Below are some of the best Japanese directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.
A Brief History of Japanese Genre Films
The post-World War II era marked the beginning of a new phase in Japanese film, diverging from traditional themes to explore more modern and varied topics. In the 1960s and 70s, the rise of the New Wave movement, characterised by its experimental approach and rebellious spirit against the established studio system, started to birth what is now recognisable as Japanese genre films.
Filmmakers like Nagisa Oshima and Seijun Suzuki broke conventional norms, introducing more radical and avant-garde elements into their work. This period also saw the growth of “pink films” (erotic cinema) and “yakuza” films, with directors like Kinji Fukasaku exploring the gritty underworld of Japanese organised crime. These genres, while often marginalised, played a crucial role in the development of Japanese cinema, offering a counterpoint to the more mainstream and traditional films.
Entering the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Japanese contemporary genre films have continued to evolve and diversify. Filmmakers like Takeshi Kitano and Takashi Miike have gained international fame for their unique and often challenging takes on genres like crime, horror, and black comedy. This era has also seen the rise of “J-Horror,” with films like “Ringu” and “Ju-On: The Grudge” achieving worldwide success and influencing horror cinema globally.
Bronze Screen Dream 