All 14 Masashi Yamamoto Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Dive into the world of Masashi Yamamoto, a prolific Japanese filmmaker who has created some of the most memorable and diverse movies in the industry. From action-packed thrillers to thought-provoking dramas, Yamamoto’s extensive filmography showcases his unique storytelling abilities and dedication to exploring the human experience. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Masashi Yamamoto’s films and uncover the magic behind his cinematic creations.
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1. Sei terorizumu (1980)
“Sei terorizumu” is a gripping 1980 Japanese crime film that masterfully weaves together the lives of various apartment complex inhabitants. The narrative follows a girl who finds pleasure in terrorizing strangers, while also delving into the thoughts of one of her victims as he reflects on his final moments.
2. Carnival in the Night (1981)
“Carnival in the Night” (1981) is a drama film directed by Masashi Yamamoto and written by the same director. It stars Akemi Edo, Michirô Endô, and Nobutaka Kuwabara. Set in Japan and with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes, the movie has a rating of 6.7 on IMDb based on 64.0 votes.
3. Robinson’s Garden (1987)
Discover the enchanting world of Robinson’s Garden (1987), a heartwarming Japanese drama directed by Masashi Yamamoto. This captivating film follows a hippie-like girl who embarks on a mission to transform an abandoned industrial site into an exquisite urban oasis brimming with lush greenery.
4. What’s Up Connection (1990)
What’s Up Connection, released in 1990, is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the adventures of a Hong Kong family who unexpectedly win multiple holiday prizes. The film’s protagonist, the eldest son, embarks on a trip to Japan where he encounters a quirky tour guide and an eccentric thief. Together, they embark on a whirlwind adventure, eventually returning to Hong Kong.
5. Atlanta Boogie (1996)
In 1996, Masashi Yamamoto directed “Atlanta Boogie, “ a heartwarming and engaging Japanese comedy-drama that centers around a unique sporting event in Yokohama. The film revolves around a track meet featuring “normal” and “good” citizens, taking on illegal foreign workers, deadbeats, juvenile delinquents, and the elderly. Through this unexpected competition, the community comes together in a celebration of unity and acceptance.
6. Junk Food (1997)
“Junk Food, “ originally titled “Janku fudo, “ is a thrilling crime drama released in 1998, directed by Masashi Yamamoto. This film takes viewers on a journey through the darkest, most brutal corners of contemporary Japanese society, where the sun goes down and the orderly Tokyo facade reveals its sordid underbelly.
7. Limousine Drive (2000)
Take a wild ride on the streets of New York with “Limousine Drive”! This 2000 Japanese-American comedy brings laughter and charm in equal measure. Starring Obaid Kadwani, Kenji, and Cinqué Lee, the film follows Eri (played by Yukako Naka), a Japanese ganguro girl who travels to the bustling city of New York to visit her lover (T. M. Stevens).
8. Shiritsu tantei Hama Maiku: Namae no nai mori (2002)
In the suspenseful 2002 movie “Private Investigator Hama Maiku: The Unnamed Valley, “ struggling private detective Hama Maiku undertakes the challenging mission of retrieving a businessman’s daughter from a perplexing, cult-like sanctuary nestled within the mountains. As Hama infiltrates the enigmatic community, she uncovers an influential figure known as “sensei, “ who advocates self-discovery, even if it means embracing one’s darkest impulses.
9. Gerumaniumu no yoru (2005)
“Gerumaniumu no yoru” is a thought-provoking and dramatic indie film from 2005, directed by Tatsushi Ômori and written by Mangetsu Hanamura and Yoshio Urasawa. Starring Hirofumi Arai, Leona Hirota, and Megumi Sawara, this film delves into the darker side of human nature, exploring themes of sexual desire, animalistic instincts, and the blurred lines between consent and violation.
10. Man, Woman and the Wall (2006)
Man, Woman and the Wall, originally titled Kikareta onna no mirareta yoru, is a tantalizing drama, romance, and thriller released in 2007. The film, directed by Masashi Yamamoto and written by Fumihiro Yamada and Masashi Yamamoto, tells the story of Ryo, a young magazine reporter, who, upon moving into a new apartment, discovers his passionately beautiful neighbor, Satsuki.
11. Three Points (2011)
Three Points is a captivating exploration of Japanese society, focusing on the rough-and-tumble world of Kyoto’s rappers, the Okinawans struggling with crab-hunting and American GIs, and Saki’s haunting and unsettling relationship in Tokyo. This gritty film masterfully weaves together a compelling narrative that sheds light on the lives of individuals amid a rapidly changing world. Director Masashi Yamamoto expertly captures the essence of each locale while director of photography Jun-ichi Imaizumi contributes stunning visuals that evoke a sense of depth and authenticity throughout.
12. The Vortex of Love (2013)
“The Vortex of Love” (2013), also known as “Koi no uzu, “ is a Japanese comedy film that revolves around a house party and its unique consequences on the lives of nine men and women. With a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film explores the awkwardness and humor that unfolds when a group of people come together for an unforgettable night.
13. The Voice of Water (2014)
The Voice of Water, directed by Masashi Yamamoto, is a captivating drama that follows the intriguing story of Minjung, a young woman from a zainichi Korean background who leads a small but devoted following as the puppet leader of God’s Water, a cult based on the belief that she can communicate with a water oracle to heal the pain of the wounded and forlorn.
14. Wonderful Paradise (2020)
“A Beautiful Oasis” (2020), masterminded by Masashi Yamamoto, is a charming fusion of humor and fantasy that unfolds in a peculiar tale revolving around a family dwelling in a grand mansion on the outskirts of Tokyo. The central figure, Shuji Sasaya, confronts the necessity of selling the mansion due to his monetary blunders.
