All 22 Kiyoshi Kurosawa Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Dive into the world of Kiyoshi Kurosawa Movies and experience a unique blend of horror, suspense, and psychological thrillers. This roundup article will take you on a journey through Kurosawa’s filmography, highlighting his signature style and captivating storytelling that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Join us as we explore the Kurosawa universe through the lens of his extraordinary cinematic creations.
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1. Tonda kappuru (1980)
Tonda kappuru, released in 1980, is a captivating drama that delves into the journey of its main character, Tasiro Yuusuke, as he strives to secure a spot in a prestigious university and pursue a career in law. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo, the film follows Tasiro, a tenth-grader hailing from Kyushu, as he enrolls in a renowned high school in the city. With admirable ambition, Tasiro makes preparations to live with his uncle while the latter is away on business.
2. Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981)
Dive into the world of Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, an electrifying action-romance film hailing from Japan. Set in 1981 and helmed by visionary director Shinji Sômai, this thrilling tale follows a rebellious teenage schoolgirl named Izumi Hoshi, who suddenly finds herself the head of her father’s Yakuza clan. As she navigates through the dangerous and complex world of the Yakuza, Izumi encounters a cast of characters that bring both danger and intrigue to her life. With a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes, this high-intensity film explores themes of loyalty, power, and love.
3. Sweet Home (1989)
“Sweet Home” is a bone-chilling 1980s horror film that unravels the mysteries of notoriously haunted painter Mamiya Ichiro. When a TV production crew begins documenting his life, they stumble upon sinister forces, as the spirit of his wife takes revenge in an unholy torment.
4. Gakkô no kaidan F (1997)
Gakkô no kaidan F (1997) brings chilling horror to the forefront, directed by the brilliant minds of Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Hideo Nakata. Set in Japan, this movie captures the terror from within the walls of a haunted school.
5. License to Live (1998)
License to Live, originally titled Ningen gôkaku, is a heartwarming and thought-provoking 1998 drama directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Starring Hidetoshi Nishijima, Shun Sugata, and Lily, this 1 hour and 49-minute film tells the story of Yoshi, a young man who finds himself after spending ten years in a coma.
6. Bright Future (2002)
“Bright Future” is a captivating Japanese drama film, directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa and written by the same talented duo. Released in 2002 and theatrically launched in 2003, the movie follows the unpredictable bond between two young plant workers. Their strange friendship revolves around a peculiar shared secret — a volatile rage — that they both struggle to articulate and control. Adding to the surreal atmosphere, the duo keeps a mysterious pet jellyfish that adds a touch of exotic quirkiness to their daily lives.
7. Aimai na Mirai: Kurosawa Kiyoshi (2002)
Delve into the mysterious world of renowned Japanese filmmaker Kurosawa Kiyoshi in this captivating documentary that invites viewers on an enthralling journey. With a runtime of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, the feature captures the maestro’s innovative spirit as he navigates the challenging and ever-evolving landscape of cinematic storytelling.
8. Loft (2005)
Set in a chilling atmosphere, Loft (2005) is a haunting horror film that captivates viewers with its gripping storyline. As Reiko, a highly acclaimed writer, relocates to a secluded house for her new novel, she unwittingly becomes entangled in a horrifying mystery unfolding next door. The enigmatic archaeologist, Kenji, is conducting research on an ancient mummy found in the region.
9. Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows (2007)
Val Lewton: A Shadowy Figure in the World of Horror is an enthralling documentary that delves into the life and illustrious career of Val Lewton, a visionary producer who left a lasting impression on the horror genre in the 1940s. Helmed by esteemed director Kent Jones, the film boasts the narration of none other than the renowned Martin Scorsese, along with insightful interviews of legendary actors Orson Welles and Val E. Lewton himself.
10. Tokyo Sonata (2008)
Tokyo Sonata, a captivating drama from 2008, tells the story of an ordinary Japanese family’s slow disintegration after the patriarch loses his job at a prominent company. Led by Japanese filmmaking legend, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, this film masterfully portrays the complexities of life, relationships, and the struggles faced by average families. The 2-hour runtime is filled with evocative performances by Teruyuki Kagawa, Kyôko Koizumi, and Yû Koyanagi, as well as heartfelt themes weaved into every scene.
11. Occult (2009)
“Occult, “ directed by Kôji Shiraishi and written by the same creative mind, takes you on a suspenseful ride through the world of mysterious and ominous occurrences. With a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes, this thrilling horror movie leaves you questioning the line between reality and imagination; as director Koji Shiraishi becomes the face of the camera to investigate strange, indiscriminate murders in a tourist destination.
