Anime Blog Tracker

Yoyogi Johnny (2025) review [OAFF 2025]

Kimura’s choice to give the tragical dimension of love a deadpan comical twist pays off, creating a unique narrative that will resonate with youth and those who have…

psycho-cinematography

Apr 29, 2025 • Subscribe

Kanon

I Am Kirishima (2025) review [OAFF 2025]

A timely narrative that highlights the inert quality of a societal field structured by capitalism and right-wing nationalism.

psycho-cinematography

Apr 19, 2025 • Subscribe

Hell Dogs (2022) review

For the hardened fan of the genre, Harada’s newly bottled old wine will be a frustrating experience that delivers nothing more than a sprinkle of excitement.  

psycho-cinematography

Apr 8, 2025 • Subscribe

Good Luck (2025) review [OAFF 2025]

Shin Adachi utilizes the dynamic of the encounter to examine the problem of desiring within the societal field and the way desire give rise to misunderstanding between subjects.

psycho-cinematography

Apr 2, 2025 • Subscribe

V. Maria (2025) review [OAFF 2025]

The neatly interwoven narrative fabric, which evokes the dimension of loss in various forms, beautifully sketches out the importance for the subject to construct a narrative to support…

psycho-cinematography

Mar 27, 2025 • Subscribe

Mukoku (2017) review

Kumakiri offers a fresh breath in the Japanese sports genre by focusing on trauma, the ill-fitting of the subject within the societal Other, and the importance of forming…

psycho-cinematography

Mar 23, 2025 • Subscribe

Hana Dama Phantom (2016) review

While all clashing fragments of eroticism, horror, and comedy come sort of together in the twisted finale, it is not enough to wash away the sourness left by…

psycho-cinematography

Feb 22, 2025 • Subscribe

The Taste of Tea (2004) review

Katsuhito Ishii’s offers the spectator a satisfying kaleidoscopic exploration of the emotional fabric of life and the importance of familial bonds.

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Feb 2, 2025 • Subscribe

Another Abashiri Prison Story (1965)

An enjoyable thriller – a straight-forward yakuza flick with many pleasant moments, but not the sequel the first narrative deserved.

psycho-cinematography

Jan 30, 2025 • Subscribe

Small, Slow But Steady (2022) review

An incredibly powerful boxing-narrative elevated by Yukino Kishii’s emotionally powerful perfomance.

psycho-cinematography

Jan 27, 2025 • Subscribe

Abashiri Prison (1965) review

Teruo Ishii delivers an interesting exploration of the frailty of the social bond between criminals as well as the trauma that, in some cases, animates the criminal reflex.

psycho-cinematography

Jan 23, 2025 • Subscribe

A Man (2022) review

A compelling and thrilling exploration of the reality of identity fraud and the damaging effect societal discourses can have on a subject and his ego.

psycho-cinematography

Jan 21, 2025 • Subscribe

In Her Room (2022) review

For those who succeed in looking past the phallus during Ito’s narrative will find a renewed respect of the complexity of the feminine position.    

psycho-cinematography

Jan 17, 2025 • Subscribe

Twilight Cinema Blues (2023) review

While fun to watch, Hideo Jojo’s film is a trick of all trades, but a master of none.

psycho-cinematography

Dec 18, 2024 • Subscribe

Sin And Evil (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Saito shows that the Other always bears some responsibility for the subjective outcomes of dysfunctional familial dynamics and the criminal excesses that plague its mendacious image of peaceful…

psycho-cinematography

Dec 10, 2024 • Subscribe

Short Movie Time: Neu Mirrors (2024) review

Keishi Kondo offers the spectator an unsettling illustration of the Lacanian gaze.

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Nov 28, 2024 • Subscribe

Desert of Namibia (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Yoko Yamanaka delivers a cinematic masterpiece of subjectivity.

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Nov 14, 2024 • Subscribe

Belonging (2024) review [Japannual 2024]

Higashi delivers a touching exploration of love after death.

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Nov 3, 2024 • Subscribe

Shinobi no mono: Resurrection (1963)

A satisfying conclusion resolves the thematical exploration of destructive capitalistic pleasure in a satisfactorily yet maybe somewhat naive way.

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Oct 21, 2024 • Subscribe

Hijacked Youth – Dare To Stop Us 2 (2024) [Japannual 2024]

Inoue delivers a heartfelt ode to the mini-cinema and subjective failure.   

psycho-cinematography

Oct 18, 2024 • Subscribe

Let’s Go Karaoke (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

This is perfect film for anyone who, after a long day full of struggles, wants to sit in a comfy chair and relax.

psycho-cinematography

Oct 13, 2024 • Subscribe

The Box Man (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

An incredible satisfying cinematic experience, one that enthrals the spectator from start to finish

psycho-cinematography

Oct 7, 2024 • Subscribe

Afternoon Angler’s club (2023) Review [Camera Japan Festival]

Hideo Jojo’s heartwarming tale of subjective growth and salt-water fishing is a pleasant watch.

psycho-cinematography

Oct 3, 2024 • Subscribe

Bushido (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]

Kazuya Shiraishi proves that the frame of the samurai and the Edo society can still be utilized to deliver refreshing narratives.

