In Search of Ozu (US/Japan, 2018)

 

In this documentary, filmmaker Daniel Raim delves into Yasujiro Ozu's remarkable late work, in which the master made the leap from black and white to color. In his stirring tribute to the great filmmaker, Raim examines Ozu's life and work through archival treasures such as his diary and the red teakettle from the family drama "Equinox Flower" (1958); sits down with Ozu's nephew and the producer of the director's gently elegiac final film, "An Autumn Afternoon" (1962); and interweaves many scenes and images from the vibrant and humane films with which the director capped his career.

If you're a fan of Ozu, you really should set aside some short quality time (it's only 46min long) to watch this documentary, and learn a lot more about one of the most important directors in history. We're treated to a treasure trove of still existing objects which have appeared in Ozu's films so many years ago, and his family gives some insight into what motivated Ozu to make the kind of family focused films he was best known for. The fact that he stayed single and never married was news to me, and people speculates wether it's because he saw too many failed marriages around him to tie the know himself. I also love the fact that he personally designed a lot of the sets and everything that went into the scenes themselves, like bar signs and posters, etc. He also seemed to be a big joker and drank a lot of sake.

A short and sweet, really informative look at the man behind many films that will be remembered forever.

Genre: Documentary

Shogun Assassin (US/Japan, 1980)

Long ago there was a great samurai warrior who served his Shogun honorably. The Shogun however grew paranoid as he became more and more senile. The Shogun sought to destroy all those who might stand to oppose his rule, and so he sent his ninja spies to the samurai's home. The ninjas failed to kill the samurai, but did kill his beloved wife. From then on, the samurai swore on his honor to seek out the Shogun and avenge the death of his love. 

Consisting of parts from the two first entries in the Japanese Lone Wolf and Cub-film series, Shogun Assassin could be seen as sort of a best-of compilation. It was put together, dubbed and released for the western market and does a great job of introducing the characters from the original manga. The ultra violence gets almost comical with all the blood in way too bright shades, but it's all good fun. Exploitative, gory and fun.

Genre: Action/Adventure

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (US, 2011)

A documentary on 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono, his business in the Ginza, Tokyo Subway station, and his relationship with his son and eventual heir, Yoshikazu.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi was an American production, but I'm sure that anyone's who's interested in Japanese culture and Japanese cuisine will find this film mighty impressive and interesting. It's impossible not to be amazed at what this man, Jiro, has accomplished and how he makes the perfect sushi dishes. I promise, even if you don't like sushi, the things Jiro makes will make you scream out for just a taste. The sushi looks so shiny and delicious, they're carefully made and it's ridiculous how some of this food is prepared. 

We also get to follow Jiro's son to the fish market and that by itself is an memorable experience. Massive tuna is laying in rows, octopuses are wrapping their arms around the fish vendors. We see the whole trip, from the bloody floors of the fish market halls to the minimalistic black plates in Jiro's restaurant, where the tuna, shrimps and eels looks like a work of art when he's done with them.     

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is an inspiring insight into the world of one of the best sushi chefs ever, and it works up one hell of an appetite. 

Genre: Documentary