The 1960s marked a transformative period in Japanese cinema, a decade characterized by bold experimentation, artistic audacity, and the challenging of traditional norms. This decade saw a remarkable fusion of classical storytelling with avant-garde techniques, producing films that were not only visually stunning but also abundant in thematic depth. Directors like Akira Kurosawa and Masaki Kobayashi further established their reputation, pushing the boundaries of film as an art form. From samurai epics that redefined the genre to psychological dramas exploring the depths of the human psyche, the films of this era encapsulate a dynamic period of cultural and social change in Japan. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Japanese films of the 60s.
10. Kwaidan – Masaki Kobayashi (1964)
“Kwaidan,” directed by Masaki Kobayashi, is a visually striking anthology film based on traditional Japanese ghost stories. The film consists of four separate and unrelated tales, each rooted in the supernatural and exploring themes of love, loss, and the eerie. The segments – “The Black Hair,” “The Woman of the Snow,” “Hoichi the Earless,” and “In a Cup of Tea” – are notable for their lush, artistic visuals and haunting narratives. Each story unfolds in a unique way, combining human drama with otherworldly elements. Renowned for its elaborate and vibrant set pieces, “Kwaidan” immerses the viewer in a world that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in Japanese folklore.
Kobayashi’s use of color and innovative set designs creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, enhancing the film’s surreal quality. “Kwaidan” is celebrated for its detailed craftsmanship, atmospheric storytelling, and its ability to evoke a sense of uncanny dread. This anthology stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling, where each frame is a carefully composed work of art. The film was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and is praised for its artistic and poetic approach to horror. “Kwaidan” remains a landmark in Japanese cinema, revered for its stylistic beauty and its timeless, chilling tales.
9. The Face of Another – Hiroshi Teshigahara (1966)
“The Face of Another,” directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara in 1966, is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and alienation. The film tells the story of a man who, disfigured in an industrial accident, receives a lifelike mask from a psychiatrist. This new face allows him to lead a double life, ultimately leading him to question his own identity and humanity. The narrative explores the psychological impact of physical appearance on one’s place in society. Through its unique plot, the film examines the notion of self and the societal constructs surrounding physical beauty.
Teshigahara’s film is a masterpiece of existential cinema, notable for its surreal imagery and philosophical depth. The movie challenges viewers to contemplate the nature of self, loneliness, and the masks people wear in society. The director’s use of symbolic visuals and a non-linear narrative structure enhances the film’s exploration of identity and perception. “The Face of Another” is a powerful commentary on the human condition, blending elements of science fiction with a profound existential inquiry. The thought-provoking themes and artistic execution, ensure its place as one of the best Japanese films of the 60s.
8. An Autumn Afternoon – Yasujirō Ozu (1962)
“An Autumn Afternoon,” the final film by acclaimed director Yasujirō Ozu, released in 1962, is a touching portrayal of everyday life and familial relationships. The film centers around an aging widower, Shuhei Hirayama, and his realization that he must marry off his only daughter to prevent her from caring for him in his old age. The narrative captures the subtleties and nuances of post-war Japanese society, focusing on themes of loneliness, the passage of time, and the changing roles within the family structure. This reflective narrative is interwoven with subtle humor and poignant observations about life’s transitions.
Ozu’s signature style, characterized by static shots, low camera angles, and a serene, contemplative pace, is evident throughout the film. “An Autumn Afternoon” is celebrated for its simplicity and emotional depth, capturing the beauty of the mundane. The film’s understated performances and its focus on ordinary moments make it a touching and realistic portrayal of family life. Through its quiet and accurate observations, the film elegantly articulates the bittersweet nature of life’s inevitable changes. “An Autumn Afternoon” is a fitting conclusion to Ozu’s illustrious career, a testament to his mastery in depicting the subtlety of everyday existence, with its enduring relevance and universal themes continuing to resonate with audiences to this day.
7. Samurai Rebellion – Masaki Kobayashi (1967)
“Samurai Rebellion,” another entry directed by Masaki Kobayashi, is a gripping samurai drama set in the Edo period. The film stars Toshiro Mifune as Isaburo Sasahara, an aging samurai who defies his feudal lord to protect his son’s marriage to the lord’s mistress, which inevitably leads to a dramatic and violent confrontation. The film’s exploration of personal honor, family loyalty, and resistance against unjust authority resonates deeply. The overall story is a powerful critique of the rigid samurai code and the societal constraints of the time.
