Arguably Studio Ghibli’s weakest film, Goro Miyazaki’s debut feature is poorly-paced with a story that doesn’t sparkle, despite the beautiful, otherworldly visuals.
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Tales from Earthsea (2006)
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Tag / Japan
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Zatoichi Challenged (1967)
A terrific Zatoichi flick and one of the series’ very best, Misumi’s focus on story and characterisation is the real sleight-of-hand here in this slower but well-paced movie.
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From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
While it isn’t as narratively bold and exciting as some of Studio Ghibli’s best works, there is still an emotional story about family and complicated pasts lying within.
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Zatoichi the Outlaw (1967)
This is one of the franchise’s most daring entries—bloodier, gorier and more morally ambiguous.
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Secret World of Arrietty, The (2010)
As far as Thumbelina-esque stories go, this Studio Ghibli effort doesn’t break new ground, but its attention to detail and little moments of heartfelt emotions keep it engaging.
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Ran (1985)
Among the masterpieces of Kurosawa, this one sits confidently at the very, very top, and is quite rightly one of the greatest films ever made of all-time.
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Ocean Waves (1993)
Perhaps unfairly regarded as a minor Ghibli, there’s something deeply charming about its portrayal of teenage infatuation and matters of the heart that are set against the context of high school life.
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Hiroshima mon amour (1959)
My favourite feature debut from the French New Wave—an extraordinary meditation on trauma, memory and love as Resnais merges the historical, geographical and the personal in an intelligent and sensuous way.
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Zatoichi’s Cane Sword (1967)
This 15th installment’s focus on drama and storytelling is noteworthy, building to one of the series’ finest action-packed climaxes.
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Red Beard (1965)
Kurosawa’s final collab with Mifune yields a near masterpiece about humanity that is beautiful, poetic and enlightening.
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