279 Japanese Cinema Films
279 titles
- 201
Conduct Report on Professor IshinakaMovie · 1950 · 93mThis film presents three lighthearted romantic tales unfolding in the countryside of Japan.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 202
This Happy LifeMovie · 1944 · 80mIn wartime Japan, a close-knit community discovers the strength in resilience as they learn to live with limited resources.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0 - 203
Mother Never DiesMovie · 1942 · 104mA young mother's unexpected death motivates her husband and son.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 204
Hideko the Bus ConductressMovie · 1941 · 54mIn rural Japan, Okoma, a sharp-witted bus conductor in Kōfu, Yamanashi, comes up with an innovative plan to save her job and the struggling bus company. The idea could reverse the decline in passengers that threatens their existence.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 205
Dancing GirlMovie · 1951 · 85mA writer's strained marriage to his ballet teacher wife unravels as long-held affections for another man finally cause the couple to separate.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 206
The Blue Mountains: Part IMovie · 1949 · 92mWhen teacher Yukiko defends a student's relationship with a young man from Tokyo, she faces opposition from conservative colleagues and the local community.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 207
Little PeachMovie · 1958 · 109mAnzukko, known as Little Peach, is the daughter of a celebrated author. She rejects all potential husbands, eventually choosing a struggling writer named Ryokichi. Their marriage soon descends into unhappiness.IMDb 7.4TMDB 5.9 - 208
Three Sisters with Maiden HeartsMovie · 1935 · 75mTo earn money for their demanding mother, three sisters work as street musicians, playing a banjo-like instrument for tips in local bars.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 209
Wife! Be Like a Rose!Movie · 1935 · 74mKimiko, a Tokyo office worker, lives with her mother, who is a serious and intellectual haiku poet. Kimiko wants to marry her boyfriend, but she needs her estranged father to arrange the marriage. She travels to find him and discovers he's living with another family.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 210
The Girl in the RumorMovie · 1935 · 54mThe film centers on two sisters with contrasting lifestyles: the elder embraces tradition, while the younger is a modern, independent woman. Their father struggles to keep the family sake shop afloat and begins compromising on quality. His longtime mistress desires a deeper connection. The elder sister's arranged marriage prospects are complicated when a privileged young man becomes captivated by her rebellious sibling. Adding to the family's burdens are a frail grandfather, a meddling uncle, and nosy neighbors, making life increasingly difficult for those striving to keep everything together.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.9 - 211
The Song LanternMovie · 1943 · 93mA young, self-centered actor publicly humiliates an elderly Noh performer, who subsequently takes his own life. This act of cruelty results in the actor's father disowning him, sending the once-promising performer to a life on the streets. Driven by a desire to regain his father's respect and the affection of the deceased performer’s daughter, he begins to seek a more honorable path. Naruse uses a carefully arranged visual style in this family drama, reminiscent of Josef von Sternberg's films.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 212
Spring AwakensMovie · 1947 · 89mA slice-of-life film following a rural high school girl over a couple of years.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 213
The Angry StreetMovie · 1950 · 105mFilmed throughout the rebuilt city, including downtown streets, neighborhoods, the University of Tokyo campus, and vibrant dance halls, *The Angry Street* follows Sudo (Hara Yasumi) and Mori (Uno Jukichi), two university students who make money by charming wealthy women in dance clubs and swindling them out of cash. Mori is the mastermind, while Sudo is the smooth dancer who attracts the women. As Sudo becomes involved with three different girls, he's pulled into the world of gangsters, a lifestyle he struggles to escape despite being responsible for his mother, grandmother, and sister, Masako (Wakayama Setsuko). In this world of trouble, Masako provides strength and moral guidance, ultimately helping Mori find a better path.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 214
White BeastMovie · 1950 · 97mKeiko Yukawa, a woman with a past as a prostitute, becomes the newest resident at White Lily, a rehabilitation center for women.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.5 - 215
Daughters, Wives and a MotherMovie · 1960 · 123mAfter her husband's death, Sanae finds herself a widow with a million yen insurance policy. As she has no children, her husband's family welcomes her return to her own family.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 216
PassionMovie · 1932 · 73mA film by Hiroshi Shimizu, starring Hideko Takamine in one of her early performances, and featuring a frequent collaborator of both Ozu and Naruse. - 217
Three Women of the NorthMovie · 1945 · 72mThis film centers on an airport and its air traffic control team in a secluded northern Japanese town. The team includes three women, one of whom works alongside the sister of her late fiancé, who disappeared in the war and was never found.IMDb 6.9 - 218
YearningMovie · 1964 · 98m · Drama, RomanceThis moving drama follows Reiko, a war widow who runs her family's grocery store, located in her husband's relatives' home. The close-knit community has depended on her kindness and hard work, making the small shop a vital part of the neighborhood.