Kobayashi’s film is notable for its intense emotional depth and its critique of authoritarianism and social structures, with the narrative serving as both a thrilling samurai tale and a profound exploration of individualism versus duty. Its bold stand against oppressive power dynamics makes it a timeless tale of resistance. “Samurai Rebellion” is acclaimed for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, particularly by Mifune, and its impressive action sequences. Its blend of political commentary and personal drama secures its place as one of the best Japanese films of the 60s. The film stands as a classic of Japanese cinema, combining traditional samurai action with a thoughtful, humanistic approach.
6. Funeral Parade of Roses – Toshio Matsumoto (1969)
“Funeral Parade of Roses,” directed by Toshio Matsumoto, is a groundbreaking film that explores the underground gay scene in Tokyo during the 1960s. The story follows Eddie, a young transgender woman, as she navigates love and rivalry in a world of nightclubs and drag queens. The film blends documentary-style realism with avant-garde techniques, creating a vivid and kaleidoscopic portrayal of a subculture rarely seen in cinema at the time. Its bold portrayal of gender nonconformity and alternative lifestyles was well ahead of its time, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of its characters.
Matsumoto’s film is a radical departure from conventional storytelling, employing a non-linear narrative, surreal imagery, and interviews with actual members of the Tokyo underground scene. The use of disruptive editing techniques and visual experimentation makes the film a significant milestone in avant-garde cinema. “Funeral Parade of Roses” is celebrated for its daring exploration of gender and sexuality, and its influence on later filmmakers, including Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange.” The film is a landmark of Japanese cinema, known for its artistic innovation and its unapologetic depiction of a marginalized community, remaining a powerful and influential work, both for its artistic audacity and its cultural significance.
5. Yojimbo – Akira Kurosawa (1961)
“Yojimbo,” directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a standout jidaigeki (period drama) film that has influenced the genre of action cinema worldwide. The story follows a masterless samurai, Sanjuro, played by Toshiro Mifune, who arrives in a town torn apart by two rival gangs. Sanjuro decides to play the gangs against each other, using his wits and swordsmanship in combination. His clever manipulation of the rival factions showcases a brilliant strategic mind, adding depth to the character and the narrative. The film is celebrated for its dark humor, dramatic tension, and its iconic, lone wolf protagonist.
Kurosawa’s direction in “Yojimbo” creates a perfect blend of action, wit, and morality, showcasing his mastery in film storytelling. The striking visual style and carefully choreographed action scenes set new standards in the samurai genre, making it one of the best Japanese films of the 60s. The movie’s influential cinematography, memorable score, and Mifune’s charismatic performance have cemented “Yojimbo” as a classic. Its impact extends beyond the samurai genre, influencing filmmakers and storytellers across various cultures and genres. The film not only influenced the samurai genre but also inspired Westerns, most notably Sergio Leone’s “A Fistful of Dollars.” “Yojimbo” remains a towering achievement in Kurosawa’s career and a benchmark in global cinema.
4. Woman in the Dunes – Hiroshi Teshigahara (1964)
“Woman in the Dunes,” directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara and based on the novel by Kobo Abe, was released in 1964, known for its striking visuals and metaphorical depth. The film is a surreal and existential drama about an entomologist who, while on an expedition, becomes trapped in a sand pit with a mysterious woman. The narrative explores themes of isolation, survival, and the human condition, as the pair adapt to their confined life. Their struggle to escape the pit serves as a metaphor for human existence and its inherent struggles.
Teshigahara’s film is a masterful blend of allegory and psychological drama, using the sand dunes as a symbol of the ever-shifting nature of existence. The performances by Eiji Okada and Kyoko Kishida add a haunting and deeply emotional layer to the film. The movie received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, evocative cinematography, and the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. “Woman in the Dunes” is a landmark of Japanese cinema, celebrated for its artistic vision and profound exploration of life’s existential questions. Its ability to bring together human emotions with a stark and unforgiving landscape has left a lasting impact on the world of film. It remains a thought-provoking and visually stunning work that challenges and captivates audiences to this day.
