is to simply do nothing.  Just sit back and watch movies. This is by far the easiest way to grasp at least 3 different views of that country:  the country it would like to be, the country it is and the country as it is seen by others.

So here is a list for Japan. The hardest part was narrowing it down to 10. I won’t spoil too much of the stories here, but there are links to IMDB for more information.
If you feel others should make the list, please add your suggestions in the comments!

1. Departures (Okuribito, 2008) IMDB
   This could have easily resulted in a soppy, sentimental tearjerker.  But at the hands of the director and actors, it has become a subtle and moving tale that snatched an Academy Award for best foreign film.  A great introduction to country life in Japan, the story showcases how important pride and honor is, as well as the effect embarrassment can have in this culture that respects and tries to hold on to its rituals and traditions. The role the wife plays is highly annoying in its high-pitched sweetness, but it is the quintessential image of the lovely, girly, supportive Japanese wife.  I’d love to see a version of this story where she stands up, yells at her husband and starts attacking him with the kitchen knife, but alas, I don’t think this is a version Japanese people would like to see!  Or is it….which brings me to the next movie…
2. Battle royale (Batoru Rowaiaru, 2000) IMDB
   One of Tarantino’s favorite movies, this one is definitely for the gore lovers. Though however extreme it might seem, the story actually is based on current cues in modern Japanese society.  After the first recession in the mid 90’s, right wing nationalists gained in popularity.  Not unlike similar trends in Europe, these groups are glorifying the World War II imperialistic regime and are campaigning to go back to a more military regime based on a misplaced sense of superiority. The story also critiques Japan’s infatuation with – and blind glorification of – youth. If it is cute, it must be good.  To the point where women in this society always seem to be depicted as young girls.  Not to mention the imagery of young girls running around in school uniform flashing their panties and the ever present threat of rape. Highly paternalistic recipe with a hint of pedophilia.
3. In the realm of the senses (Ai-no-Corrida, 1976) IMDB
   Explicit to say the least.  Contains around 90% fornication, but there is plenty to think about.  It is based on the true story of Sada Abe.  In a time where marriages between men and wife were nothing more than a managerial understanding, a lot of girls from poorer families ended up serving the physical needs of those men.  Strangely enough this movie was banned in Japan, even though they don’t shy away from nudity as much as we do, e.g. the bondage pictures in regular weekly magazines.  Must be all the communal bathing.
4. Zaitochi (2003) IMDB
   Lots of people say The Seven Samurai (1954) is one of the greatest Japanese (samurai) movies ever made.  But I haven’t seen that one yet so my recommendation goes to Zaitochi!  Takeshi Kitano, who also plays the jaded schoolteacher in Battle Royale, stars here as a blind samurai that you don’t wanna mess with.  You should watch this, if only for the quirky surprises.
5. Ichi the killer (Koroshiya 1, 2001) IMDB
   Yakuza. Tokyo. Kabukicho. Blood. Awesome slicing kills.
   Nuff said.
6. Spirited away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001) IMDB
   Manga is everywhere in Japan.  Not just the manga I knew from Belgium, in Japan there is a market for everyone.  There is manga for young girls, boys, teenagers, horny loners, serious businessman, you name it.  Not that books are replaced by comic books,  you see a lot of both.   It’s just that comic books are for everyone.  This movie won an Academy Award for best animated feature.  Also check out Ghost in the shell if you’re into sci-fi!
7. The cove (2009) IMDB
   In a culture that values politeness above all else, it is considered very rude to shout.  Unless there are special circumstances.  For example, when you’ve had too much sake.  Or when foreigners are seemingly criticizing your country’s traditions.  Cue international whaling commission.  Nobody tells Japan what to do, except for Japan.  This documentary was going to be shown in Osaka when we arrived, but unfortunately the cinema backed out due to protests and threats by nationalists. A shame, because people in Japan have the right to know what’s happening.
8. Babel (2006) IMDB
   The Japanese section of this story was filmed in Tokyo. However to watch the full movie make sure you bring your attention span and leave your belief in humanity behind.  Otherwise it can be a bit frustrating to watch, but nonetheless a beautiful movie.
9. Memoirs of a geisha (2005) IMDB
   I should say ‘skip the movie and read the book’. But if you are going to Japan you should watch it. Not for the Chinese actresses, but the authentic locations, especially in Kyoto. Fushimi-Inari shrine for example.
10. Lost in translation (2003) IMDB
    Last but not least, one of my all-time favorites.  WATCH IT.  The scene where they are filming the commercial is hilarious. Believe me, it won’t take you long to feel lost in Japan!