60 Films Celebrating Noburou Oofuji's Legacy
60 titles
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The Ugly DucklingMovie · 1968 · 19mThis is a stop-motion animated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Ugly Duckling."TMDB 5.0 - 2
The Magic BalladMovie · 1982 · 26mThis 25-minute film follows Itako, an elderly woman who has been bedridden for a long time. A fox named Okon visits her home, and Itako offers him anything he desires, as she needs nothing. Pleased, Okon reciprocates by performing a healing magic song (jyōruri) that restores Itako's health, allowing her to walk again. News of her recovery spreads, and Itako uses Okon to heal a wounded hunter. This act of kindness continues with others, but Itako's good fortune eventually attracts unwanted attention and suspicion.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.0 - 3
Tenma no TorayanMovie · 1971 · 18mThis is a short puppet animation, and the recipient of the prestigious Oofuji Noburou Award. - 4
The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed DragonMovie · 1963 · 86mBased on Japanese folklore, this beloved animated film follows Susano, the youngest son of the gods who created Earth. Grieving the death of his mother, Susano defies his father and sets out on a journey to find his siblings and seek their spiritual help.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 5
Home AloneMovie · 1996 · 4mAlone for the first time, the unnamed Cat—gender unknown—struggles with its dual nature. One side is gentle and perceptive, while the other is mischievous.TMDB 4.3 - 6
Barefoot GenMovie · 1983 · 83m · Animation, Drama, WarThe film follows a young boy's experience of the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It shows how this historical disaster deeply affected the Japanese people, changing their lives and minds as they faced a world transformed by immense destruction. The story explores resilience, survival, and hope in the face of ruin and despair, highlighting a pivotal moment in history and reminding us of humanity's capacity for both destruction and perseverance.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 7Water SpiritMovie · 1998 · 13mThis is a short animated film, recognized with the 1998 Noburou Oofuji Award.
- 8Kappa HyakuzuMovie · 1998 · 13mThis is a short animated film, recognized with the 1998 Noburou Oofuji Award.
- 9The RoomMovie · 1967 · 5mInside a small white box, a whole world unfolds. A woman appears and screams, birds attack, trains pass through, and a couple argues. When a billiard ball enters the box, it transforms into different things. Each space within the box represents a world, reflecting aspects of modern life.IMDb 5.5TMDB 6.0
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Tough Guy!Movie · 2005 · 6mA highly aggressive mantis, skilled in martial arts, disrupts the lives of a couple as it relentlessly pursues its prey – cans and cicadas. This personal work by Shintaro Kishimoto, a frequent contributor to Production I.G's 3D animation team, received the esteemed Ofuji Award in 2005. - 11
The Castle of CagliostroMovie · 1979 · 102m · Animation, Adventure, ComedyLupin the Third, a renowned master thief, and his partner Jigen discover a large quantity of expertly made counterfeit money. Intrigued, Lupin sets out to find the counterfeiters, leading him to the imposing Castle of Cagliostro.
Inside the castle, Lupin encounters a woman held captive by the evil Count Cagliostro. Seeing an opportunity, Lupin resolves to rescue her while also uncovering the truth behind the counterfeit operation.
In this exciting adventure, Lupin must use his wits and charm to overcome a dangerous enemy, retrieve stolen wealth, and free a beautiful prisoner.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 12
PonyoMovie · 2008 · 100m · Animation, Fantasy, FamilyYoung Sosuke, who lives by the sea, rescues a goldfish named Ponyo and finds his life changed forever. Ponyo is a lively and curious creature who dreams of becoming human. While she brings playful chaos to Sosuke's home, her father – a powerful sorcerer – plots to send her back to the ocean.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 13
Castle in the SkyMovie · 1986 · 125m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationTwo unlikely allies embark on an epic quest to find the legendary Floating Castle. A young boy and a resourceful girl, connected by a mystical crystal, must navigate dangerous waters filled with pirates and foreign agents.
Racing against time, they face unexpected challenges that test their courage. The powerful crystal guides them but also attracts those who want to control its energy. As they travel through wondrous and perilous landscapes, they learn to trust each other and use the crystal's powers.
