Shunzo (Bengal) and his wife Michi (Masako Motai) run a beloved greengrocer on the outskirts of Tokyo. When Lee, a struggling exchange student from China, visits the shop but is unable to afford the produce, an uneasy relationship sprouts. Begrudgingly, Shunzo agrees to lower his prices. Soon, Lee’s classmates begin frequenting the shop. As Shunzo’s generosity sneaks up on him and strains his family’s welfare, he confronts his role as surrogate father to his newfound Chinese friends.Read More »
Nobuhiko Obayashi
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Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Pekin no suika AKA Beijing Watermelon (1989)
Nobuhiko Obayashi1981-1990ArthouseDramaJapan -
Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Mizu no tabibito: Samurai kizzu AKA Samurai Kids (1993)
Nobuhiko Obayashi1981-1990AdventureComedyJapanSynopsis:
A special effects filled fantasy adventure, in which an 8 year old boy encounters an ancient samurai warrior who is only six inches tall.Read More » -
Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Watashi no kokoro wa papa no mono AKA My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1988)
Nobuhiko Obayashi1981-1990ComedyDramaJapanIt depicts a unique parent-child love through the appearance of a father and daughter reuniting for the first time in 15 years. A theatrical version of the tele feature aired on Nippon Television in 1988. The screenplay was co-written by Rio Kishida and Yo Saiki of “Prosperity of Vice.” The director is Nobuhiko Obayashi of “Futari”. The cinematographer is Yoshinao Sakamoto of “BEST GUY”.Read More »
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Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Reibyo densetsu AKA Legend of the Cat Monster (1983)
1981-1990HorrorJapanNobuhiko ObayashiRomanceQuote:
Another stunning Tuesday Suspense Theater movie from Obayashi. I love how there is some music playing almost every second of the film. That gives the movie an special feeling of drama and I think of it as another way to telling the viewer like Hey, don’t forget you’re watching a movie!And the fact that this is a cat monster movie about making a cat monster movie featuring Takeko Irie, also known as the cat monster actress, and her daughter playing a character inspired in herself! I will sure give a rewatch to this after I watch some of Takako Irie’s cat monster movies.Read More »
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Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Confession (1968)
1961-1970AsianDramaJapanNobuhiko ObayashiQuote:
This is probably a forgotten masterpiece of Japanese underground cinema, though I think I’d need subtitles to know for sure. It seems to be a very personal and autobiographical film for Obayashi. There isn’t much dialogue, but subtitles would be necessary to fully understand the story. Much of the film’s running time consists of creatively edited montages of the young main characters having fun, high on life, wreaking havoc 1968-style in the town of Onomichi.Read More » -
Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Tengoku ni ichiban chikai shima AKA The Island Closest to Heaven (1984)
1981-1990ArthouseDramaJapanNobuhiko ObayashiA high school girl travels to the island of New Caledonia and has magical adventures.Read More »
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Nobuhiko Ôbayashi – Reibyo densetsu AKA Legend of the Cat Monster (1983)
1981-1990HorrorJapanNobuhiko ObayashiQuote:
Another stunning Tuesday Suspense Theater movie from Obayashi. I love how there is some music playing almost every second of the film. That gives the movie an special feeling of drama and I think of it as another way to telling the viewer like Hey, don’t forget you’re watching a movie!And the fact that this is a cat monster movie about making a cat monster movie featuring Takeko Irie, also known as the cat monster actress, and her daughter playing a character inspired in herself! I will sure give a rewatch to this after I watch some of Takako Irie’s cat monster movies.Read More »
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Nobuhiko Obayashi – Futari aka Chizuko’s Younger Sister (1991)
1991-2000DramaFantasyJapanNobuhiko ObayashiSynopsis
The Kitao family is coping with the loss of the eldest daughter, Chizuko, who was killed in a freak accident the year prior. When the other daughter Mika is suddenly in a dangerous situation, Chizuko returns as a ghost to save her; reunited with her sister, Mika begins spending time with Chizuko again.Read More » -
Nobuhiko Obayashi – Seishun dendekedekedeke AKA The Rocking Horsemen (1992)
1991-2000AsianJapanNobuhiko ObayashiIt is 1965. High-school student Takeyoshi Fujiwara Yasufumi Hayashi) hears “Pipeline” by the Ventures, and is mesmerized by their unique sound. With three friends, he forms a band called “The Rocking Horsemen.” A warm and comic glimpse into high-school and small-town life in Japan in the 60’s.Read More »