First, this is how the conversation went with myrkul in another thread:
Dude, what is it with you and Japanese movies? You're like a fucking hipster or something.
Not to derail the thread, but this needs to be answered, here and now. It has nothing to do with hipsterism. You are completely missing the point. We're all aware of Hollywood films. No need to recommend films which people are aware of. As for Japanese films, most are aware of the Samurai films, the monster films, and likely the gangster films. That's how a lot of the public visualize Japanese cinama. But there's another class of Japanese films that most, such as yourself, are unaware of, and yet are not just considered great Japanese films, but are ranked as some of the greatest films ever made worldwide. Yet so many are unaware of them. Do yourself a big favor, and stop resisting because the messenger is me. As an example, the above recommended film (Twenty-four Eyes) is very powerful. You should experience films by the following Japanese directors: Yasujiro Ozu (Late Spring, Early Summer), Mikio Naruse (When a Woman Ascends the Stairs, Floating Clouds), Kenji Mizoguchi (Ugetso, Street of Shame), Masahiro Shinoda (Pale Flower), Hiroshi Teshigahara (Woman of the Dunes, The Face of Another) and Keisuke Kinoshita (Twenty-four Eyes). And from Tawain: Edward Yang (Yi Yi, A Brighter Summer Day). And from Hong Kong: Wong Kar-Wai (In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express, Days of Being Wild, 2046). And many others.
Ignore them at the risk of never discovering something wonderful. You don't know until you try. Post in the film thread, and continue this discussion. You're invited to debate me, argue with me, post your opinions, post your reviews, or learn more about these films. Give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose, and possibly something to gain.
As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.
I used to be averse to older films (they're grainy black and white, often have static camera shots, over acting, etc.). But I was wrong. I missed so much. I was also averse to subtitles. But I was wrong. You will get used to subtitles. I promise that. And as for older film stocks, story trumps all.
Regarding the director Mikio Naruse, the actress he uses most is Hideko Takamine. You are missing something wonderful until you see her performances. Same goes for the director Yasujiro Ozu and his favorite actress, Setsuko Hara. These two actresses are considered to be most loved and revered actresses in the history of Japanese cinema, and for good reason. But you'll never know until you start watching films they've appeared in. Why cheat yourself? Here's a fan made video which is a tribute to Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine. I admit, you just won't be able to appreciate these two women until you actually watch the stories they appear in, but it's a start.
Here's the tribute to Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O6tdZucyVcOne movie I recently watched was Akira Kurosawa's
No Regrets for our Youth, starring Setsuko Hara. It's an anti-war film which takes place during World War II.
Here's a fan made tribute to Setsuko Hara from
No Regrets for our Youth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUGhS7t903cMasahiro Shinoda likes to put Mariko Kaga in his films. To say she is cute is about the biggest understatement ever made.
And then, in modern times, we have the stars Wong Kar-Wai likes. They are Tony Leung, Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, Faye Wong, Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li. Zhang Ziyi's performance in
2046 was absolutely stunning. Maggie Cheung is one of China's biggest stars. All are wonderful.
Mikio Naruse: Naruse generally explores the plight of women with the society they find themselves in.
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When a Woman Ascends the Stairs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooW3aSKfsVAWong Kar-Wai: Wong's films are all about unrequited love. He has completely changed the way films are made, and is one of the most controversial directors making films today.
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In the Mood for Love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfZbh4cteqI-
2046:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4-
Days of Being Wild:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8-
Chungking Express:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjd7PFf_TFw-
Fallen Angels:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZda7nWftQIMasahiro Shinoda:
- Pale Flower:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqUEdward Yang:
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Yi Yi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw-
A Brighter Summer DayKeisuke Kinoshita:
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Twenty-four Eyes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWNl2IbVJMsYasujiro Ozu: (two clips, not trailers)
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Early Summer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF3Gz66P2zQ-
Late Spring:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyY02NdkINw