The 1990s marked a dynamic period in Japanese cinema, characterized by creative innovation and the emergence of new themes and styles. This decade was notable for exploring various aspects of life, relationships, and self-discovery while providing a platform for both established and upcoming directors. It was during this time that filmmakers were increasingly pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema, experimenting with genres and narrative structures. These selections, while subjective, encapsulate the transformative spirit of the time, reflecting the artistic and cultural shifts that defined the decade. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Japanese films of the 90s.
10. Love & Pop – Hideaki Anno (1998)
In “Love & Pop,” a story unfolds around a teenage girl named Hiromi, who lives a fairly normal life with her parents and younger sister in Tokyo. Curious about the urban legend of “compensated dating” with older men, she and her friends decide to try it out, driven by a mix of boredom and the allure of easy money. This decision immerses Hiromi in a world far from her previously sheltered existence, where she confronts challenges and choices she never anticipated. As Hiromi dives deeper into this realm, she battles with her own emotions, insecurities, and the blurred lines of morality.
Hideaki Anno, widely acclaimed for his work on “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” approaches this film with a raw realism, bringing to the fore the vulnerabilities of adolescence. The director’s use of experimental camera angles and storytelling techniques adds layers of depth, making the viewer intimately familiar with Hiromi’s internal struggles. The narrative beautifully encapsulates the whirlwind of emotions tied to teenage years and the complexities of modern urban life. “Love & Pop” remains a thought-provoking exploration of youth, identity, and the pressures of contemporary society.
9. After Life – Hirokazu Kore-eda (1998)
Set in a liminal space between life and death, “After Life” presents a unique premise where the deceased are given a week to choose one memory they wish to keep for eternity. Guided by counselors, these souls must then recreate and film their chosen memory before moving on to the next realm. The process isn’t straightforward, as many grapple with their pasts, regrets, and the essence of what truly makes a memory precious. Through their stories, the film delves into the profoundness of human experience, relationships, and the nature of memory itself.
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s signature sensitivity shines brightly in this deeply touching narrative, making this one of the best Japanese films of the 90s. With its gentle pacing and authentic character interactions, the film offers viewers a reflective journey, urging them to ponder their own cherished memories and life’s fleeting moments. Through its simple yet profound premise, “After Life” beautifully illustrates the nuances of human connections, desires, and the age-old quest for meaning. It stands as a testament to Kore-eda’s ability to craft narratives that resonate on a deeply human level.
8. Dreams – Akira Kurosawa (1990)
“Dreams” is a visual journey through eight distinct segments, each based on actual dreams that the legendary director Akira Kurosawa claimed to have experienced himself. Ranging from tales of a fox wedding to a post-apocalyptic world, the dreams tackle a wide array of themes including nature, art, and the impact of human activity on the environment. Each segment is a unique blend of the fantastical and the real, providing viewers with a kaleidoscope of emotions, imagery, and profound insights. The ethereal and often surreal visions pull the audience into Kurosawa’s dreamlike world, offering both contemplation and wonder.
As one of cinema’s most esteemed directors, Kurosawa’s “Dreams” is a testament to his unparalleled vision and creativity. By weaving together varied narratives with breathtaking visuals, he crafts a mosaic of human experiences, fears, and desires. Each dream segment, though distinct, resonates with universal truths and observations about the human condition. The film remains a unique masterpiece, demonstrating Kurosawa’s enduring genius and his ability to communicate deep emotions through the language of cinema.
7. Whisper of the Heart – Yoshifumi Kondo (1995)
In the city of Tokyo, young Shizuku Tsukishima, a 14-year-old girl with a keen sense of curiosity, stumbles upon a series of books in her local library that all have been checked out by the same person, Seiji Amasawa. Fascinated by this discovery and driven by her inquisitive nature, she embarks on a quest, determined to find this mysterious individual. During her search, she happens upon a quaint antique shop, where her attention is immediately captivated by a curious cat figurine named “The Baron.” Drawn into a world of stories and antiques, Shizuku not only unravels the mystery behind the books but also delves deep into her own ambitions and passions.
