Kiyoshi Kurosawa, a celebrated figure in the sphere of Japanese cinema, is recognized for his intriguing mix of genres and his exploration of existential themes. From unsettling psychological thrillers to deeply human dramas, Kurosawa’s versatility as a filmmaker shines brightly. His works often feature ordinary individuals grappling with the surreal and the uncanny, signifying his deep understanding of the human mind. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, Kurosawa’s narratives often invite viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and fears. His films not only entertain but also challenge conventional storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what cinema can achieve. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Kiyoshi Kurosawa films of all time.
10. Creepy (2016)
“Creepy” follows the life of Takakura, a former detective, who has now shifted to academic work. After a traumatic case, he leaves the force and takes up a position as a university lecturer in criminal psychology. As days pass, subtle hints about the neighborhood’s past emerge, further complicating Takakura’s perceptions. When he and his wife Yasuko move to a new neighborhood, they encounter strange neighbors, specifically one, Mr. Nishino, whose erratic behavior starts to unsettle them. As Takakura becomes more intrigued by Nishino, he begins to uncover dark and unsettling secrets about him.
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Creepy” masterfully combines elements of psychological horror with intense thriller components. The atmospheric tension, maintained throughout the film, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing Kurosawa’s expertise in building suspense. The narrative weaves a web of mystery, leaving viewers constantly questioning who can truly be trusted, while the characters’ complexities add depth, making their encounters even more unpredictable. “Creepy” serves as a chilling reminder of the underlying mysteries that can lurk in seemingly mundane settings, raising questions about trust, past traumas, and the hidden facets of our surroundings.
9. Before We Vanish (2017)
“Before We Vanish” is a gripping narrative set during an impending alien invasion where three aliens take over human bodies as part of their reconnaissance mission to learn about humanity before the invasion begins. While navigating our world, they are often perplexed by seemingly mundane human activities. These extraterrestrial beings struggle to understand human emotions, relationships, and the intricacies of our world. Throughout the film, they form bonds with certain humans, leading to unexpected consequences, shedding light on the profound yet often overlooked aspects of human existence.
Kurosawa takes a unique approach to the alien invasion genre with “Before We Vanish”, infusing it with both drama and moments of dark humor. Instead of relying on overtly sci-fi elements, he focuses on the human experience, presenting a thought-provoking perspective on what it means to be human. The juxtaposition of otherworldly entities trying to grasp human emotions provides both tension and contemplation. Their quest for understanding inadvertently forces the humans they interact with to introspect, questioning their own understanding of emotions and connections. With its nuanced storytelling, “Before We Vanish” distinguishes itself as an intriguing examination of humanity and alienation, making it one of the best Kiyoshi Kurosawa films of all time.
8. To the Ends of the Earth (2019)
“To the Ends of the Earth” centers around Yoko, a young Japanese woman and a TV host, who is filming a travel variety show in Uzbekistan. As she goes about her assignments, Yoko feels out of place and isolated due to language barriers and cultural differences. She faces various challenges, from a fish that refuses to get caught for a segment to unexpected encounters with locals. Despite the challenges, she also encounters moments of unexpected beauty and grace, enriching her journey. Amid her journey, Yoko embarks on an introspective quest, trying to find a deeper connection with herself and the world around her.
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s approach in “To the Ends of the Earth” leans heavily on the emotional journey of its protagonist. Through Yoko’s experiences, the film explores themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and the transient nature of human connections. His storytelling illuminates the delicate balance between discomfort and discovery that comes with venturing into the unknown. Kurosawa’s masterful direction captures the vast landscapes and the intricate emotions of his characters with equal fervor, ensuring that the film stands as a testament to the universal human experience of searching for belonging in unfamiliar territories.