psycho-cinematography

Sep 30, 2024 • Subscribe

Shinobi no Mono 2: Revenge (1963) review

Satsuo Yamamoto reveals the frailty and replaceability of the capitalistic father in an engaging way.

psycho-cinematography

Sep 7, 2024 • Subscribe

Shigeru

Shinobi no Mono: Band of Assassins (1962)

Yamamoto expertly utilizes the game of disguises, traps, gadgets, concealed passages, hidden stairs, and trapdoors, to offer an allegorical tale of the post-war subject’s conundrum

psycho-cinematography

Sep 1, 2024 • Subscribe

Six Singing Women (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

A great narrative, yet one that stumbles over its own thematical fixation

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Aug 18, 2024 • Subscribe

The Shape of Night (1964) review

This filmic narrative needs to be counted among the classics of Japanese cinema

psycho-cinematography

Aug 14, 2024 • Subscribe

House of Sayuri (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]

The thoughtful manipulation of this atmospheric field is integral to create an effective and engaging genre-blend.

psycho-cinematography

Aug 11, 2024 • Subscribe

Girl from Phantasia

Baby Assassins: Good Days (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]

Yugo Sakamoto successfully mixes up the formula that structured his previous two action narratives. Highly Recommended.

psycho-cinematography

Aug 3, 2024 • Subscribe

Girl from Phantasia

Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp – (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]

An evocative experience that succeeds in giving the vampire and the well-explored themes a fresh coat of drama and sexiness.  

psycho-cinematography

Jul 29, 2024 • Subscribe

Girl from Phantasia

Fly Me To The Saitama: From Biwa Lake with Love (2023) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2024]

A fun romp that works well as an introduction to the cultural diversity that enriches the Japanese archipelago.

psycho-cinematography

Jul 24, 2024 • Subscribe

Girl from Phantasia

All The Long Nights (2024) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

A splendid drama that shows how symptoms can disturb a subject’s life and how the social field attains its cruel complexity due to the riddle of desire.

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Jul 20, 2024 • Subscribe

Short Movie Time: Social Circles (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

A highly experimental and conceptual experience that might not be for everyone

psycho-cinematography

Jul 16, 2024 • Subscribe

Short Movie Time: Nezumikozō Jirokichi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

The mix of elements supports the film’s aim well, that is to entice spectators to seek out the three films that remain from this somewhat forgotten master

psycho-cinematography

Jul 13, 2024 • Subscribe

Fantasia 2024: 6 Japanese films you should not miss.

n this short article, we want to introduce two of our recommendations and four films we look forward to and you should do.

psycho-cinematography

Jul 10, 2024 • Subscribe

Girl from Phantasia

I Was Born, But … (1932) review

What allows Ozu’s exploration of parental failure to retain its power to charm and engage is the very fact that every child needs to go through such phase.

psycho-cinematography

Jul 7, 2024 • Subscribe

Kubi (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

One of best period dramas in recent years.

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Jul 3, 2024 • Subscribe

City Hunter (2024) review

A fun but very forgettable experience.

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Jun 30, 2024 • Subscribe

City Hunter

Short Movie Time: Bottle George (2024) [Japan Cuts 2024]

An instant stop-motion classic

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Jun 26, 2024 • Subscribe

Short Movie Time: Hail Mary (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2024]

Nakamura succeeds in making the spectator care for Maria and impact him/her emotionally with her tragedy.   

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Jun 23, 2024 • Subscribe

Secret: A Hidden Score (2024) review [Nippon connection 2024]

Spectators who like piano and pianists might find something to enjoy in this emotionally impotent narrative.

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Jun 19, 2024 • Subscribe

Penalty Loop (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

The way Araki resolves the narrative’s thematical questions concerning vengeance and the working-through of trauma will divide spectators

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Jun 17, 2024 • Subscribe

18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

Fujii proves that the tropes of the romance genre can still be exploited in a refreshing and emotionally satisfying manner.

psycho-cinematography

Jun 13, 2024 • Subscribe

Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – decisive battle (2023) review

Hanabusa can finally do what he does well: deliver dramatic moments whose origin lie in narrative twists or in unexpected turns in the bursts of violence.

psycho-cinematography

Jun 11, 2024 • Subscribe

Tokyo Revengers, Revenger

Yin Yang Master Zero (2024) review [Nippon Connection 2024]

A fantastical visual experience like no other.

psycho-cinematography

Jun 8, 2024 • Subscribe

A Story Written With Water (1965) review

An exquisitely layered psychological drama that unveils how a subject’s fixation on a phantasmatic image disrupts his ability to commit himself romantically to the female other

psycho-cinematography

Apr 26, 2024 • Subscribe

veil

Black Tight Killers (1966)

A stylish and visually dazzling romp with lots of action and sensuality

psycho-cinematography

Apr 23, 2024 • Subscribe

Yoko (2023) review

A complex full-bodied filmic wine that cannot but stir the spectator’s emotions.

psycho-cinematography

Apr 20, 2024 • Subscribe

Bad Lands (2023) review

The incredibly well-crafted narrative structure, fuelled by Sakura Ando’s extremely satisfying performance, ensures that the spectator remains engaged from start and finish

psycho-cinematography

Apr 16, 2024 • Subscribe

Kanon