Being a production by Studio Ghibli and with the guidance of Hayao Miyazaki, “Whisper of the Heart” stands out as a heartfelt tale that beautifully captures the essence of young love, dreams, and the winding path to self-discovery. Taking the reins for the first time, Yoshifumi Kondo crafts a narrative that exudes warmth and depth, making it a memorable coming-of-age story. Through Shizuku’s eyes and experiences, the film effortlessly emphasizes the subtle beauty of everyday life and the undying significance of pursuing one’s dreams and aspirations. With its endearing narrative, charming storyline, touching moments, and a cast of relatable characters, “Whisper of the Heart” secures its place as one of the best Japanese films of the 90s.
6. Hana-bi – Takeshi Kitano (1997)
In “Hana-bi”, Nishi, a former police officer with a storied career, grapples with a harrowing series of personal tragedies. Torn apart by overwhelming guilt, sorrow, and the weight of responsibility, Nishi makes a radical decision, opting for a life on the other side of the law by robbing a bank. This act is driven by his deep-seated desire to secure a future for his ailing wife, ensuring her final days are comfortable. As they embark on their journey together, it becomes a mosaic of emotions, combined with moments of raw tenderness and sudden bursts of violence. Yet, as they traverse this path, the shadows of Nishi’s tumultuous past and the looming consequences of his drastic actions doggedly chase him, threatening to overturn their fragile peace.
Takeshi Kitano, wearing both the hats of the director and the lead actor of “Hana-bi,” masterfully juxtaposes moments of deep introspection with intense bursts of adrenaline-pumping action. The film’s narrative is accentuated by Kitano’s signature directorial style, a style that sheds light on the duality intrinsic to human nature — our innate capacity to harbor both extreme violence and profound, heartfelt affection. With “Hana-bi,” Kitano crafts a film rich in emotions and details, and through his nuanced portrayal and creation of compelling characters, the film stands tall as one of his standout works, brilliantly encapsulating the core of human bonds when faced with adversity.
5. Haru – Yoshimitsu Morita (1996)
Haru, a well-renowned author, leads a solitary life, marked by a quiet melancholy, due to her inability to forget her first love who vanished without a trace 20 years prior. This seemingly uneventful existence suddenly takes a jarring turn when, out of the blue, she receives a mysterious letter, seemingly penned by him. This unexpected correspondence thrusts Haru on an emotional odyssey, painstakingly retracing her cherished memories and the fleeting moments they once shared. As she wades through this flood of nostalgia, Haru is compelled to confront the harsh truths of time’s passage, the inevitability of change, and the deep chasm of what was irrevocably lost.
Yoshimitsu Morita’s “Haru” stands out as a brilliant example of emotional storytelling. It powerfully emphasizes the profound impact of past memories and the lasting marks they leave on one’s life, making this one of the best Japanese films of the 90s. With a keen eye for detail, Morita masterfully portrays the delicate complexities of human bonds, evoking the heartache of love that remains unreciprocated. Through its authentic depiction of Haru’s emotional landscape and her relentless quest for answers, the film solidifies its stature as a captivating narrative on love’s enduring ache.
4. Cure – Kiyoshi Kurosawa (1997)
Detective Kenichi Takabe finds himself submerged in a confounding case, one where a series of seemingly unrelated individuals are driven to commit heinous murders, each eerily marked by a mysterious “X” etched into their victim’s neck. As Takabe intensively probes deeper into this investigation, he crosses paths with a mesmerizing yet unsettling man named Mamiya. This individual, far from ordinary, harbors a chilling ability to seed murderous intentions in the minds of others. As their paths intertwine repeatedly, Mamiya’s manipulative tactics ensnare Takabe, leading him on a treacherous journey that forces him to question the very boundaries of human sanity and the often overlooked vulnerabilities of the mind.
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Cure” is a masterful psychological thriller, artfully straddling the thin boundary between rational thought and creeping insanity. With an eye for tension and suspense, Kurosawa creates a world filled with unnerving moments and a pervasive sense of unease. The film astutely explores the shadowy corners of human consciousness and the latent fears that reside therein. Through its gripping narrative and visually arresting imagery, “Cure” firmly establishes its place as a benchmark within the world of Japanese psychological horror films.