But when a large supermarket opens nearby, Reiko's business is threatened. Her in-laws, eager for financial gain, start planning to turn the family store into a modern supermarket, seemingly disregarding its history and the community it supports.
Fighting to protect her livelihood and her husband's memory from being lost to progress, Reiko discovers strength, love, and the power of community in a changing world. This touching story explores the complexities of relationships, family, and the importance of preserving tradition.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 219
Dreams of YouthMovie · 1928 · 56mA long-lost silent film is discovered, revealing a forgotten story. The film depicts a complex relationship between two individuals navigating societal expectations and personal desires. Their connection deepens amidst a backdrop of changing times and unspoken tensions. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle for individual freedom within a restrictive era.IMDb 5.6 - 220
The Other WomanMovie · 1961 · 106m"The Other Woman" follows the children of a respected professor who discover that the woman they've always known as their unconventional and somewhat scandalous Aunt Ginza is actually their biological mother.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.3 - 221
Ginza CosmeticsMovie · 1951 · 87mA woman working as a geisha faces constant hardship as she tries to support herself and her young son.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.1 - 222
The Water MagicianMovie · 1933 · 99mTaki no Shiraito tells the story of Taki, a fiercely independent young woman known for her spectacular water juggling in a traveling carnival. She falls in love with Kinya Murakoshi, an orphaned carriage driver, and promises to help him attend law school in Tokyo. Taki consistently sends him money with her letters, but during a harsh winter, she struggles to find work.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 223
The Stranger Within a WomanMovie · 1966 · 102mTashiro runs into his best friend Sugimoto at a bar near the apartment where Sugimoto's wife was found dead. Though police aren't investigating Tashiro, he's consumed by guilt and confesses to his wife, Masako. Hoping to ease his conscience, he also confesses to Sugimoto. Both his wife and friend are shocked and find it hard to believe he could be involved.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 224
Untamed WomanMovie · 1957 · 121mA woman marries, experiences a stillbirth, and then divorces her husband. She begins a relationship with a hotel keeper but finds herself overshadowed by his ambition. Later, she becomes involved with a tailor who is unable to cope with her strong character.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 225Ah, My HometownMovie · 1938 · 64mA story about love in a village setting. (The original story is no longer available.)
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Hard TimesMovie · 1930 · 27mDirected by Mikio Naruse. This film is presumed to be lost. - 227
Mr. and Mrs. SwordplayMovie · 1930 · 21mA quiet, understated comedy by Mikio Naruse. - 228
Floating WeedsMovie · 1959 · 115m · DramaA celebrated theater director unexpectedly reunites with his former lover, setting off a series of unforeseen events. The film unfolds within the world of traditional Japanese theater, gently examining themes of love, duty, and how past decisions shape the present. His rekindled romance triggers consequences for everyone connected, especially the young performers in his troupe who are forced to face difficult truths about themselves. This respectful adaptation of Ozu's 1934 silent film, *The Story of Floating Weeds*, presents a nuanced look at the intricacies of human connection.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 229
Go, Go Second Time VirginMovie · 1969 · 66m · Drama, Romance, Thriller"Go, Go, Second Time Virgin" follows two teenagers struggling with abuse and hardship in Tokyo. They find an unexpected connection on a rooftop, forming a unique bond that defies convention.