7. Serpent’s Path (1998)
In “Serpent’s Path”, the plot revolves around Miyashita, a former yakuza, and Nijima, a schoolteacher, who join forces to take revenge on the man they believe is responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Miyashita’s daughter. Their quest for vengeance leads them down a dark path filled with violence and moral ambiguities. As they navigate this treacherous journey, the blurred boundaries of right and wrong become evident. Along the way, they’re forced to confront their own motivations, question their actions, and face the repercussions of their decisions. The unpredictability of their journey keeps the viewers constantly questioning the outcome.
Kurosawa, in “Serpent’s Path”, delves deep into the psyche of his characters, showcasing the thin line between vengeance and justice. The film, with its bleak atmosphere and intense character dynamics, offers a raw portrayal of human emotions and the lengths people might go to find closure. The relentless pursuit of revenge, often at the cost of personal ethics, is prominently displayed, with Kurosawa’s impeccable storytelling and the film’s gritty ambiance making it a gripping watch. The narrative serves as a profound exploration of morality, revenge, and redemption, solidifying its place as one of the best Kiyoshi Kurosawa films of all time.
6. License to Live (1998)
“License to Live” narrates the captivating tale of Yutaka, a young man who finds himself in a bewildering situation as he awakens from a coma that has lasted an astonishing decade. Emerging into consciousness, he’s immediately confronted with the disconcerting realization that the world around him has dramatically transformed — his once tight-knit family unit has fragmented with his parents embarking on separate paths after a divorce, while his siblings, whom he recalls as children, have matured into adults. Bereft of any memory of his past and grappling with an overwhelming sense of dislocation, Yutaka embarks on a journey to reconstruct his life.
“License to Live” stands as a clear demonstration of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s exceptional talent in creating narratives that resonate with depth and emotion. Through his unique directorial lens, the film offers an outstanding portrayal of the journey of self-reclamation and the winding pathways of family dynamics. Each character in the movie, while orbiting Yutaka’s central narrative, embarks on their own emotional voyage, replete with reflective pauses and internal dialogues, adding layers of depth to the overarching storyline. The viewer is seamlessly drawn into this tapestry of lives, experiencing a wide range of feelings that range from empathy to introspection.
5. Pulse (2001)
“Pulse” unveils a harrowing narrative set in Tokyo where technology becomes a conduit for the supernatural. People across the city begin to encounter haunting, ghostly apparitions through their computer screens, leading to a series of mysterious disappearances and suicides. As the story unfolds, two parallel plots emerge: one of a woman investigating a colleague’s strange demise and another of a computer tech whiz trying to understand a disturbing pattern he notices online. Both storylines gradually intertwine, revealing a terrifying digital realm where the living and the dead converge.
Kiyoshi Kurosawa, through “Pulse”, offers a gripping tale that blurs the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. With a seamless fusion of horror and suspense, Kurosawa presents a thought-provoking commentary on the isolation and desolation fostered by modern technology. The film effectively utilizes its eerie atmosphere to accentuate the looming dread that pervades each frame. “Pulse” stands as a chilling exploration of human connection, technology, and the spectral shadows that lurk in between, ensuring its place as one of the best Kiyoshi Kurosawa films of all time.
4. Charisma (1999)
In “Charisma”, a disgraced Tokyo detective, Yabuike, finds himself stranded in a remote forest following a failed hostage negotiation. Here, he stumbles upon a solitary tree named Charisma, which the local residents believe possesses an enigmatic, powerful force. Surrounding this tree is an ongoing battle between conservationists who view it as a symbol of nature’s resilience and others who see it as a menace threatening the balance of the forest ecosystem. As Yabuike delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes entangled in the fervent passions and conflicts of those who seek to control the tree’s fate.
Kurosawa crafts a riveting narrative in “Charisma” that explores the depths of human obsession and environmental philosophy. The film’s lush forest setting serves as a powerful character in its own right, emphasizing the complicated interplay of nature and human intervention. With its unique premise, the movie invites viewers to reflect on the nature of life, coexistence, and the sometimes blurred line between preservation and destruction. Kurosawa’s storytelling prowess shines brightly, making “Charisma” an unforgettable and unique cinematic experience.
