Reviews

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

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

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

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

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).

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

If you have even a slight interest in gritty legal dramas, Sins of Kujo is a show that immediately makes its intentions clear: it's not about clean victories or moral certainty. Adapted from a popular manga, this 2026 Japanese series delves into ambiguity, questioning what justice truly means when those you defend are, frankly, terrible. While the premise isn't novel, the execution—stylish, cynical, and often unsettling—makes it worth watching. A Lawyer Who Defends the “Wors

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

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

What a time to be alive! The cinematic evolution of anime since the pandemic has been truly culture-defining. The powers that be have gifted us with the latest installment of the Demon Slayer series featuring Infinity Castle, and just a month afterward, we receive the continuation of the Chainsaw Man anime with Reze Arc. These two titans of the anime industry are dominating the US box office and likely every other box office globally at the moment. However this post wont be

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

NON in Miss King - ABEMA © So, I think I just stumbled upon one of the best J-drama's of the season. Over the past few years Netflix has been continuously dropping more and more J-drama for the global masses, which is amazing if you consider that pre 2022, you could barely find any J-dramas, and if you did, they werent exactly good. Fast forward to 2025 and we get 3-4 new dramas on a monthly basis, sometimes even more. But not only that, we also get shows that are currently

Final Draft - Netflix © Final Draft is the high-stakes, deeply personal Japanese survival competition that puts a unique spin on the genre, blending punishing physical trials with a resonant exploration of post-athletic identity. Over eight grueling episodes, 25 retired athletes—a mix of celebrated champions and those whose careers were cut short—battle for a life-changing ¥30 million prize (over $200,000 USD) to fund their second careers and rewrite their professional legaci

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

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,