3. Princess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki (1997)
Set during the Muromachi period of Japan, the brave and determined Prince Ashitaka finds himself marked by a grievous curse, inflicted upon him by an enraged demon boar. Desperate to rid himself of this malevolent curse and to find a deeper understanding of the conflict that led to his affliction, he journeys to the west. There, he stumbles upon Iron Town, a burgeoning hub of industry and innovation that causes mass deforestation. Amidst this escalating tension stand two formidable figures: Lady Eboshi, a visionary leader with grand ambitions for Iron Town, who believes in harnessing the boundless resources of the forest, and San, often referred to as Princess Mononoke, a dauntless and wild girl nurtured by wolves, fiercely dedicated to defending the sanctity of her forest home.
Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke” is a captivating and unparalleled epic in the world of animated cinema. Drawing viewers into a rich narrative that questions humanity’s place within nature, the film becomes a reflection on the delicate balance between progress and conservation. Through his storytelling and well-fleshed-out characters, Miyazaki challenges viewers to reflect upon the profound responsibilities that come with power and progress. Evoking a sense of wonder with its striking animation and layered narrative, “Princess Mononoke” ensures its place as one of the best Japanese films of the 90s.
2. Perfect Blue – Satoshi Kon (1997)
Mima Kirigoe, once a shining star as a member of a beloved idol group, makes the bold decision to transition from her comfortable singing career to the unpredictable realm of acting. This shift, which she hopes will redefine her as a versatile artist, soon becomes a harrowing ordeal. Her perception of reality grows increasingly unreliable, leading her to question her surroundings and even her own memories. As she grapples with her new role, she finds herself haunted by a relentless fan and is deeply unsettled by a mysterious website that seems to know intimate details of her daily life. These external pressures intensify Mima’s inner turmoil, blurring the boundaries between the tangible world and the distorted visions that increasingly consume her.
Satoshi Kon’s “Perfect Blue” stands out as a startling and thought-provoking journey into the challenges of personal transformation and the shadows cast by fame. It probes deep into the challenges and dangers associated with the malleability of identity in an age dominated by media. With a narrative that seamlessly weaves together layers of ambiguity, Kon pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat as they try to decipher Mima’s reality. As a piece that boldly confronts the vulnerabilities and challenges of stardom, “Perfect Blue” holds a distinguished place as one of the best pieces of psychological cinema.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion – Hideaki Anno (1997)
In a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, under the shadow of despair, the organization NERV faces imminent destruction from both sinister internal conspiracies and relentless external threats. Teenagers Shinji, Rei, and Asuka, the pilots of massive bio-machines called Evangelions, stand as humanity’s last hope against the devastating mysterious beings known as Angels. Amidst the overwhelming chaos, Shinji grapples with his responsibilities, the weight of his choices, relationships, and personal traumas, all while seeking to find meaning in the mounting adversity. The film culminates in a cataclysmic event, reshaping the fate of humanity and altering the world as we know it.
Hideaki Anno’s “Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” is a cinematic marvel, serving as both a conclusion and a reimagining of the original series. It provides answers, yet raises new questions, keeping viewers engrossed throughout. Anno’s storytelling brilliance shines through in the film’s nuanced character development and its exploration of complex themes like identity, purpose, and human connection. Every frame and dialogue is carefully crafted, reflecting Anno’s impressive attention to detail. As an outstanding finale to the iconic series, “The End of Evangelion” solidifies its place as one of the best Japanese films of the 90s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Japanese films of the 90s:
- Love & Pop – Hideaki Anno (1998)
- After Life – Hirokazu Kore-eda (1998)
- Dreams – Akira Kurosawa (1990)
- Whisper of the Heart – Yoshifumi Kondo (1995)
- Hana-bi – Takeshi Kitano (1997)
- Haru – Yoshimitsu Morita (1996)
- Cure – Kiyoshi Kurosawa (1997)
- Princess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki (1997)
- Perfect Blue – Satoshi Kon (1997)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion – Hideaki Anno (1997)
