J-Movies for Beginners.

Yesterday I wrote an article about J-Dramas that are suitable for beginners. Today, I thought that I would list some Japanese movies. Now, today I'm going to write surname then first name, because after the last article, it should stick. Let's get right into it, shall we?

Death Note (7/10)

If you like manga, you'd at least know of this. Death Note is one of the most popular shonen manga out there, and it was made into a film. The film revolves around Light, who finds a notebook. The first rule written in the notebook is whoever's name is written in this book shall die, or something along those lines. Light decides he is going to bring justice to this world, and rid of all the criminals. The world's greatest detective, L, is on a mission to stop him. And we can't forget Ryuk, the shinigami who 'owned' the Death Note, and Misa, the second Kira (Light is the first).

I gave this drama a seven out of ten because after reading the manga and watching the anime, it didn't really have that 'wow' factor, but it wasn't horrible. It was okay. But still, this is a good movie for beginners who are moving in from anime to dramas and live-action movies, because it's a recognisable title.

Actors: Matsuyama Kenichi, Fujiwara Tatsuya, Toda Erika, Kashii Yu.
Genre: Crime, drama.

Detroit Metal City (10/10)

This has got to be one of my favourite movies. I know a lot of people on here are interested in the metal genre of music, so I thought that this would be a good choice. Plus, it's an easy movie to watch. I'm not really sure how to write a summary, so here's part of the synopsis from mydramalist:

Soichiro Negishi (Kenichi Matsuyama) is a music obsessed young teen, making the jump from his rural hometown to the big city of Tokyo. His goal is to become a successful musician, but not your typical J-pop star. Soichiro Negishi has a love for indie twee pop. The kind of music popular in the trendier areas of Tokyo like Shibuya. Unfortunately for Soichiro Negishi he fails miserably in gaining any type of following for his music. Then one day he spots a flier for a music agency looking to recruit musicians. With his home-burned CD in hand, he enters the music agency's office. Fast forward a few more months and Soichiro Negishi is now the front man for an up-and-coming band. Unfortunately for Soichiro, the band is an ultra-heavy death metal band that sings about Satanism, rape, & murder. The band also parades around in make-up reminiscent of the heavy metal band KISS crossed with Ziggy Stardust era David Bowie.

This is a major comedy, and I loved it. It was a perfect movie, and even though some parts are cringe-worthy, it's definitely worth the time. I moved to this movie from the anime, and it did not disappoint. Kenichi fit the role perfectly (I couldn't actually tell it was him at first, though).

Actors: Matsuyama Kenichi, Kato Rosa, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Yamane Kazuma.
Genre: Music, comedy, romance (sort of)

Oresama (9/10)

I'm putting this movie down because a lot of people who watch dramas are also into the Japanese movie scene, and this movie is centered around Miyavi's life. If you're new to dramas and movies, it's good to start with a familiar name and work from there. This movie is literally about Miyavi travelling twenty years back in time, and living there for a while, doing many things. He meets his younger self and thinks about stopping him from going to a soccer match. He also helps a new friend go pro in the music industry. I won't say anymore than that, because of spoilers. The reason why I gave this nine out of ten is because it is a bit slow, but other than that, I loved this movie.

Actors: Miyavi
Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Music.

Kamikaze Girls (10/10)

This has one of my all time favourite actors/singers in it, Anna Tsuchiya. This film is perfect and definitely a must for beginners. Because I'm in a slight rush, I'll be taking the summary (and the rest of the summaries) from mydramalist. The summary for this film is:

Kyoko Fukada plays Momoko who yearns to be part of the Rococo aristocracy. A shame then, as she was born two centuries too late. Ardent loner Momoko is born into the Yakuza heart-land. She feels, how ever, more at home in Versaille than her distant home-town of Shimotsuma, Ibaraki. Her appetite for the lavish doll-like fashion known to its disciples as the "Lolita" look is insatiable. The uber-rebel Ichiko, played by model and cult J-rock icon Anna Tsuchiya, is a Bosozoku motor-cycle-gang member. On a fifty C.C. scooter. Laugh at your own risk before she knocks your teeth out. Her Pony-tails gang is one of Ibaraki's "wild speed tribes", whose teeth-rattling customized bikes are decked out with their fibreglass shields and bannered back rests. She, too, is decked out in her elaborately decorated Tokkofuku boiler-suits. In a world is as colourful as Momoko's sweet-filled lunch-box, the path of these two incongruous girls cross one languid summer. Asses are kicked (and garments embroidered).

This was one of my favourite films, and no matter how many times I watch this, it doesn't get old. This film also features a lot of one of my favourite brands, Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, and a girl interested in lolita fashion, which I think helps appeal to more feminine viewers.

Actors: Anna Tsuchiya, Fukada Kyoko, Fukuda Mayuko, Koike Eiko.
Genre: Comedy, friendship, action.

Rurouni Kenshin (10/10)

I blame Adida for getting me into this film. At first, I wasn't really into it, because I didn't believe they could live up to the manga's reputation, but after Adida's constant messages for me to try this, I decided to watch it. At first, I stopped twenty minutes in and didn't get back to watching it, so I forced myself to sit down and complete it. Let me tell you, I was surprised to no end. The summary of the film is:

Former legendary assassin Kenshin Himura (Takeru Sato) has now become a wandering samurai. Offerring aid & protecting those in need as atonement for his past deeds. During this time comes across and aides Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei). Her father opened the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu, a kendo school located in Tokyo and Kaoru is now an instructor there. Kaoru then invites Kenshin to stay at her dojo. Their relationship develops furhter, but Kenshin is still haunted by his violent past.

I fell in love with this film and cried when it was over. Everything about this film was perfect. If you're new to Japanese movies, this is definitely another must.

Actors: Sato Takeru, Takei Emi, Eguchi Yosuke, Ayano Go.
Genre: Action, Romance, Historical

Sakuran (10/10)

This is definitely another favourite of mine. I loved this drama because, once again, Anna Tsuchiya. But also because it's about the lives of one of my favourite 'entertainers', the oiran. The summary is:

A courtesan in Edo could not be bought, rather, she wanted to be won over, and therefore expected a certain amount of attention, sensitivity and generosity from the man who conquered her. Edo's ordinary inhabitants eyed everything that went on in Yoshiwara with a mixtrure of envy and distrust. SAKURAN tells the story of one woman living in the lustrous world of Yoshiwara who was determined to stand on her own two feet and live life as she pleased.

I loved this film because it shows a different side to the Japanese prostitutes, a side that is not depicted in modern teachings. This movie is based off a manga, and is not a disappointment. I think Anna plays Kiyoha perfectly, and the emotions that she's able to show just blowed me away. I highly recommend this if you want something different.

Actors: Anna Tsuchiya, Bages Minami, Kanno Miho, Ando Masanobu.
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama.

Honourable Mentions:

I didn't include these movies because some of them aren't exactly for beginners, but they're still entertaining enough to draw you in.

• Battle Royale
• Gantz
• Nana
• Lovely Complex
• Paradise Kiss
• Gothic and Lolita Psycho
• GOTH
• Carved
• Suicide Club
• Zatoichi

I hope this was entertaining and helpful to you.