Burning (South Korea, 2018)

Jong-su, a part-time worker, bumps into Hae-mi while delivering, who used to live in the same neighborhood. Hae-mi asks him to look after her cat while she's on a trip to Africa. When Hae-mi comes back, she introduces Ben, a mysterious guy she met in Africa, to Jong-su. One day, Ben visits Jong-su's with Hae-mi and confesses his own secret hobby.

Straight from the head of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami we get Burning (based on his short story Barn Burning), a heavily character-driven story which dips its toes in both slow-pace drama as well as creepy mystery. If you've ever read a Murakami novel or short story you're bound to recognize a few of his more prevalent plot details such as a well, cats and disappearing people. Being a fan of his works I'm glad we see more adaptions of his books, and though Burning isn't as good as Norwegian Wood (2010) in my opinion it's still a great story and a beautifully shot film. 

Genre: Drama/Mystery

Tony Takitani (Japan, 2004)

Due to his Western name, Tony was shunned by other kids and spent a solitary childhood. Though gifted as an artist, his drawings lacked feeling, so as an adult, he carved a career as a technical illustrator. Then in middle age, Tony suddenly falls for a pretty young woman, Eiko Konuma, who visits him one day on business. Eiko is like an angel in Tony's daily existence, and for the first time in his life, he feels connected to the outside world. 

Tony Takitani is adapted from a short story by one of Japan's biggest writers, Haruki Murakami. Even though it's just over an hour, Tony Takitani gets under your skin like no other. Certainly not for everyone, with its distinct style where the camera just sort of pans through every scene, but those willingly to sit through it may find one of the most moving (and depressing) moments in Japanese cinema. It's a visual poem about loneliness, love and loss.

Genre: Drama

Norwegian Wood (Japan, 2010)

Toru Watanabe is a quiet and serious young man in 1960s Tokyo whose personal life is in tumult, having lost his best friend Kizuki after he inexplicably commits suicide. Seeking an escape, Toru enters a university in Tokyo. By chance, during a walk in a park, Toru meets Kizuki's ex-girlfriend Naoko, and they grow close. Naoko is devastated by the loss of Kizuki, and spirals into a deep depression.

Adapted from one of the most popular books by writer Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood is a deep dive into a broken relationship, and a most engaging drama. Completely covered in beautiful cinematography and tons of 1960's design. It was directed by one of the most amazing directors of our time, Tran Anh Hung, who've made stunning pictures such as Cyclo (1995) and The Scent of Green Papaya (1993). 

It would be a huge mistake by me to not name it one of the best films of 2010, as it is nearly flawless. The scene where Naoko leads Toru out into the fields of high grass at night is one I sincerely loved every second of, so well-made and skillfully shot. Actress Rinko Kikuchi gives an absolute stellar performance, and elevates the film to new heights. Tran Anh Hung brings out the best of his actors, even though they're relatively young.   

Genre: Drama/Romance.