10 Timeless Black & White Japanese Movies You Must Watch Now!

Summary

Black & white Japanese classics hold up in all aspects, inspiring Western blockbusters.
Zatoichi, Harakiri, and Ugetsu are must-watch black & white movies for a cinematic experience.
Kurosawa’s Yojimbo combines action and comedy to create a famous samurai story.

People often have a natural curiosity to explore the newest releases. They’re what everyone is buzzing about, the items that spark the most anticipation until folks get their hands on them. Then, they can decide if it lived up to expectations or not. Classic films, especially those in black and white, may be difficult to market to anyone except dedicated film enthusiasts because they might feel outdated.

It’s unfortunate that some people overlook these films because they are often referred to as classics. They excel in every significant area that makes a movie worthy: plot, performances, visuals, and direction. Notably, many timeless Japanese black-and-white movies have served as the foundation for popular Western blockbusters.

10. The Tale Of Zatoichi

Blind Masseur Sees More Than His Sighted Rivals Think

In a unique twist, one of Japan’s most renowned cinematic legends emerged not from a novel or short story, but an essay. The origins of “Zatoichi Monogatari” can be traced back to an article about a yakuza named Sukegoro Ishiwata from the Edo period. Surprisingly, this piece would occasionally delve into the life of the title character, the blind swordsman and masseur, who was initially a minor figure in his own story. Remarkably, these intriguing glimpses were enough to inspire the creation of the movie, famously known as “The Tale of Zatoichi“.

The story unfolds like a Edo Period remake of Columbo, with the blind samurai, portrayed masterfully by Shintaro Katsu, seeming to know less about the illicit activities happening around him than he actually does. Through his performances in numerous sequels, Katsu solidified Zatoichi as one of the most iconic samurai figures in cinema. In films like “Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo”, he even crosses paths with other legendary samurai, such as the character played by Toshirō Mifune, who is not exactly the same as in Kurosawa’s Yojimbo but shares enough similarities to make for an exciting crossover.

9. Harakiri

Samurai Makes A Curious Request To A Corrupt Clan

Masaki Kobayashi may not be as widely recognized as Akira Kurosawa, but his contributions to cinema are equally significant. His body of work is particularly renowned for its characters who challenge authority. For instance, in the Human Condition series, a socialist protagonist stands up against authority; in Kwaidan, he delves into horror stories that carry moral lessons; and Harakiri presents a samurai named Hanshiro who requests permission from the Iyi Clan’s lord to perform seppuku on their grounds.

The lead advisor believes he’s being deceived in a similar manner as the old samurai, Motome. However, upon hearing Hanshiro’s explanation, they realize his connection to Motome runs deeper than initially perceived. This tale, along with Kobayashi’s exceptional cinematography, makes it one of the most compelling films about challenging authority and exposing the empty, rotten systems that support them.

8. Ugetsu

A Potter And His Brother-in-Law Follow Their Desires And Get Their Just Deserts

In creating the movie “Ugetsu,” Kenji Mizoguchi and writer Yoshikta Yoda blended tales from Ueda Akinari’s book “Ugetsu Monogatari” with a side story from Guy de Maupassant’s short story, “How He Got the Legion of Honor.” The narrative unfolds during the final years of the Sengoku era, where a potter named Genjuro receives a warning from a sage through his wife about the dangers of pursuing wealth amidst war.

Ignoring his advice, Genjuro continues his journey with his would-be samurai brother-in-law Tobei, seeking fresh avenues to boost his income through trade. However, when Genjuro is drawn into the allure of the enigmatic Lady Wakasa, and Tobei attempts to climb the social ladder by pretending to be a samurai, they soon realize that their aspirations will come at a heavy price. This tale serves as a cautionary narrative, with neither protagonist escaping the harsh repercussions of their choices, and demonstrating just how far they must go to rectify their mistakes.

7. Yojimbo

Nameless Samurai Takes A Proactive Approach To Crimefighting

Fans of cinema might recognize that Akira Kurosawa’s movie “Yojimbo” served as the basis for “A Fistful of Dollars,” in which a rogue samurai finds himself entangled between two feuding criminal lords, who are analogous to a nameless cowboy battling smugglers. Interestingly, Toho Studio took legal action against director Sergio Leone over this adaptation, although their claim was not upheld. However, “Yojimbo” didn’t come out of nowhere in terms of inspiration; traditionally, samurai films were influenced by classic Westerns from Hollywood, but the plot twists of conspiracy and violence found in “Yojimbo” can be traced back to film noir stories like “The Glass Key” and “Red Harvest.

Consequently, although not as detailed as other Kurosawa productions, it gained popularity due to its blend of action and witty humor (the nameless samurai calculates the number of coffins the local cooper will require for his victims). This led to one of cinema’s most iconic samurai characters. He would later return in a follow-up titled Sanjuro, and served as a model for other samurai protectors in films such as Machibuse (known for Toshiro Mifune’s samurai character being called “Yojimbo”) and Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo.