Seeking escape and a fresh start, these outcasts fight to reclaim their lives. Their journey is fraught with challenges as they confront difficult truths. As their feelings grow, they must navigate a world determined to keep them apart while clinging to hope. The film explores love and resilience amidst adversity, set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo. It features raw emotion, memorable characters, and a powerful story.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 230
The Only SonMovie · 1936 · 87m · DramaThis moving drama follows a mother's unwavering love as she works hard in a silk factory to ensure her son has the opportunity for a better education. Facing poverty and societal expectations, she remains determined. Years later, she travels to Tokyo to find her grown son, reflecting on the sacrifices they both made while navigating the city. The film is a poignant story about a mother's devotion, overcoming hardship, and the enduring connection between a mother and child.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 231
Shirayuki sensei to kodomo tachiMovie · 1950 · 89mThe film follows a kind-hearted teacher (Setsuko Hara) at a Tokyo elementary school where students struggle with issues like cursing and gambling. She is responsible for the school's pond, tending to the carp that live there. However, the fish are being stolen. The teacher develops a close relationship with a student living in extreme poverty.IMDb 5.8 - 232
The SwordMovie · 1945 · 65mIn 19th century Japan, a young swordsmith strives for perfection after a flawed sword he crafted inadvertently causes the death of his mentor.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 233
The Lion DanceMovie · 1936 · 24mA lion dance performed within the context of traditional Japanese theater.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 234
Women of the NightMovie · 1948 · 74mOsaka, shortly after World War II. Three women – Fusako, a war widow; her sister Natsuko; and Kumiko, Fusako’s sister-in-law, who is an expatriate from Korea – turn to prostitution, each driven by her own circumstances.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 235
Sisters of the GionMovie · 1936 · 69m · DramaIn Kyoto's historic Gion district, geisha Umekichi faces a difficult choice when her lover, Furusawa, arrives at her home broke and separated from his wife after a business failure. Though Umekichi is devoted to him, her sister Omocha disapproves, believing they should seek wealthy clients together. Omocha uses clever plans to get Furusawa out of their home and find more profitable opportunities. As the sisters navigate the complex world of geisha society, they grapple with loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of their bond.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 236Foggy HarbourMovie · 1923This is a new adaptation of Anna Christie, a play previously thought to be lost.IMDb 5.7
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The Bad Sleep WellMovie · 1960 · 150m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" follows Kôichi Nishi as he climbs the corporate ladder in Japan. He marries Iwabuchi, the crippled daughter of the vice president, at a grand wedding where the cake is designed to look like their company headquarters. This cake triggers memories of Nishi’s father’s mysterious death and fuels his desire for revenge. Driven to uncover the truth behind his parents' deaths, Kôichi navigates a world of power, ambition, and betrayal, determined to find justice.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7 - 238
Osaka ElegyMovie · 1936 · 71m · DramaTo save her family from financial ruin and her father from legal trouble related to his work, Ayako forms a close relationship with her powerful boss. This drama examines the difficult choices she makes as she tries to protect those she loves, exploring the conflict between loyalty, duty, and self-sacrifice. Ayako's journey reveals the hidden power imbalances in society and questions how far people will go when burdened by responsibility.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 239
Children Seeking a MotherMovie · 1956 · 88mA mother searching for her lost son finds herself working at a center that cares for children who feel isolated.IMDb 7.2 - 240
The Three TreasuresMovie · 1959 · 182mThis story recounts the legend of how Shinto began. In 4th century Japan, Prince Ouso is slated to inherit the throne from his father, but Otomo, a powerful court official, favors Ouso’s stepbrother and schemes to have Ouso killed on a perilous assignment he has engineered. However, Ouso succeeds on the mission and returns to the Emperor's castle disguised as Prince Yamato Takeru. Otomo then plots to send the Prince into even greater danger, unaware that the gods are protecting him, leading to an unexpected outcome.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.3 - 241
Life of a Country DoctorMovie · 1960 · 116mA talented country doctor achieves renown by performing groundbreaking surgeries, including the first kidney removal in Japan. However, his wife's severe gambling addiction forces him to resort to selling his underwear to make ends meet, earning him the nickname "underwear doctor." Meanwhile, the patient he successfully operates on becomes so thankful that he aspires to become a doctor himself.IMDb 5.1 - 242
