Post by Aj_June on Jul 6, 2018 9:46:22 GMT
Woman of the Dunes (1964) is adapted from a novel by Kobo Abe. The most interesting thing about this movie is that very rarely you will find the original writer of the novel to be also credited for screenplay of the movie. This made this film so much more authentic. The use of heat and sweat to depict eroticism has never been bested as in this film. When I saw this movie the first time I was able to feel claustrophobic just like the lead character was feeling. B&W cinematography matches the theme underlying the message of this movie. It's my 4th Favourite Japanese movie ever.
wmcclain, have you seen The Face of Another (1966) by the same director?
The Face of Another is just as good and his first feature Pitfall isn't far behind.
What are your Top 3 Japanese films?
Glad you liked it as well. 
I have not seen The face of Another and will very much like to see it. Now that you say it is almost on par with Woman of the Dunes, I will make hurry.
I have not seen The face of Another and will very much like to see it. Now that you say it is almost on par with Woman of the Dunes, I will make hurry.When people ask me to list my top 10 movies then generally my top 10 remains the same but the order may change. But not in case of Japanese cinema. Sansho Dayu (1954) remains my favourite Japanese movie of all time in any list I make. In fact it may also be my favourite film ever (not just favourite Japanese). I was moved so much by it when I saw it for the first time that I decided to show this film to my movie buff friends. It's a bit simpler than other Japanese movies but nonetheless just as effective.
I think I will rank The Ballad of Narayama (1958) /The Ballad of Narayama (1983) as my second favourite Japanese film. Once again, it's less about direction and more about story for me.
My third favourite is Harakiri (1962). This time there are many reasons including direction, acting, story and cinematography for liking it or any other Kobayashi films.
My fifth favourite was The Burmese Harp (1956) till a few days ago but I have put Tokyo Twilight (1957) now at the 5th spot.
Keep in mind that all my ranking are based on pre 80s movies. I also like Grave of the Fireflies and some other movies but I believe they should not be compared to movies of classic era.
What would be your top 5 (even if you can make a loose list)?