Good Japanese cinema?

[Diff-chan]

Its hard to find good Japanese TV and yet I wanna start watching some so I can reinforce my studies of the language. So far this has pretty much been limited to watching Japanese Apple Switch ads, which yes I know is sorry.

What are some quality contemporary movies? If you have some recommendations they would be much appreciated. Here are some restrictions:

01. I already know how good Kurosawa and Ozu are. I dont need to be recommended them. Its essentially the equivalent of asking for videogame recommendations and being told Super Mario is good.
02. Drama preferably as these are the most speech intensive. For the record I hate horror films, so if Japanese horror is your cup of tea unfortunately our tastes don't vibe.
03. Please dont recommend Battle Royale, or, for that matter, any action movies. Like I said I am interested in drama, movies along the same rough genre lines as Chinese films like Raise the Red Lantern, or American films like Magnolia. Drama.
04. Stuff I can get/rent/download here () so it can at least have subtitles.

*edit*: NO ANIME. Anime can kiss my ass.

Much thanks.

[Green]

Beat Takeshi. You can rent his movie Brother at Blockbuster. He makes crime movies that are tough and sometimes offbeat.
Branded to Kill (which I seen once and very tired) was an awesome movie from the 60's about a hitman wanting to be number one. For a movie so old its style is far ahead of its time.
I'm interested in seeing The two Tetsuo movies.
For drama anime, try Jin-Roh or Patlabor 1 and 2. Those movies (written by the same guy) have a heavy military influence in them.
You can read reviews of most of these movies (and more) by going to KFC Cinema. They have an all Japanese section too and good links.

[Master]

I'm not a big fan of Anime, but I'm a huge fan of Cinema. I suggest you watch Grave of the Fireflies. One of the best War MOVIES ever, it just HAPPENS to be animated. Trust me on this one.

[Green]

I agree.

[ssbomberman]

"Beat" Takeshi has done some interesting films, not all of which involve a lot of action--Kikujiro comes to mind.

There are some psychological thrillers such as Audition by Miike that does involve some violence but is a rather unique film--though very disturbing (and I saw the cut version).

The Tetsuo films are not very language intensive and are truly the oddest films I have seen. The first is much better (if I can use that word) that the sequel that really isn't a sequel.

Let's just say that the first one involves lots of groaning and a man that becomes this freaky machine with a drill penis that impales...not really a drama, let's just say...

I would say, if you have some extra cash, just go to a popular site such as Yesasia and see what Japanese films are selling well and go for some of the ones that are drama and or comedy focused...

I do that a lot with HK films and for the most part the films are good and it's kind of cool to be surprised with what you get...

I do agree that some anime is truly unique...such as Perfect Blue...and are very language intensive...

I too want to pick up Grave of the Fireflies...

[Doug Branches]

Damn I was about to recommend Battle Royale for you until I read that last paragraph.

Yeah I will go with Green and recommend Brother. It was on last night on HBO actually, pretty good movie. I wish they would have shown more of some scenes though (the whole Italian part for one)

[Josh]

Uzumaki is one of the most interesting films I have seen in a while.

I don't know if its available on DVD... but I know it is on Sundance every now and then.

[Riptwo]

Audition. Watch it without reading anything about it, including the box. It'll be an...interesting experience.