White FishMovie · 1953 · 104mA family – a father who is a doctor with his own clinic, his wife, and their only son – faces separation when the father is called to war. His wife and son are left in agonizing uncertainty about his fate. With the clinic idle, the doctor's wife rents it to his assistant, a man known for refusing payment from those in need. The wife works at a restaurant where the ill owner leaves her with extra responsibilities. Meanwhile, her younger sister, an unmarried finance writer who lives with them, begins receiving marriage proposals. - 243
Victory SongMovie · 1945 · 80mHisshoka is a 1945 drama film directed by a collective of four Japanese filmmakers.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.2 - 244
Sanshiro Sugata Part TwoMovie · 1945 · 83m · Action, Drama, AdventureThis official sequel follows Sugata's development as a judo master, demonstrating his impressive skills and Japan's strength in martial arts. Facing a powerful international opponent, the film explores Sugata’s personal evolution and examines themes of national pride, cultural identity, and the combination of traditional and modern martial arts. As Sugata showcases his unmatched abilities, he becomes a symbol of Japanese dominance in combat sports, prompting discussions about national values and self-discovery in a changing world.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 245
One Wonderful SundayMovie · 1947 · 108mOn a single Sunday, two young lovers with no money explore war-torn Tokyo, trying to make 35 yen last for housing, simple joys, and a glimmer of optimism.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 246
The Feast of GionMovie · 1933 · 68mThis is a poignant love story set in Kyoto, within the walls of a trading house. Long considered lost, this film explores themes of sadness and longing.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.0 - 247
The Morning Sun ShinesMovie · 1929 · 25m"The Morning Sun Shines," a fiction-documentary by Kenji Mizoguchi and Seiichi Ina, blends dramatic storytelling with real-life footage of newspaper production. Sadly, only 25 minutes of the film's original footage remains.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.5 - 248
Tokyo TwilightMovie · 1957 · 141m · DramaThis story follows two sisters who unexpectedly travel together, trying to reconnect with their shared history and each other. They discover they have a mother they never knew existed, and the younger sister must confront the pain of being abandoned.
As the sisters try to connect with their mother, they uncover a complicated family past filled with hidden secrets. The film examines forgiveness, acceptance, and the strength of sisterhood as they work through their history together to find peace. The story balances emotional moments with humor and warmth, creating a moving and accessible tale for viewers of all ages.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 249
The 47 RoninMovie · 1941 · 223m · Drama, HistoryIn the early 1700s, a bitter conflict erupts within the Shogun's court when Lord Takuminokami Asano seeks justice from Lord Kira for offenses committed. Though Lord Asano faces severe consequences for his actions, the Shogun's failure to punish Lord Kira sparks outrage and dishonor among Asano’s former samurai, now masterless warriors known as ronin.
Led by Kuranosuke Oishi, these ronin consider their options and struggle with their obligation to avenge their lord. They carefully navigate a world of politics, power, and honor, where samurai values are everything.
After a year with the Shogun refusing to grant restitution, the forty-seven ronin resolve to avenge their disgraced leader by seeking retribution against Lord Kira. This historical story examines themes of loyalty, duty, and honor, revealing the challenges and moral choices faced by these legendary warriors amidst shifting political currents.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 250
The Flavor of Green Tea Over RiceMovie · 1952 · 116m · DramaThis film tells the story of a woman from wealthy Tokyo and a quiet man from the countryside who are married off in an arranged union. Their personalities clash, creating constant tension. When problems arise in their marriage, they must learn to bridge their differences and rediscover their connection. The movie explores societal pressures, personal development, and the importance of compromise in a modern marriage that challenges tradition.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 251
The Munekata SistersMovie · 1950 · 112mSetsuko is trapped in a loveless marriage to Mimura, a jobless engineer with a drinking problem. She has long cherished feelings for Hiroshi, but they never confessed their love before he moved to France years ago. Now back in the country, Hiroshi's return prompts Mariko to try and bring them together, though she harbors a secret love for him of her own.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 252
A Straightforward BoyMovie · 1929 · 14mWhen a boy is kidnapped, his captor soon discovers he's not as vulnerable as he thought.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.7 - 253
I Graduated, But...Movie · 1929 · 11mTetsuo Nomoto, a recent college graduate, struggles to find employment on his own. He later marries his girlfriend, Machiko, concealing his lack of a job from her. Financial difficulties soon arise, leading Machiko to take a job at a bar.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.7 - 254
Taira Clan SagaMovie · 1955 · 108mJapan, 1137. The Taira clan, a powerful samurai family, becomes drawn into the conflicts between Emperor Toba and the monks residing on Mount Hiei.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 255Blood and SoulMovie · 1923 · 40mThis Expressionist film depicts people crushed under the weight of an oppressive, capitalist system. (The film is now lost.)
