Shinyhat's Film Diary

A mystery drama in which the past of a brilliant shogi player is gradually revealed as a murder investigation unfolds. The story itself is well constructed, but as a mystery it is not particularly deep, and as a human drama about the protagonist's life, I wished it had explored its themes in greater depth. The subject matter is interesting and the film is solidly made, but a more detailed portrayal of its characters and themes would have made it more memorable.

(Japanese title: "盤上の向日葵") (6 out of 10)

A film based on a real court case from 1960s Japan involving a doctor who performed gender-affirming surgery. What makes it particularly fascinating is that debates about gender identity were already taking place long before terms such as “diversity” and “LGBTQ” entered everyday conversation. By looking back at a time when society was overwhelmingly hostile to such ideas, the film offers valuable insight into how questions about gender and identity were viewed and discussed. A thought-provoking film that is well worth watching.

(Japanese title: "ブルーボーイ事件") (9 out of 10)

A recreation of a real battle that took place during the Iraq War in 2006. Shot in an almost documentary-like style, the film focuses less on storytelling and more on the experience itself. Viewers are placed alongside the soldiers and made to share the fear, confusion, and constant tension of combat. There are no dramatic victories or heroic moments, and at times the battle can even feel pointless. Yet that very sense of futility may be what makes the film feel so authentic. For that reason alone, the film is worth watching.

(Japanese title: "ウォーフェア 戦地最前線") (7 out of 10)

A human drama about a man who dedicates his entire life to the art of Kabuki. Although it is centered on a traditional Japanese performing art, it works surprisingly well as an entertaining film that anyone can enjoy. I was also impressed by its somewhat dark and ironic theme that being a good person and being a great artist are not always the same thing. A must-see film.

(Japanese title: "国宝") (9 out of 10)

A family drama about a film director who abandoned his family years ago and his daughter, an actor. While the story is built around their reconciliation, what makes it interesting is that it focuses less on rebuilding the parent-child relationship and more on the process of trying to understand and accept another person. The father may never have become the ideal person, but that is exactly why the ending leaves such a strong impression. Highly recommended.

(Japanese title: "センチメンタル・バリュー") (9 out of 10)

A film about a female screenwriter who, through both her work and her journey, discovers the value of experiences that cannot be fully explained with words. What makes the film so unique and fascinating is the way it quietly points to something beyond what words can explain. The first half, set in summer, is especially wonderful. There is something strangely compelling about the simple conversations and shared moments between the two main characters, and they stayed with me long after the film ended. This is definitely an unusual film and may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend it.

(Japanese title: "旅と日々") (10 out of 10)

A dark comedy about a group of men who believe a charismatic business leader is an alien and kidnap her to save the Earth. What first looks like a story about a conspiracy theorist gradually reveals itself to be a sharp satire of modern society. Some parts in the middle feel a little slow, but the ending more than makes up for it. It is a very strange film, but if you enjoy surreal humor and offbeat stories, it is well worth watching.

(Japanese title: "ブゴニア") (8 out of 10)

A Japanese period drama about a man who investigates the truth behind a famous revenge killing that became the talk of Edo. Although it is set in the Edo period, the story feels surprisingly modern, as it follows a detective-like character who uncovers the mystery by interviewing the people involved. More than a mystery, it works as a highly entertaining drama with memorable characters and strong storytelling. I would recommend it not only to fans of period dramas, but to many other viewers as well.

(Japanese title: "木挽町のあだ討ち") (9 out of 10)

A black comedy thriller about an abusive boss and his mistreated employee surviving a plane crash and becoming stranded on a deserted island, where their power relationship slowly begins to reverse. It starts like a typical revenge story, but the way it goes in an unexpected direction later is what makes it interesting. The unpredictable developments after their positions change keep the film engaging, although the uncomfortable black humor and unpleasant atmosphere may divide viewers. It is a fairly unique film, and people who do not mind dark comedies may enjoy it.

(Japanese title: "HELP/復讐島") (6 out of 10)

A black comedy centered on an incident in which a group of junior high school students dye their hair blond, turning the situation into an exaggerated satire of modern society and its “relatable” problems. The story itself is honestly pretty rough, so rather than getting deeply involved in the plot, the film works better if you simply enjoy the nonstop surreal and all-too-familiar moments. It will probably divide audiences quite a bit, but personally I liked it.

(Japanese title: "金髪") (8 out of 10)

A human drama about a taxi driver who picks up a talkative woman on her way from her home to a nursing home, and slowly learns about her life during the ride. The road movie atmosphere created by traveling through Tokyo, along with the natural conversations inside the taxi, was especially impressive. Since it is a remake of the French film “Driving Madeleine >>>,” I could more or less imagine how the story would end before watching it. Even so, the film still moved me deeply. I would recommend it not only to drama fans, but to many people in general.

(Japanese title: "TOKYOタクシー") (9 out of 10)

Set in a mountain village in 1958 that is repeatedly threatened by flooding during typhoon season, this film weaves together a tragic local legend and the story of a community living in the shadow of nature’s power. What makes the film especially interesting is how it portrays the loss of harmony with nature and the gradual disappearance of local traditions in the shadow of Japan’s rapid economic growth. The visuals are stunning, and the dreamlike atmosphere is beautifully realized. The film is worth watching for its imagery alone.

(Japanese title: "光る川") (6 out of 10)

Set in Okinawa under U.S. rule after World War II, this film follows the mystery of a young man who was seen as a hero by his friends and then suddenly disappeared. While the story is built around the search for what happened to him, it also powerfully portrays the history and reality of postwar Okinawa. Through the anger, struggles, and hopes of the people who lived there, the film helps you understand the historical background and feelings that still shape Okinawa today. With a runtime of over three hours, it may not be an easy film to choose, but it is definitely one worth watching.

(Japanese title: "宝島") (9 out of 10)

This film follows a high school girl who feels she does not belong in her family and leaves home to look for a new place where she can feel accepted. The theme is very interesting, especially the way the film explores family and identity through the idea of people playing different roles. However, each episode feels quite long, and some parts of the story feel disconnected or difficult to fully accept, so I personally had a hard time getting fully into it.

(Japanese title: "紀子の食卓") (5 out of 10)

This film follows a wealthy businessman who travels with his estranged daughter to save his business. The movie has a unique world, and its surreal humor is a lot of fun. I have not always connected with this director’s films, but this one was easier to follow than the other films by this director that I have seen (>>>1, >>>2) , and I enjoyed it.

(Japanese title: "ザ・ザ・コルダのフェニキア計画") (7 out of 10)

A drama set in a near-future society where romance and close relationships have disappeared. The story follows people struggling between the “normal” defined by society and the “normal” that naturally rises from within themselves. The central idea is very interesting, and the film does a great job drawing the audience into its strange world. Personally, I felt the second half was sometimes a little difficult to follow and could have been explained more clearly. Still, if you enjoy drama films, it is worth watching.

(Japanese title: "消滅世界") (8 out of 10)

An animated film based on real testimonies from North Korean defectors, depicting life inside a forced labor camp. Rather than focusing on escape or the outside world, the film centers on the daily lives of those who remain inside. Because the story is almost entirely set within the camp, it can feel a bit repetitive at times, but this also adds to the realism of life there and makes the film deeply thought-provoking. It deals with a very rare and important subject, making it a film worth watching.

(Japanese title: "トゥルーノース") (8 out of 10)