3. The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer – Masaki Kobayashi (1961)
“The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer,” directed by Masaki Kobayashi, concludes the epic trilogy that chronicles the life of Kaji, a pacifist and socialist. The trilogy, based on Jumpei Gomikawa’s novel, is an epic portrayal of the human struggle against oppressive systems. In this final installment, Kaji, now a Japanese soldier during World War II, is captured by the Soviets and experiences the brutalities of a prisoner-of-war camp. The film follows his struggle to maintain his humanity amid the horrors of war and his desperate attempt to return home to his wife. His journey becomes a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless suffering.
The scope of the narrative, spanning several years and different environments, adds a profound depth to Kaji’s character and his existential journey. “A Soldier’s Prayer” is notable for its unflinching depiction of war, powerful performances, and its deep humanism. Kobayashi’s direction fills the film with a sense of tragic grandeur, making it a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience. The enduring relevance of the film’s themes, such as the futility of war and the resilience of human values, make it one of the best Japanese films of the 60s. The trilogy, and especially this final chapter, stands as a monumental achievement in film, offering a devastating but necessary commentary on the human cost of war.
2. High and Low – Akira Kurosawa (1963)
“High and Low,” directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a crime thriller based on Ed McBain’s novel “King’s Ransom.” The film tells the story of Kingo Gondo, a wealthy executive who faces a moral dilemma when his chauffeur’s son is mistakenly kidnapped instead of his own child. Gondo must decide whether to pay the ransom or use the money to complete a crucial business deal. This ethical quandary drives the narrative, creating a tense and morally complex scenario. The film is a gripping exploration of class disparities, morality, and the human psyche. Kurosawa masterfully crafts a film that is both a suspenseful crime story and a deep social commentary.
The intense, tightly-woven narrative keeps the audience on the edge of their seats while presenting a detailed, layered examination of its themes. “High and Low” is praised for its careful plotting, character development, and its critique of societal inequalities. The film’s use of contrasting settings – the ‘high’ of Gondo’s luxurious home and the ‘low’ of the city’s underbelly – adds a visual depth to its thematic exploration. “High and Low” remains one of Kurosawa’s most compelling works, lauded for its narrative sophistication and its relevance to contemporary issues.
1. Harakiri – Masaki Kobayashi (1962)
“Harakiri,” directed by Masaki Kobayashi, is a powerful critique of the samurai code and feudal system. The film is set in 17th-century Japan and follows Hanshiro Tsugumo, a ronin (masterless samurai), who requests to commit ritual suicide at the house of a feudal lord. The story mostly unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the tragic events that led him to this point and his true intentions. Throughout the film, Kobayashi juxtaposes the rigid samurai ethos with the human cost of adherence to such codes, offering a stark and often painful examination of the era’s social norms. The film methodically deconstructs the romanticized image of the samurai, presenting a more nuanced and critical perspective. “Harakiri” is renowned for its intense drama, moral complexity, and its condemnation of the samurai system’s hypocrisy.
Kobayashi’s film is a masterful blend of storytelling and social commentary, using the samurai genre to explore deeper themes of honor, poverty, and systemic injustice. Tatsuya Nakadai’s performance as Tsugumo is both powerful and compelling, capturing the dignity and desperation of his character. “Harakiri” is considered a masterpiece of Japanese cinema, offering a critical view of Japan’s feudal past. The film’s enduring impact lies in its ability to transcend its historical setting, offering a timeless commentary on human dignity and the corrupting nature of power, ensuring its place as one of the best Japanese films of the 60s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Japanese films of the 60s:
- Kwaidan – Masaki Kobayashi (1964)
- The Face of Another – Hiroshi Teshigahara (1966)
- An Autumn Afternoon – Yasujirō Ozu (1962)
- Samurai Rebellion – Masaki Kobayashi (1967)
- Funeral Parade of Roses – Toshio Matsumoto (1969)
- Yojimbo – Akira Kurosawa (1961)
- Woman in the Dunes – Hiroshi Teshigahara (1964)
- The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer – Masaki Kobayashi (1961)
- High and Low – Akira Kurosawa (1963)
- Harakiri – Masaki Kobayashi (1962)