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A Woman's LifeMovie · 1963 · 126mA woman reflects on her past marriage as she navigates her son's romantic relationships.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 257
A GeishaMovie · 1953 · 85m · DramaSet in historical Japan, the film follows Eiko, a determined young woman who seeks apprenticeship with Miyoharu, a renowned and mysterious geisha. As they navigate the world of high-class entertainment, they discover they both possess the power to refuse clients who don't meet their standards. This leads to an examination of women's independence, societal pressures, and personal choices during a difficult period for women in Japan. Eiko and Miyoharu grapple with tradition and their own aspirations, exploring a timeless theme of self-determination.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 258
The Woman in the RumorMovie · 1954 · 84m · DramaYukiko's life changes dramatically when her fiancé ends their engagement after discovering her mother runs a geisha house. Hurt and embarrassed by her family, Yukiko's perspective shifts when a client of her mother's becomes interested in her.
The story explores the complexities of tradition, love, and societal pressures as Yukiko deals with betrayal and finds herself drawn into the world of geisha culture. She must navigate complicated relationships while discovering herself.
The film examines themes of self-discovery, family, and a woman's fight for independence within a patriarchal society. It’s a moving story about love and loss, blending emotion and cultural details to portray one woman's journey toward acceptance and finding herself.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 259
The Lady of MusashinoMovie · 1951 · 88mFollowing World War II in Japan, *The Lady of Musashino* centers on Michiko, a young woman unhappy in her marriage. She shares a close bond with her cousin, Tsutomo, and they begin an intimate relationship, though they choose not to fully pursue it. Tsutomo then becomes involved with Tomiko, who is also having an affair with Michiko's husband. When Michiko discovers her husband has left her, she resolves to control her own destiny.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.9 - 260
ScandalMovie · 1950 · 104m · DramaThis legal drama follows the fallout from a tabloid magazine's coverage of a celebrity photographer. The story exposes a tangled network of lies, scandal, and power. A famous singer becomes involved in a controversial situation connected to a secretive painter whose life becomes linked to hers. The resulting trial explores issues of privacy, reputation, and how the media shapes public opinion. The film is a compelling look at the complicated relationships between art, fame, and scandal.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 261ParentMovie · 1929 · 35mThis is an early short film by acclaimed Japanese director Hiroshi Shimizu, and the oldest surviving work from his impressive career.
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Mr. Shosuke OharaMovie · 1949 · 97mSaheita, the last of a once-wealthy family, is constantly pressured by villagers seeking help and loans, despite his own mounting debts. He's widely known as Mr. Shosuke Ohara throughout the town.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2 - 263
Four Seasons of ChildrenMovie · 1939 · 141mIn *Children In The Wind*, two brothers face hardship as their family's financial situation worsens due to their father's illness. They are forced to work, and eventually move in with their grandfather, requiring them to adapt to a new environment and build new friendships.IMDb 7.2TMDB 8.3 - 264
Those Who Make TomorrowMovie · 1946 · 82mPostwar Japan. Two sisters, a script girl at a film studio and a revue dancer, get involved in the rising labor movement as workers strike for better conditions. Their conservative father opposes their activism, but when he's laid off, he's forced to face the realities of class struggle and joins them in their fight for a fairer future. Produced by Toho to encourage unionization during the Allied Occupation, *Those Who Make Tomorrow* was thought to be lost for many years.IMDb 6.5 - 265
The Approach of AutumnMovie · 1960 · 79mA rural single mother moves to Tokyo, leaving her son with his uncle's family. She struggles to make a living running a small grocery store and working at a local inn. There, her son befriends the innkeeper's daughter.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.9 - 266
A Man of the ArtsMovie · 1941 · 100mA forgotten film, based on Matsutaro Kawaguchi's novel "Geido Ichidai Otoko." - 267
The Masseurs and a WomanMovie · 1938 · 66m"The Masseurs and a Woman" explores themes of love and family through interconnected stories at a secluded mountain resort. Director Hiroshi Shimizu uses gentle, often humorous moments to depict loneliness and the fundamental human desire for connection. The film follows a blind masseur and his colleague, a mysterious city woman, a solitary man, and his troublesome nephew.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 268
