Movies
Zokki is an adaptation of Hiroyuki Ohashi's cult manga. I never read it, I also wasn't immediately drawn to the film, but since Naoto Takenaka was one of the directors I figured I'd give it a go anyway. I'm glad I did. Together with Saitoh and Yamada (two famous Japanese actors turned directors) Takenaka pasted together some fun, sweet and warm vignettes.
Read all
If you've seen some Japanese dramas than Zokki won't have too many surprises for you. The performances are strong, the cinematography is polished, and the soundtrack is fitting. It's a calm, calming, somewhat slow film, paying a lot of attention to smaller moments, little gestures, and some light comedy. Good fun, but nothing too extraordinary.
Wacky, insane comedy, the kind only Japan is able to make. Naoto Takenaka directs and features in multiple parts, the plot is too silly to even bother with and the comedy is daft but infectious and funny. Add a cool cameo by Noboru Iguchi and Japanese comedy fans get a film that more caters to their needs.
Naoto Takenaka is a force to be reckoned with. His career is tremendous, but his directorial work is probably a tad overlooked. 119 is a sweet, cute, and agreeable film sporting a tremendous cast. If you like a sunny drama set in the Japanese countryside, this film is for you, even if it's a bit long.
Read all
Takenaka himself takes on the lead, with names like Asano, Tsukamoto, and Hibino completing the case, you know this film is stacked. The pacing is slow, nothing much happens, but that's where the appeal lies. It's one of those films that feels like a tiny vacation. Not the best of its kind, but a fine film nonetheless.