6. Ikiru

Man Discovers A Reason To Live While Dying

This list might as well function as a checklist for some of Akira Kurosawa’s most significant works, given how impactful his films have been. Even devotees of Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, or other notable directors from the same period would likely find this list incomplete without sprinklings of Kurosawa’s masterpieces scattered throughout.

Beyond just excelling at samurai tales, Ikiru was also a compelling contemporary story that focused on Watanabe, a bureaucrat diagnosed with terminal illness. Instead of seeking meaning in hedonism or family, he found it by bringing joy to others during his remaining days. This heartwarming movie offers enough dramatic depth to captivate viewers without resorting to sword fights.

5. Rashomon

Three Men Weave Through Different Accounts Of A Samurai’s Murder

Rashomon, aside from being another masterpiece by the renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, stands out due to its exploration of the unreliability of eyewitness accounts. It serves as an illustration that people can recall the same event differently, a concept often referred to as the ‘Rashomon effect’, although it should strictly be called the ‘In a Grove’ effect, being based on Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s short stories “In a Grove” and “Rashomon”. Kurosawa and screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto merged these two stories into one screenplay.

In an ancient story, varying narratives about a samurai’s killing emerge from different sources: his wife, a bandit, a monk, and a psychic. The unique twist in this tale is that it’s framed through the perspectives of a woodcutter, a priest, and a commoner as they ponder the implications of the murder on human nature. While people may seem to act selfishly at others’ expense, the story questions whether this is the full extent of what it means to be human. To find out the movie’s take on this question, viewers must watch it for themselves.

4. Late Spring

Daughter Is Reluctant To Leave Her Ailing Father Behind

Many folks might recognize director Yasujirō Ozu from the renowned movie “Tokyo Story.” Yet, they may not be aware that “Tokyo Story” is actually part of a more extensive series, loosely titled, which focuses on three characters named Noriko. The initial installment in this collection is “Late Spring,” where the character Noriko resists marriage, choosing instead to look after her aging father, Shukichi. Although not as widely recognized as “Tokyo Story,” it’s often considered Ozu’s masterpiece, demonstrating his exceptional filmmaking skills at their peak.

Instead of “Tokyo Story,” it compares favorably with its sequel, as it portrays characters who are overly emotionally reliant on their remaining parent, in contrast to those who are emotionally neglected. Its intricate visual hints, distinct treatment of tradition versus modernity, and multiple storyline interpretations make for a rich viewing experience for movie enthusiasts, offering much food for thought if they haven’t seen it yet.

3. Tokyo Story

An Elderly Couple Gets Left Behind In Modern Times

Some films continue to resonate in modern times due to the timelessness of their themes, such as “Tokyo Story.” In this movie, an elderly couple journey from Onomichi to Tokyo to meet their children. Unfortunately, these adult offspring often fail to provide adequate attention and care, except for Noriko, Shōji’s daughter-in-law, who acts as their primary connection amidst the fading bonds of family tradition.

1953 saw one of Japan’s top-earning films. However, overseas distributors found it hard to connect due to its uniquely Japanese aspects like a leisurely pace and intricate domestic storyline. Yet, the film eventually gained traction, making Yasujirō Ozu well-known for this particular piece. Even after 72 years, the film’s themes of urbanization and family estrangement in the context of Japan’s aging population and shrinking rural areas remain relevant.

2. Sansho The Bailiff

Adrift Children Keep Hold Of Their Compassion In Dire Circumstances

Director: Kenji Mizoguchi
Writers: Fuji Yahiro and Yoshikata Yoda
Runtime: 124 Minutes

It appears that “Sansho the Bailiff” is a period drama, originating from Mori Ogai’s novel “Sansho the Steward.” However, Ogai adapted his story from an ancient oral sermon called sekkyo-bushi, which could date back to the 1600s or even earlier. For film enthusiasts, it was Kenji Mizoguchi who brought this tale to life on the big screen in 1954.

The tale of a mother and her children braving harsh conditions to meet their noble master is one of Mizoguchi’s most memorable films. Although not the most comforting movie to watch, its grim scenes add depth to its uplifting moments, culminating in a poignantly sweet ending that is a must-see for film enthusiasts from any genre.

1. Seven Samurai

Perhaps The Most Influential Samurai Movie Ever Made

Is an introduction necessary for this film? Even those who aren’t into classic films or cinema enthusiasts would recognize the name Seven Samurai. Given its impact on various genres, including Westerns and sci-fi, action movies and cartoons, it’s quite famous. The story of samurai hired by farmers to protect them from bandits is not exactly unheard of, but this film has certainly left its mark.

This film may not strictly adhere to traditional storylines, much like the ambiguous class distinctions in feudal Japan, but it moves swiftly, delivering action and narrative points efficiently without becoming slow. The well-paced editing makes its 207 minutes seem shorter than many blockbusters, contributing to its widespread success and accessibility among viewers.

2025-02-17 02:10