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Featured image for Abashiri Prison (1965) reviewBackground image for Abashiri Prison (1965) review

Abashiri Prison (1965) review

Teruo Ishii delivers an interesting exploration of the frailty of the social bond between criminals as well as the trauma that, in some cases, animates the criminal reflex.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for A Man (2022) reviewBackground image for A Man (2022) review

A Man (2022) review

A compelling and thrilling exploration of the reality of identity fraud and the damaging effect societal discourses can have on a subject and his ego.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for In Her Room (2022) reviewBackground image for In Her Room (2022) review

In Her Room (2022) review

For those who succeed in looking past the phallus during Ito’s narrative will find a renewed respect of the complexity of the feminine position.    

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Twilight Cinema Blues (2023) reviewBackground image for Twilight Cinema Blues (2023) review

Twilight Cinema Blues (2023) review

While fun to watch, Hideo Jojo’s film is a trick of all trades, but a master of none.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Sin And Evil (2024) review [Japannual 2024]Background image for Sin And Evil (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Sin And Evil (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Saito shows that the Other always bears some responsibility for the subjective outcomes of dysfunctional familial dynamics and the criminal excesses that plague its mendacious image of peaceful…

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Short Movie Time: Neu Mirrors (2024) reviewBackground image for Short Movie Time: Neu Mirrors (2024) review

Short Movie Time: Neu Mirrors (2024) review

Keishi Kondo offers the spectator an unsettling illustration of the Lacanian gaze.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Desert of Namibia (2024) review [Japannual 2024]Background image for Desert of Namibia (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Desert of Namibia (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Yoko Yamanaka delivers a cinematic masterpiece of subjectivity.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Belonging (2024) review [Japannual 2024]Background image for Belonging (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Belonging (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Higashi delivers a touching exploration of love after death.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Shinobi no mono: Resurrection (1963)Background image for Shinobi no mono: Resurrection (1963)

Shinobi no mono: Resurrection (1963)

A satisfying conclusion resolves the thematical exploration of destructive capitalistic pleasure in a satisfactorily yet maybe somewhat naive way.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Hijacked Youth – Dare To Stop Us 2 (2024) [Japannual 2024]Background image for Hijacked Youth – Dare To Stop Us 2 (2024) [Japannual 2024]

Hijacked Youth – Dare To Stop Us 2 (2024) [Japannual 2024]

Inoue delivers a heartfelt ode to the mini-cinema and subjective failure.   

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Let’s Go Karaoke (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]Background image for Let’s Go Karaoke (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

Let’s Go Karaoke (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

This is perfect film for anyone who, after a long day full of struggles, wants to sit in a comfy chair and relax.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for The Box Man (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]Background image for The Box Man (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

The Box Man (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

An incredible satisfying cinematic experience, one that enthrals the spectator from start to finish

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Afternoon Angler’s club (2023) Review [Camera Japan Festival]Background image for Afternoon Angler’s club (2023) Review [Camera Japan Festival]

Afternoon Angler’s club (2023) Review [Camera Japan Festival]

Hideo Jojo’s heartwarming tale of subjective growth and salt-water fishing is a pleasant watch.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Bushido (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]Background image for Bushido (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

Bushido (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

Kazuya Shiraishi proves that the frame of the samurai and the Edo society can still be utilized to deliver refreshing narratives.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Shinobi no Mono 2: Revenge (1963) reviewBackground image for Shinobi no Mono 2: Revenge (1963) review

Shinobi no Mono 2: Revenge (1963) review

Satsuo Yamamoto reveals the frailty and replaceability of the capitalistic father in an engaging way.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Shinobi no Mono: Band of Assassins (1962)Background image for Shinobi no Mono: Band of Assassins (1962)

Shinobi no Mono: Band of Assassins (1962)

Yamamoto expertly utilizes the game of disguises, traps, gadgets, concealed passages, hidden stairs, and trapdoors, to offer an allegorical tale of the post-war subject’s conundrum

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Six Singing Women (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for Six Singing Women (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Six Singing Women (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

A great narrative, yet one that stumbles over its own thematical fixation

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for The Shape of Night (1964) reviewBackground image for The Shape of Night (1964) review

The Shape of Night (1964) review

This filmic narrative needs to be counted among the classics of Japanese cinema

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for House of Sayuri (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]Background image for House of Sayuri (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]

House of Sayuri (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]

The thoughtful manipulation of this atmospheric field is integral to create an effective and engaging genre-blend.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Baby Assassins: Good Days (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]Background image for Baby Assassins: Good Days (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]

Baby Assassins: Good Days (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]

Yugo Sakamoto successfully mixes up the formula that structured his previous two action narratives. Highly Recommended.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp – (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]Background image for Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp – (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]

Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp – (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]

An evocative experience that succeeds in giving the vampire and the well-explored themes a fresh coat of drama and sexiness.  

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Fly Me To The Saitama: From Biwa Lake with Love (2023) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]Background image for Fly Me To The Saitama: From Biwa Lake with Love (2023) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]

Fly Me To The Saitama: From Biwa Lake with Love (2023) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]

A fun romp that works well as an introduction to the cultural diversity that enriches the Japanese archipelago.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for All The Long Nights (2024) review [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for All The Long Nights (2024) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

All The Long Nights (2024) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

A splendid drama that shows how symptoms can disturb a subject’s life and how the social field attains its cruel complexity due to the riddle of desire.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Short Movie Time: Social Circles (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for Short Movie Time: Social Circles (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Short Movie Time: Social Circles (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

A highly experimental and conceptual experience that might not be for everyone

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Short Movie Time: Nezumikozō Jirokichi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for Short Movie Time: Nezumikozō Jirokichi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Short Movie Time: Nezumikozō Jirokichi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

The mix of elements supports the film’s aim well, that is to entice spectators to seek out the three films that remain from this somewhat forgotten master

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Fantasia 2024: 6 Japanese films you should not miss.Background image for Fantasia 2024: 6 Japanese films you should not miss.

