Japanese Movies

Lights, Camera, Nihongo: The Best Japanese Movies To Watch in 2024

Japanese movies have long been praised not only for their fascinating storytelling and cinematic genius, but also for their remarkable ability to immerse audiences in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and language. For both language fans and learners, the realm of Japanese cinema provides a one-of-a-kind and invaluable opportunity to develop their comprehension of the language while experiencing the enchantment of storytelling on film. 

In this blog post, we’ll look at how watching Japanese movies can help you learn and practice the language, eventually leading to proficiency and cultural awareness.

Japanese Movies To Watch in 2024

1. Call Me Chihiro (2023)

Chihiro starts working at a bento cafe in a beach town after falling in love with the food. This profession allows her to have sincere talks with various types of customers, making her feel less lonely in her daily life. Chihiro, who is unafraid to be herself and open up about her background, interacts intimately with many of the individuals she meets, changing their lives. 

2. Hard Days (2023)

The film follows Detective Yuji Kudo, a guy already dealing with a slew of issues. Kudo hits and kills a man by mistake one night while driving to see his sick mother. In his desperation, he decides to try to cover up the accident, but there’s one catch: there’s a witness. 

3. Drifting Home (2022)

A gang of childhood pals is inexplicably transported to an abandoned apartment complex floating at sea. As they explore the odd, seemingly infinite structure, they come upon otherworldly phenomena and hidden threats. They must work together to solve the mysteries of the drifting apartment and find their way home, confronting their innermost fears and rekindling their friendship.

4. Once Upon a Crime (2023)

This entertaining, twisted fairy tale follows Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and several other classic storybook characters. On their way to the royal ball, our two heroines experience an accident that could have grave consequences. Once they arrive at the ball, they realize there is trouble! Little Red now has until the clock strikes midnight to solve the riddle and avoid further tragedy

5. Ride or Die (2021)

Rei, a stoic and determined woman, impulsively kills Nanae’s abusive husband. This initiates a chain of events that entangles them in a perilous cycle of love, guilt, and violence. Nanae is initially horrified by the act but gradually finds herself lured to Rei’s steadfast devotion and ferocious protection. As they flee, their emotions mix, blurring the distinction between desperation and obsession.

6. Love Like the Falling Petals (2022)

Haruto, an ambitious photographer, is instantly smitten with Misaki, a colorful hairstylist. Their initial awkwardness transforms into a wonderful love story as they get to know each other. Their blissful romance is brutally broken when Misaki learns she has a rare ailment that causes her to age quickly, casting their future together in doubt. The film delves into themes of transitory beauty, appreciating the present moment, and the strength of love in the face of hardship.

It’s Time To Watch Japanese Movies!

By incorporating Japanese movies into your language-learning routine, you will go on a trip that goes beyond textbooks and typical study techniques. You immerse yourself in real-world language usage, pronunciation quirks, and colloquial idioms that textbooks frequently overlook. Furthermore, the visual and auditory stimulus of cinema can make language learning more engaging and pleasurable.

Want to start learning Japanese today? Our expert staff will get in touch within 24 hours, and you can start practicing your French right away. Or sign up for a group class (online or in person)!

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