The story is about friendship, resilience, and discovering themselves in a captivating world. With danger and mystery at every step, their search for the Floating Castle becomes an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 14
CombustibleMovie · 2012 · 13mEdo, 18th century. Owaka, the daughter of a merchant, and her childhood friend Matsukichi share a deep connection. However, Matsukichi has been ostracized by his family and works for the city fire brigade. As arrangements for Owaka's marriage are made, she is consumed by her feelings for Matsukichi. Her emotional turmoil triggers a devastating fire that engulfs Edo. Amidst the chaos, Owaka and Matsukichi unexpectedly reunite. This is an epic story set against the backdrop of the sprawling city of Edo.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 15
Blood: The Last VampireMovie · 2000 · 48m · Animation, Fantasy, HorrorIn Japan, Saya, a powerful vampire hunter and an original vampire herself, is dispatched by her government liaison, David, to Yokota High School on Halloween night, posing as a student. Her mission: to hunt vampires. Saya requests a new katana from David. She soon rescues the school nurse, Makiho Amano, from two vampires disguised as classmates, and Makiho witnesses Saya's battle against the formidable demons.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8 - 16
Lu Over the WallMovie · 2017 · 112m · Animation, Family, FantasyIn a quiet fishing village, a withdrawn middle schooler named Kai encounters a mermaid named Lu.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 17
The Restaurant of Many OrdersMovie · 1991 · 19mTwo young British hunters become lost in the woods and stumble upon an unusual restaurant. The film adapts a story by Kenji Miyazawa, and questions whether their situation will lead them to experience the feeling of being hunted themselves.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 18
Dojoji TempleMovie · 1976 · 19mDuring a journey of faith, a man spends the night with a woman. Following a shared experience of intimacy, he flees, and she pursues him.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 19Two Grilled Fish (Color Version)Movie · 1968 · 13mThis is a color remake of the 1960 film, following a man and a woman who travel to a deserted island by raft, bringing only chickens and a dog. Initially, they find paradise, establishing a daily routine of farming and fishing, and enjoying meals of grilled fish cooked outdoors. Their peaceful existence is disrupted by the arrival of a mustachioed scientist on a raft powered by a pig. This unwelcome guest then builds a robot, initiating industrialization on the island. The couple is annoyed but ultimately tolerates the scientist and his technology.TMDB 7.0
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Legend of the ForestMovie · 1987 · 30mA peaceful forest and its inhabitants are threatened by human encroachment. A squirrel, who has spent his entire life in the woods, must fight to protect his home, encountering many challenges in the process.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 21
Datum PointMovie · 2015 · 7mYoshiro Ishihara (1915–1977) became a prominent figure in Japanese modern poetry in the mid-1950s and is now known as a "poet of silence." He famously stated, "A poem is an impulse to resist writing." This film explores the places that inspired his poetry. - 22
IsuMovie · 1963 · 11mThis thought-provoking film explores the experience of modern life through a simple premise: people of all ages and backgrounds are asked to sit in a chair for fifteen minutes with no distractions. The film observes how these individuals grapple with boredom and discomfort as they confront the feeling of unproductive time.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.0 - 23
Millennium ActressMovie · 2002 · 87m · Drama, Animation, RomanceDocumentary filmmaker Genya Tachibana seeks out the elusive actress Chiyoko Fujiwara, who disappeared from fame years ago. Giving her a key she believed lost, Genya unexpectedly unlocks not only the long-hidden truths of Chiyoko's past, but also reveals something about himself.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 24
Human ZooMovie · 1962 · 3mThe film presents a series of vignettes illustrating humanity's capacity for primal, animalistic behavior.IMDb 4.5TMDB 3.7 - 25
Tales of a Street CornerMovie · 1962 · 39mA young girl finds solace in her bear doll, while a young mouse navigates life with his family. Their world includes a sycamore tree, an old lamp post, a hoodlum moth, and a vibrant alleyway where posters seem to come alive, capturing both joyful and sorrowful moments.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.8 - 26
Mysterious MedicineMovie · 1965 · 15mTwo reckless thieves attempt to steal a groundbreaking new medicine from a research lab. Their plans are complicated by an unexpected encounter with a desperate crow and the head professor's assistant.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.0 - 27
A Japanese Boy Who DrawsMovie · 2018 · 20mShinji, a struggling manga artist, stumbles upon an old drawing by his childhood friend Masaru, sparking a magical journey that reignites his artistic inspiration. The film explores a psychologically complex world of hidden truths and deception, blending elements of thriller and ghost story.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.5 - 28
Pukkulapottas and Hours in the ForestMovie · 2021 · 16mThis is a report about a mysterious creature discovered by "Watashi" during the year when the world ground to a halt. When lockdowns began globally in the spring, "Watashi" chose to stay home instead of commuting. One day, "Watashi" found strange traces in the garden and set up a camera to investigate.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 29
The Old Man and the SeaMovie · 1999 · 21m · Animation, Adventure, DramaIn a peaceful coastal village, an elderly fisherman makes what could be his last trip out to sea. His boat, showing its age, carries him out with a hopeful heart and a familiar net. As the sun sets, he hooks something extraordinary, beginning a challenging struggle beneath the waves.