Fantasia 2024: 6 Japanese films you should not miss.

n this short article, we want to introduce two of our recommendations and four films we look forward to and you should do.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for I Was Born, But … (1932) reviewBackground image for I Was Born, But … (1932) review

I Was Born, But … (1932) review

What allows Ozu’s exploration of parental failure to retain its power to charm and engage is the very fact that every child needs to go through such phase.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Kubi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for Kubi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Kubi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

One of best period dramas in recent years.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for City Hunter (2024) reviewBackground image for City Hunter (2024) review
Featured image for Short Movie Time: Bottle George (2024) [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for Short Movie Time: Bottle George (2024) [Japan Cuts 2024]
Featured image for Short Movie Time: Hail Mary (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]Background image for Short Movie Time: Hail Mary (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Short Movie Time: Hail Mary (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Nakamura succeeds in making the spectator care for Maria and impact him/her emotionally with her tragedy.   

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Secret: A Hidden Score (2024) review [Nippon connection 2024]Background image for Secret: A Hidden Score (2024) review [Nippon connection 2024]

Secret: A Hidden Score (2024) review [Nippon connection 2024]

Spectators who like piano and pianists might find something to enjoy in this emotionally impotent narrative.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Penalty Loop (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]Background image for Penalty Loop (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

Penalty Loop (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

The way Araki resolves the narrative’s thematical questions concerning vengeance and the working-through of trauma will divide spectators

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]Background image for 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

Fujii proves that the tropes of the romance genre can still be exploited in a refreshing and emotionally satisfying manner.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – decisive battle (2023) reviewBackground image for Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – decisive battle (2023) review

Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – decisive battle (2023) review

Hanabusa can finally do what he does well: deliver dramatic moments whose origin lie in narrative twists or in unexpected turns in the bursts of violence.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Yin Yang Master Zero (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]Background image for Yin Yang Master Zero (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]
Featured image for A Story Written With Water (1965) reviewBackground image for A Story Written With Water (1965) review

A Story Written With Water (1965) review

An exquisitely layered psychological drama that unveils how a subject’s fixation on a phantasmatic image disrupts his ability to commit himself romantically to the female other

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Black Tight Killers (1966)Background image for Black Tight Killers (1966)

Black Tight Killers (1966)

A stylish and visually dazzling romp with lots of action and sensuality

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Yoko (2023) reviewBackground image for Yoko (2023) review

Yoko (2023) review

A complex full-bodied filmic wine that cannot but stir the spectator’s emotions.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Bad Lands (2023) reviewBackground image for Bad Lands (2023) review

Bad Lands (2023) review

The incredibly well-crafted narrative structure, fuelled by Sakura Ando’s extremely satisfying performance, ensures that the spectator remains engaged from start and finish

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Undercurrent (2023) reviewBackground image for Undercurrent (2023) review

Undercurrent (2023) review

Imaizumi delivers an engaging but understated emotional experience that explores the deceptive nature of imaginary veil that binds two subjects together.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Kisaragi Station (2022) reviewBackground image for Kisaragi Station (2022) review

Kisaragi Station (2022) review

Thanks to a good narrative structure and pleasant performance this low-budget horror film succeeds in engaging and satisfying the spectator.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Performing Kaoru’s Funeral (2023) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Performing Kaoru’s Funeral (2023) review [OAFF 2024]

Performing Kaoru’s Funeral (2023) review [OAFF 2024]

Yuasa’s narrative shows that the unavoidable presence of death during a funeral can allow a subject to re-route his own trajectory.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Faraway Family (2023) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Faraway Family (2023) review [OAFF 2024]

Faraway Family (2023) review [OAFF 2024]

A very touching narrative that explores the frail position of the father and how his structural failure can cause subjective struggles and inhibitions.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Blue Imagine (2024) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Blue Imagine (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

Blue Imagine (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

A powerful reminder of the sexual transgressions that structurally plague the Japanese film industry

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Snowdrop (2024) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Snowdrop (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

Snowdrop (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

A complex character portrait that touchingly illustrates how easy it is to misrecognize the logic of the subject-supposed-to-be-in-need.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Short Movie Time: Perfect・Nervous (2024) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Short Movie Time: Perfect・Nervous (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

Short Movie Time: Perfect・Nervous (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

An exquisitely crafted narrative that touchingly shows that a simple encounter, a simple exchange of signifiers, can turn a wish to die into a desire to life.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Wash Away (2024) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Wash Away (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

Wash Away (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

A pleasant narrative that offers a fresh but familiar exploration of the subject’s fundamental desire for recognition/love and the problematic yet medicative function of consumption.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Short Movie Time: On a Boat (2024) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Short Movie Time: On a Boat (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

Short Movie Time: On a Boat (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

The exploration of the frail stability of an obsessional neurotic does not miss its impact on the spectator.

psycho-cinematography

Featured image for Amalock (2024) review [OAFF 2024]Background image for Amalock (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

Amalock (2024) review [OAFF 2024]

A narrative that fluidly combines comedy and tragedy to deliver an experience of smiles and tears.

psycho-cinematography