Miss OyuMovie · 1951 · 94m · Drama, RomanceShinnosuke enters into an arranged marriage but becomes drawn to his wife's widowed sister, Oyu. The story explores Japanese traditions where Oyu must fulfill societal expectations by raising her son as the head of her late husband’s family. Unable to break with convention, she proposes that Shinnosuke marry her sister, Shizu, as a way to remain in his life. This film examines themes of duty, sacrifice, and the strength of human connection within a tender love story.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 269
Portrait of Madame YukiMovie · 1950 · 85mA young woman begins working as a servant for a noblewoman and quickly realizes that the woman's life of wealth hides deep unhappiness.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 270
The Love of the Actress SumakoMovie · 1947 · 96mDirector Shimamura, pioneering Western theater in Japan, develops a relationship with the strong-willed actress Sumako Matsui. He chooses her over his family, all while struggling to maintain the financial stability of his theater company.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 271
Song of the HorseMovie · 1970 · 73mAkira Kurosawa's sole television documentary chronicles the journey of a racehorse, from birth through rigorous training, culminating in the Japan Derby. The film is structured around a grandfather's storytelling to his grandson, reflecting on the diminishing connection between humans and horses.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 272
Summer CloudsMovie · 1958 · 128mAfter her husband's death in the war, a widow struggles to run a farm with the help of her demanding mother-in-law and her young son. A visiting reporter sparks an affair with her, but he is married and unwilling to leave his wife. Meanwhile, her brother attempts to secure the farm's future through strategic marriages for his children, as the land faces confiscation and his children yearn for city life rather than continuing the hard labor in the fields.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 273
A Paper Doll's Whisper of SpringMovie · 1926 · 99mOtane, whose father owns a thread shop in Ryogoku, is in love with Sumio, the son of an ivory craftsman who lives close by. They share a moment in a tatami room above a soba restaurant. Soon after, Sumio leaves for Paris to study, and Otane discovers she is pregnant with his child. This film is considered lost.IMDb 6.7 - 274
I Live in FearMovie · 1955 · 103m · DramaThis movie tells the story of Kiichi Nakajima, an elderly foundry owner who grows increasingly fearful of a nuclear war. Believing Japan is in danger, he decides to move his family to Brazil for safety. His family doubts his sanity and attempts to have him declared legally incompetent.
Dr. Harada, a Domestic Court counselor, is brought in to help resolve the conflict. He must navigate Nakajima's fears, his family's worries, and the wider anxieties surrounding nuclear war. The film explores themes of family obligation, personal responsibility, and how global tensions affect individual lives. It balances suspense with quiet moments, presenting a deeply human drama about love, loyalty, and protecting one's family's future.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 275
Osaka WomanMovie · 1940 · 145mOchika, a woman from a wealthy family, marries Danpei, a struggling shamisen musician. She dedicates herself fully to him, managing her family's business and inadvertently causing conflict within the traveling Jōruri theater company where he performs. This film was not well-received upon its release.IMDb 8.2 - 276
The Story of the Last ChrysanthemumMovie · 1939 · 144m · Romance, DramaLate 19th century Tokyo. Kikunosuke Onoue is a celebrated actor famous for playing female roles, and the adopted son of a respected theater master. But his fame is largely due to his family name, not his talent. He finds comfort in Otoku, a compassionate servant in their home, and they develop a deep connection.
Kikunosuke wants to prove himself as an artist, independent of societal expectations. Otoku supports him as he searches for his own path, and their journey explores love, identity, and freedom of expression against traditional norms.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.8 - 277
Donguri and ShinomiMovie · 1941 · 29mA young man from the city relocates to a rural town, where he becomes the target of bullying from the local children.IMDb 6.6 - 278
The Blue Mountains: Part IIMovie · 1949 · 91mThis is the second part of The Blue Mountains story, following the first. It was released one week after the initial installment.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.8 - 279
Okuni and GoheiMovie · 1952 · 91mOkuni, a woman of noble birth, journeys across Japan with Gohei, a samurai who serves her. They are tracking Tomonojo, the person who murdered Okuni's husband and Gohei's lord. They must find and kill Tomonojo before they can return home and fulfill their duty to their lord.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4