This ordinary day becomes a life-altering event as the fisherman battles to reel in an unbelievable catch. The experience tests his strength and skill, creating an unexpected connection with his opponent. When the net emerges, he understands the profound significance of his capture – a powerful reminder of nature's beauty and unpredictability.
The film explores perseverance, legacy, and our relationship with the natural world, showing how a single encounter can transform a quiet life. The fisherman must confront change, adapting to the unforeseen in a story that resonates with everyone.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 30
The Flower and the MoleMovie · 1970 · 15m"The Robot Moles" is a charming tale about flowers, moles, inept scientists, and a young girl.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.0 - 31Home My HomeMovie · 1970 · 3mA short animated film by Tadanaro Okamoto.
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Gauche the CellistMovie · 1982 · 63m · Animation, Music, FantasyIn a quiet early 20th-century town, Gauche is a modest cellist who plays in the local orchestra and accompanies silent movies. He struggles with criticism from his conductor as they prepare for a performance of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. Over four nights, Gauche receives unexpected visitors at his home: a group of talking animals drawn to his cello's music. As these unusual creatures share their stories with him, Gauche begins to find his own potential and discovers the power of music to connect people and foster friendship.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.2 - 33
TekkonkinkreetMovie · 2006 · 103m · Action, Adventure, AnimationBlack and White, two orphaned children, fight to survive in the harsh streets of Treasure Town. Their lives are upended when a powerful corporation plans to demolish the town for a new amusement park, forcing them into a desperate struggle for their home.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 34
The Kindly LionMovie · 1970 · 27mThis animated film adapts Yanase Takashi's picture book, telling the story of Muku-muku, a mother dog grieving the loss of her puppy, and Buru-buru, a baby lion who has lost her mother. The film focuses on their developing friendship.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 35The Water SeedMovie · 1975 · 19mA short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.
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My Neighbor TotoroMovie · 1988 · 86m · Fantasy, Animation, FamilyTwo sisters, Kiki and Chizu, leave their city home and move with their father to be near their mother, who is hospitalized. While adjusting to their new surroundings, they discover a magical secret: ancient Totoros live in the forest.
The youngest sister, Satsuyu, finds a giant, flying Totoro who becomes her friend. When Satsuyu runs away upset, Kiki, the older sister, must seek help from the Totoros to find her.
The sisters go on a fantastical journey together, strengthening their bond and connection to nature. The film shows how magic can be found everywhere and how love helps during difficult times.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.1 - 37
The DemonMovie · 1972 · 8mTwo brothers, hunters living with their mother, head to the mountains to set deer traps. A demon suddenly attacks the younger brother. The older brother shoots an arrow, severing the demon's arm, which they intend to bring back. However, they make a disturbing discovery during their journey home.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4 - 38
Man and a High Speed SocietyMovie · 1980 · 6m · Animation, ComedyThis short film offers a thoughtful look at human history, from early fire-making to today's technology, showing both our achievements and struggles. Amidst a rapidly changing world, the film follows one person searching for meaning amidst distractions. It explores the complexities of human progress – and its shortcomings – by focusing on ordinary moments like cooking a meal. This intimate portrayal invites viewers to reflect on their own lives within our busy world.IMDb 6.0TMDB 4.5 - 39
Pictures at an ExhibitionMovie · 1966 · 32mThis film uses a series of wordless animated vignettes to examine key figures in contemporary life: a plastic surgeon, a fashionista, a gossip, and others. Ultimately, it offers a reflection on how far society has advanced.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 40
Murder!Movie · 1964 · 9mA concise animated mystery.TMDB 5.0 - 41Praise be to Small IllsMovie · 1973 · 17mA short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.0
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On-Gaku: Our SoundMovie · 2020 · 71m · Animation, Comedy, MusicThree aimless high school students form a rock band. Lacking talent, funds, and even basic equipment like a complete drum kit, they're driven by a desire to play music and win over their closest friend.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 43
Mind GameMovie · 2004 · 103m · Animation, Romance, ComedyNishi is a failure with a longing for his childhood sweetheart. Following a run-in with the Japanese mafia, he experiences a trip to heaven and back, only to find himself stranded in an even stranger location.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 44
Night on the Galactic RailroadMovie · 1985 · 108mGiovanni leads a bleak existence, consumed by work and relentlessly mocked by his classmates. His workplace offers no warmth or support. Overwhelmed by social isolation, he impulsively boards a train, leaving his unhappy home behind. He's joined by Campanella, a fellow student, and together they begin a journey that will fundamentally change Giovanni’s life.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.2 - 45
Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindMovie · 1984 · 117m · Adventure, Animation, FantasyAfter a devastating apocalypse, the peaceful kingdom of the Valley of the Wind is one of the last safe places left. It's surrounded by a poisonous forest protected by giant insects. Princess Nausicaä works to find a way for people and nature to live together, guiding her people on a hopeful path toward healing the environment. Her bravery and understanding lead her on a compelling journey about strength, compassion, and finding balance after destruction.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9 - 46Towards the RainbowMovie · 1977 · 18mA short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.TMDB 5.0
- 47AosMovie · 1964 · 9mThis abstract animation explores the relationship between people and their internal organs, depicting them both within and outside of drawers.IMDb 4.9TMDB 4.6
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663114Movie · 2012 · 7mI'm a 66-year-old cicada. A major earthquake struck. Then came a large tsunami. Following that, there was a significant accident.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.2 - 49
Liz and the Blue BirdMovie · 2018 · 91m · Animation, Drama, MusicDuring their final year of high school, two girls in the school's brass band perform a piece of music inspired by a fairy tale that reflects their own close friendship.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.5 - 50
Ursa Minor BlueMovie · 1993 · 23mUri, a boy, and an old man embark on a fantastical adventure in the Milky Way, a universe inhabited by starfish. Their journey is driven by the quest to find a mysterious monster fish.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 51
Inu-OhMovie · 2022 · 98m · Animation, Drama, MusicIn 14th century Japan, a dancer burdened by a curse and a musician who is blind find themselves outsiders. They form a partnership and a close friendship, and together, their spectacular concerts lead them to fame.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 52
The Moon that Fell Into the SeaMovie · 2013 · 18mA moon that plunged into the ocean depths awakens to utter darkness. Can it find its way back to the sky?IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 53
Winter DaysMovie · 2003 · 39mThis animated film adapts a single renku, a collaborative linked poem, from Bashō's 1684 collection of the same name. The film’s creation mirrored the poem's collaborative origins; 35 animators independently produced visuals for each of the 36 stanzas. Director Kawamoto gathered prominent international animators, alongside many Japanese artists. Each animator contributed at least 30 seconds to their stanza, with most sequences lasting under a minute (Yuriy Norshteyn’s is nearly two minutes).IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.9 - 54
Briar-Rose or the Sleeping BeautyMovie · 1990 · 22mOn her fifteenth birthday, the princess discovers a diary written by her mother during her youth. The diary reveals the Queen’s secret first love. The Princess ventures into the forest to meet her mother's former lover. When she meets his gaze, she understands why her mother fell in love with him.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2 - 55
LoveMovie · 1964 · 4mThis short experimental anime from acclaimed Japanese indie animator Yoji Kuri explores the intense experience of desperate love.IMDb 5.2TMDB 4.9 - 56
Franz Kafka's a Country DoctorMovie · 2007 · 21m · Animation, DramaA country doctor urgently recounts being called to a young patient late one night. The situation quickly becomes bizarre when he's transported to the bedside by strange horses. Distracted by his own problems and resentment towards his patients, the doctor misses a critical wound. Humiliated by the villagers' unrealistic expectations of him, he's trapped in a repeating cycle, losing everything with each journey.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 57
A Poet's LifeMovie · 1974 · 19mThis is a story about workers who are ignored and lose their spirit as wealthy businessmen prioritize profits by partnering with foreign entities. As these businessmen become increasingly greedy, the economy crashes. A young man finds solace in poetry, offering the people a renewed sense of hope.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 58
In This Corner of the WorldMovie · 2016 · 130m · Drama, Animation, RomanceJapan, 1943, World War II. Young Suzu journeys from her village near Hiroshima to Kure, a naval port, to marry and live with her husband's family. Her resourcefulness blossoms as she adapts to a life of hardship, quickly becoming essential to her household. Drawing on inherited wisdom, Suzu infuses the ordinary moments of daily life with artistry and grace. Despite facing numerous challenges – loss, wartime dangers, and constant air raids – her spirit remains unbroken.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9 - 59
The Whale HuntMovie · 2001 · 16mKujiratori follows a group of schoolchildren who imagine they're constructing a boat. As their fantasy takes over, they find themselves at sea, on a whale hunt. A large, kind whale appears, guides them back to shore, and joins them in play. The illusion then breaks, and the children return to their classroom.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 60
Crazy Little ThingMovie · 2014 · 11mAlone together in their home, they are left with the body of her father. Memories, ideals, and reality blur into a suffocating sense of isolation. They are utterly alone, adrift in solitude.