12. The Depths (2010)
“The Depths” is a captivating 2010 drama film that explores the intricacies of human connection across diverse cultural boundaries. Directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi and co-written with Kôta Ôura, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, and Yoon Bo Shim, this thought-provoking movie stars Kim Min-joon, Hôshi Ishida, and Soji Arai. The film is set amidst the beauty of Japan, providing a stunning backdrop to the unfolding story.
13. Real (2013)
“Real” (2013) explores the enigmatic world of human consciousness as it unfolds through the mind of a comatose lover. A daring decision prompts the utilization of a groundbreaking technology to journey within the vastness of the unconscious mind.
14. Flowers of Taipei: Taiwan New Cinema (2014)
“Taipei’s Blossoms: The Taiwan New Cinema” (2014) is a commemorative documentary honoring the groundbreaking Taiwan New Cinema movement of the 1980s. The film delves into the cultural and artistic significance of this innovative cinematic period by featuring the viewpoints of global filmmakers and critics. Through this enthralling documentary, viewers are taken on a memorable journey through the golden era of Taiwan cinema, highlighting the works and contributions of key figures in the movement.
15. Hitchcock/Truffaut (2015)
“Hitchcock/Truffaut” is an enlightening and poignant documentary that delves into the profound impact of Francois Truffaut’s celebrated book, “Cinema According to Hitchcock, “ on numerous filmmakers’ careers. Released in 2016, the film features insightful conversations with illustrious filmmakers, such as Wes Anderson, Peter Bogdanovich, and David Fincher, detailing the transformative influence of Truffaut’s work on their creative journeys. Running for 1 hour and 19 minutes, this 2015 documentary has garnered several prestigious awards and gained a devoted following, with an impressive IMDb rating of 7.3.
16. Creepy (2016)
In the unsettling thriller “Creepy” (2016), Takakura and his wife Yasuko unwittingly move into their new home only to find themselves entangled in an unsolved mystery and the oddities of their peculiar neighbor, Nishino. Six years prior, a chilling missing family case struck fear in the hearts of the community, leaving the sole surviving family member, Saki, haunted by the horrifying event. When Takakura, a former detective, receives an unexpected request from his former colleague, Nogami, he delves into Saki’s memory to piece together the chilling events that have long remained a mystery.
17. Daguerrotype (2016)
Daguerrotype, the French drama directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, is a compelling tale that intertwines art, love, and tragedy. Taking place in a world of daguerreotypy photography, where the capturing of memories is both beautiful and haunting, the protagonist’s love for the photographer’s daughter is mirrored in the very process of capturing images. But, as the relationship progresses, it takes a darker turn that parallels the art form itself.
18. Before We Vanish (2017)
Before We Vanish, also known as Sanpo suru shinryakusha, is a gripping drama and sci-fi film that was released in 2017. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the movie features an intriguing plot where three aliens journey to Earth in preparation for an invasion, taking possession of human bodies. The film deals with themes like murder, fish, blood, and a chilling truck accident, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
19. Foreboding (2017)
“Foreboding, “ released in 2017, is a sci-fi thriller by the creative talent of Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Miyuki, played by Kaho, is haunted by apparitions at home. This phenomenon raises concerns for her friend Etsuko, played by Emi Takei, leading them to seek help from a psychiatrist.
20. Roja Oscuridad (2018)
Hidden within the shadowy depths of Spain, a chilling story of terror and enigma emerges through Roja Oscuridad, a spine-tingling crime drama unleashed in 2018. Directed by Chris Jiménez and penned by Jorge García and Jiménez himself, this suspenseful film boasts Eugenio Martínez, Lorena García, and Elena García as they delve into a bone-chilling inquiry into a murder that leaves its victims’ sleep in tatters. Set in a quaint, ghostly quiet town, the narrative starts with a man discovering a grisly scene — a dead girl he has never seen. The scene then transitions to Patricia, who receives a haunting message from a cryptic woman concerning a girl in peril. With the aid of an elderly wise man, both the sinister perpetrators and the unfortunate victims become intertwined in an intricate web of unexplained deaths and dreams that seep into nightmares.
21. Wife of a Spy (2020)
“Wife of a Spy” is a gripping drama based on real historical events, set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa and starring Yû Aoi, Issei Takahashi, and Masahiro Higashide, this film masterfully portrays the personal and legal struggles that arise when a man’s decision to travel to Manchuria leads to misunderstanding and jealousy with his Japanese wife left behind. As the merchant witnesses an act of unspeakable brutality, his actions further complicate his wife’s life.
22. The J-Horror Virus (2023)
“The J-Horror Virus” is a fascinating 2023 documentary delving into the origins of Japanese horror films at the turn of the millennium. This chilling exploration takes viewers on a journey through a world of vengeful ghosts and haunting technology, set against a backdrop of urban alienation and social decay. Directors Sarah Appleton and Jasper Sharp masterfully blend historical context with terrifying tales, offering unprecedented insight into the horror film industry’s dark yet captivating roots.
