Reviews

The "Kore-eda effect" is back. As Japan prepares for the nationwide release of "Sheep in the Box" on May 29, 2026, early preview screenings have left audiences on social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in a state of emotional reflection. Returning to an original screenplay for the first time in several years, the Palme d'Or winner is trading his typical domestic realism for a "low-sci-fi" lens—and the results are reportedly devastating. The Premise: A "Little Prince" for

Japanese cinema is one of the most influential and celebrated artistic landscapes in the world. From the black-and-white sword fights of the 1950s to the breathtaking animation of today, Japan has a unique way of capturing the human experience. If you’ve grown up watching Studio Ghibli or Naruto, you’ve already had a taste of Japanese culture. But if you’re looking to dive deeper into live-action films and don’t know where to start, this guide—inspired by A.M View—is your per

Spring has officially begun, bringing with it a fresh selection of Japanese dramas and anime! With so much Japanese content being released on Netflix, it can be challenging to keep up. Fortunately, I'm here to help you navigate it all. Whether you're a Japanese language learner seeking immersion content, interested in exploring Japanese media, or simply in need of some new Netflix recommendations, this guide is for you. Here is my latest list of Must-Watch Japanese dramas and

Netflix has become a popular source for streaming movies and TV shows from all over the world. One country that has continued to produce entertaining content for the army of weebs, J-drama, and cinema lovers to enjoy is Japan. With its unique culture and captivating storytelling, Japanese movies and TV shows have become increasingly popular on streaming platforms. In this video, we will explore some of the best Japanese movies and TV shows you can find on Netflix. All these s

Japanese cinema is frequently associated with distinguished directors such as Kurosawa, Ozu, and Mizoguchi, as well as prominent contemporary filmmakers including Kore-eda, Hamaguchi, and Fukada. But behind the camera, there are women whose powerful voices and stories shaped Japanese film history — often without the recognition they deserve. Today, I am celebrating the female directors of Japanese cinema — past and present. Chapter 1: The Early Pioneers In the early 20th cent

I can’t believe we’re already one month into 2026! If you’re a fan of Japanese movies, dramas, and anime, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year. From highly anticipated sequels to brand-new originals on Netflix and in theatres, there’s a lot to get excited about. Before the year truly gets going with releases, I’m breaking down the Japanese movies and TV shows I can’t wait to watch in 2026 — so stick around, because some of these might end up being in your watchlists fo

Aniplex/Ufotable© I know I often say this about many things, but with this movie, I genuinely feel like I'm late to the party. Yesterday, I finally had the opportunity to watch the latest Demon Slayer film, Infinity Castle , and wow, the internet was absolutely right about every aspect of it. The Next Chapter in the Demon Slayer Saga “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” marks the highly anticipated next chapter in the Demon Slayer world. It brings the beloved anime series into it

Kento Yamazaki as Arisu - (Netflix ©) It's that time again, where I provide you with some gems from the constantly giving gold mine that is Japanese Netflix. You know the drill by now, but if you don't, here's a quick intro: Netflix has become a popular source for streaming movies and TV shows from all over the world. One country that has continued to produce entertaining content for the army of weebs, J-drama, and cinema lovers to enjoy is Japan. With its unique culture and

Lily Franky in 'Last Scene' - Apple If you're a fan of Hirokazu Kore-eda, you're probably already buzzing with excitement about his latest project. I know I am! The master filmmaker behind masterpieces like Shoplifters and Nobody Knows is currently in production on a new film, and it sounds like everything a Kore-eda fan could hope for. Titled "Sheep in the Box", this new film is a sci-fi family drama set in the near future. The story, which Kore-eda says was inspired by Th

A Journey Through Kore-eda's Masterpieces The time has come. I am finally putting pen to paper (virtually speaking) on my definitive ranking of Hirokazu Kore-eda's filmography (at least the ones that are available for me to watch legally!). Anyone who knows me or has been watching my videos on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/@amview ) knows how much I admire Kore-eda's filmmaking. He is probably my favorite filmmaker of all time. Why, you may ask? Well, you'll find out thro

Interested in diving deep into Japanese TV Shows and Movies but unsure where to begin? From timeless samurai classics and mind-bending anime to heartwarming slice-of-life dramas, Japanese entertainment offers something for everyone. However, with so many streaming platforms and titles available, it can be a bit overwhelming. That's why I've put together this ultimate guide. I'll show you exactly where to find and stream the top Japanese content, whether you're a seasoned fan,

Looking for something new to binge that’s refreshing, emotional, or completely mind-bending? You’re in for a treat. Japanese TV shows on Netflix cover every genre—from heart-melting romance to high-stakes thrillers and powerful dramas. In this video, we’ve curated The Best Japanese TV Shows on Netflix —series that stand out not only for their storytelling but for their unique cultural perspectives and unforgettable characters. Let’s jump in. Sanctuary Sanctuary is a 2023 Jap

A New Venture in Cinema YES! A new Fukada Koji film has been announced! His upcoming project, "Love On Trial," featuring Saito Kyoko, will be part of the prestigious Cannes Premiere section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. "Renai Saiban," which translates to "Love On Trial," tells the story of a young female idol embroiled in a legal battle with her agency. She faces allegations that she violated her contract due to a romantic relationship. The plot delves into crucial quest

Cast of Netflix's Asura Netflix has become a popular source for streaming movies and TV shows from all over the world. One country that has continued to produce entertaining content for the army of weebs, J-drama, and cinema lovers to enjoy is Japan. With its unique culture and captivating storytelling, Japanese movies and TV shows have become increasingly popular on streaming platforms. In this video, we will explore some of the best Japanese movies and TV shows you can find

Winners of the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize Ceremony

Here are the highest-grossing films in Japan so far in 2025

Koji Fukada's masterful 2016 film, Harmonium, re-imagines the Japanese family drama genre

Lawrence of Arabia Let's talk about Japanese film posters. If you're a cinema enthusiast, particularly interested in films beyond Hollywood, you've likely encountered one of the pillars of world cinema: Japan. From timeless classics like "Ran," "Tokyo Story," and "Akira," to contemporary hits such as "Still Walking," "Godzilla Minus One," and "Drive My Car," Japanese cinema remains a constant presence in the cinematic landscape. Japan's film industry has not only influenced f

Love Life is the latest film of one of my favorite contemporary Japanese directors, Koji Fukada. I was first introduced to Fukada in 2020 when I discovered the incredible film that is ‘Harmonium’ or 淵に立つ, Fuchi ni Tatsu in Japanese. That summer I found myself being drawn to the slow-burning fire of Japanese family dramas by filmmakers such as Hirokazu Koreeda and the legendary Yasujirō Ozu, eventually that newfound love would lead me to find ‘Harmonium’ on Amazon Prime with