Reviews

After months of waiting, I've finally been able to watch one of my most anticipated movies of the year on the biggest screen I could find. I am obviously talking about Takashi Yamazaki's Godzilla Minus Zero, the long-awaited sequel to the universally praised and celebrated Godzilla Minus One that came out in 2023. Here is a quick preamble, if you will, to me watching this film. I know, I know. I am keeping you waiting for the review, but give me a minute. Regular readers of t

One of my favorite and most underrated genres in storytelling is the beautiful world of "Slice of Life". For the uninitiated, the "Slice of Life" genre in Japanese media is defined by the slow-paced plotlines about everyday struggles and joys, whilst being accompanied by a gorgeous and minimal cinematography that has this unique soft, slice-of-life cinematic color palette. These shows are defined by their cozy and light tone, whilst tackling interpersonal relationships and fe

The generational run that cinema has been on in 2026 will be studied for generations to come. A run that includes everything and anything that the film industry can muster the money to make, create and bless the masses with. One of those films is Na Hong-Jin's Hope. Hope originally debuted at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and like many other cinephiles, I had to sit there on my phone reading updates and reactions of the various films that were competing for the

I recently watched Zach Cregger's "Resident Evil" in glorious IMAX 70mm at the BFI IMAX in Waterloo and it got back in the mood for more thought provoking and intricit horror. With Halloween also being just around the corner, I needed to scratch that "horror" itch within me after the high of watching an incredibly talented filmaker like Zach Cregger deliver yet another great project. Luckily for me Netflix dropped one of the most interesting and well crafted horror series th

I can't believe we're almost in October! It feels like the summer has completely flown by, alongside the floodgae of Japanese TV Shows and Movies that dropped over the past weeks and months. But as always I am here to guide you through it all and give you some hidden gems that you might have missed that can hopfully get you through the cozy fall/autumn months. To be honest, even I struggle with keeping up with the latest J-dramas and content on Netflix/Prime. I rememebr back

UK Cinema Day rolled around at an awkward moment this time. For anyone outside the UK, it's a recurring promotion across chains like Vue, Odeon, and Picturehouse — discounted tickets for a day or a weekend, meant to get people back into theatres. Great in theory. The problem this time was that there wasn't much worth using it on. I'd already seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, and neither was pulling me back for a second look. Nothing on the current release slate

I've been wanting to try a new format for a while — a loose round-up of everything I've been consuming recently, rather than a curated "best of" list. Credit where it's due: this was inspired by Amber Cassette, who does something similar around books. I don't read nearly enough to fill a segment like that, so I'm swapping books for music instead. Here's what's been on my radar the past few weeks. At the Cinema My mum and I caught the newest Insidious film last weekend — anoth

Every so often a year comes along that forces you to reconsider your assumptions about where an art form is headed. For cinema, 2026 has been one of those years — weird, unpredictable, and full of contradictions that somehow add up to something encouraging. As someone who has spent years thinking, writing, and talking about film, I didn't expect to end this year feeling more hopeful about the state of cinema than I have in a long time. But here we are. The Billion-Dollar Surp

BFI IMAX in Waterloo No one really talks about the "struggle" that fans of Japanese Cinema, like myself, go through by being fans outside of Japan. This experience is often overlooked, yet it is a nuanced topic that deserves attention and deeper exploration. While I fully acknowledge that this may fall under the category of "first-world problems," the challenges faced by international fans of Japanese films are multifaceted and can significantly impact our engagement with thi

Badly In Love season 2 has just dropped on Netflix, and it has once again reaffirmed itself as my favourite take on the Japanese reality television formula since Terrace House. This new season builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, introducing a fresh cast of colourful characters, even more tattoos, and diverse personalities who navigate the complexities of romance and relationships in a modern context. If you don't know, Badly In Love is a Japanese reality TV Sh

Are you a fan of Japanese movies and TV shows? Do you have a subscription to Amazon Prime? If you answered yes to both questions, then you’re in luck! Amazon Prime has a vast collection of Japanese movies and TV shows that you can watch anytime, anywhere. Now, some of these shows may not be available in your region. If that is the case, then let me know in the comment section, and I can send you a list of new recommendations! Without any further ado lets get into it! TV Shows

In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, I decided to start learning Japanese. You might roll your eyes, but at that time, studying Japanese or even committing to it wasn't as widespread as it is now. The whole Japanese language learning phenomenon deserves a closer look someday, given the surge of Japanese language content on social media since the pandemic, which is quite remarkable. Eventually, I discovered a language learning method called "Immersion," which involves learning

When most people think of Japanese cinema, the same few names tend to come up: Akira Kurosawa, Hayao Miyazaki, Yasujiro Ozu. These are masters in their own right — titans of the form who have shaped not just Japanese film but world cinema as a whole. But Japanese filmmaking doesn't begin and end with those household names. There is a rich, vibrant world of directors working today — and from decades past — whose work deserves far more attention than it typically gets. This is

If you're constantly searching for your next great binge-watch, you're not alone. Between Netflix originals, classic Japanese dramas, and the ever-expanding world of anime, there are more viewing options than ever before. Recently, I've been diving into a mix of thought-provoking films, visually stunning anime, and exciting upcoming releases that deserve more attention. From melancholic Japanese dramas to action-packed anime adventures, here's everything I'm watching right no

Is it just me, or has Netflix been on an unbelievable run when it comes to Japanese television? Ever since the pandemic, Netflix Japan has been consistently dropping high-quality series that blend stunning visuals, sharp storytelling, and uniquely Japanese themes — from samurai epics and ninja thrillers to sumo dramas and psychological survival games. What makes these shows stand out isn’t just the production value (although the cinematography and set design are incredible).

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

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

We have once again been blessed with a new wave of Netflix Japanese drama releases in the past month. As always, I am here to guide you through it and potentially give you a steer as to which show you should start your J-drama journey with for the winter months ahead. Without any further ado, let's get into it! Romantics Anonymous (Netflix)(2025) The Netflix original Japanese drama, Romantics Anonymous, centers on two individuals with severe social anxieties who find an unlik

We have once again been blessed with a new wave of Japanese drama releases in the past month. As always, I am here to guide you through it and potentially give you a steer as to which show you should start your J-drama journey with for the winter months ahead. Without any further ado, lets get into it! Romantics Anonymous (Netflix)(2025) The Netflix original J-drama, Romantics Anonymous, centers on two individuals with severe social anxieties who find an unlikely connection i