3. Retribution (2007)
“Retribution” follows Detective Yoshioka as he investigates a perplexing case where a woman’s body is discovered in a puddle of water in a derelict Tokyo building. As he delves deeper into the investigation, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural become increasingly blurred. Hauntingly, the evidence at the crime scene begins to eerily point towards Yoshioka himself as the primary suspect. As more bodies surface, each crime scene disturbingly mirrors the first, and Yoshioka becomes consumed with dread and paranoia. Battling his own inner demons, he is compelled to confront the possibility of a ghostly vendetta from his past.
With “Retribution”, Kurosawa crafts an intense psychological thriller steeped in supernatural elements. The film masterfully balances the tangible horrors of crime with the ethereal terror of the unknown. Kurosawa’s direction, abundant with haunting visuals and unpredictable plot twists, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Through Yoshioka’s descent into despair and uncertainty, Kurosawa underscores the themes of guilt, retribution, and the heavy weight of the past. Engaging from start to finish, “Retribution” offers both spine-chilling moments and a profound commentary on the human psyche.
2. Tokyo Sonata (2008)
“Tokyo Sonata” presents the story of the Sasaki family, living in suburban Tokyo. The narrative begins with the patriarch, Ryuhei Sasaki, losing his administrative job and attempting to keep this a secret from his family. As the days pass, Ryuhei finds himself navigating the challenges of pride and identity while trying to uphold the family’s image. As he covertly searches for new employment, other members of the Sasaki family grapple with their own personal crises, leading to a cascade of events that threaten to unravel the familial fabric. From a son’s secret piano lessons to another’s enlistment in the U.S. military, each family member’s journey reveals the fragile dynamics of their relationships.
Kurosawa, in “Tokyo Sonata”, brilliantly captures the nuanced struggles and aspirations of a contemporary middle-class family. The film serves as a window into the intricate dynamics of familial bonds, societal roles, and the challenges of communication. The director’s keen eye for detail brings out the subtleties of daily life and the silent battles each character faces. Through the lens of the Sasaki family, Kurosawa paints a vivid picture of modern life, with its array of hopes, disappointments, and unforeseen challenges. “Tokyo Sonata” resonates as a deeply moving portrayal of family, dreams, and the complexities of modern existence, ensuring its place as one of the best Kiyoshi Kurosawa films.
1. Cure (1997)
Set against the urban landscape of Tokyo, “Cure” introduces viewers to a series of gruesome murders where the victims bear a distinct cross-like mark on their bodies. Detective Takabe, assigned to the case, finds himself puzzled as each perpetrator has no memory of their heinous acts, except for a vague encounter with a mysterious stranger named Mamiya. The deeper Takabe ventures into the case, the more the lines between reality and illusion seem to blur. As Takabe delves deeper into Mamiya’s world, he discovers unsettling connections to hypnosis and suggestion. This engrossing investigation soon becomes a psychological battle, with Takabe’s own sanity hanging in the balance. The chilling question at the heart of the film becomes not only who is behind the crimes, but how and why they are being committed.
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Cure” is a masterclass in suspense and psychological drama, with the narrative seamlessly combining elements of crime, horror, and mystery, taking viewers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and revelations. As the story unfolds, the audience is left to grapple with the unsettling nature of influence and manipulation. Every frame exudes an atmospheric tension that amplifies the chilling storyline. Through “Cure”, Kurosawa offers a mesmerizing exploration of the human mind, its vulnerabilities, and the dark recesses where malice can take root.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Kiyoshi Kurosawa films of all time:
- Creepy (2016)
- Before We Vanish (2017)
- To the Ends of the Earth (2019)
- Serpent’s Path (1998)
- License to Live (1998)
- Pulse (2001)
- Charisma (1999)
- Retribution (2007)
- Tokyo Sonata (2008)
- Cure (1997)
