When you have a bit of studying under your belt and you are ready to delve into some real-world Japanese, movies can be a great start. They can be a way to infuse your studies with some enjoyment, not only to keep you motivated but to reinforce all the words and phrases you have already learned. On top of that, they can be great listening practice, as well as reading practice if you use Japanese subtitles.
I wanted to introduce 5 Japanese movies that cater specifically to those learning Japanese who want a bit of a challenge. Each of these films has been chosen to showcase some unique Japanese, so get ready to test yourself with more than just a simple quiz in your textbook.
Top 5 Japanese Films on Netflix for Language Learners
1.) Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓)
- IMDb rating: 8.5
- Released: 1988
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Genre: Animation, Drama, War
Grave of the Fireflies is an emotional and powerful animated film set during World War II. It tells the story of a young brother and sister struggling to survive in war-torn Japan. Directed by the legendary Isao Takahata, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece has been praised for its heartbreaking story and stunning animation. The film offers a unique perspective on the impact of war on ordinary people and provides an opportunity to learn more about Japanese history and culture. This movie has some great visuals to keep you captivated, and since it is set in WWII, the challenge is that the Japanese language used is a little bit older. The good thing is, children, are speaking most of the time, so that will make it a bit easier to understand.
2.) I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (君の膵臓をたべたい)
- IMDb rating: 7.9
- Released: 2018
- Director: Shinichiro Ushijima
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a touching animated film that explores themes of friendship, love, and the fleeting nature of life. The story revolves around a high school student who stumbles upon the diary of his terminally ill classmate and learns about her struggle with a pancreatic disease. As their relationship deepens, the film beautifully captures the emotions and challenges they face together. While the challenge for this film is that there are some medical vocabulary and words that can be harder to follow, it is a great way to brush up on your kanji recognition, and the main characters speak simply most of the time so it is easy to follow.
3.) Confessions (告白)
- IMDb rating: 7.8
- Released: 2010
- Director: Tetsuya Nakashima
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
Confessions is a gripping and intense psychological thriller that tells the story of a grieving teacher who seeks revenge on her students for their involvement in her daughter’s death. The film is known for its striking visual style, complex narrative structure, and powerful performances. For language learners, it offers an opportunity to explore a variety of spoken Japanese, including both casual and formal language.
4.) Nobody Knows (誰も知らない)
- IMDb rating: 8.1
- Released: 2004
- Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
- Genre: Drama
Nobody Knows is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that follows the lives of four siblings abandoned by their mother in a small Tokyo apartment. The film is a masterful exploration of childhood innocence and resilience in the face of adversity. Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, this movie showcases excellent acting performances, particularly from its young cast members. It is a great choice for language learners who want to improve their listening skills and understand the nuances of everyday spoken Japanese. There is a lot of great conversational Japanese in this film, including some more modern slang and phrases that are fun to learn.
5.) Tokyo Godfathers (東京ゴッドファーザーズ)
- IMDb rating: 7.8
- Released: 2003
- Director: Satoshi Kon
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Tokyo Godfathers is an animated film directed by the acclaimed Satoshi Kon. This heartwarming tale follows three homeless individuals who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and set out on a journey to find the child’s parents. The movie masterfully blends humor, drama, and adventure, creating a captivating story that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
For language learners, Tokyo Godfathers offers a unique challenge in listening to diverse dialects and accents from different regions of Japan. Additionally, the dialogue in the film provides an excellent chance to learn slang and informal expressions used in everyday conversations.
Watching Japanese films on Netflix can be an enjoyable and effective way to supplement your language-learning journey. The movies listed above offer a diverse range of genres and themes, providing you with opportunities to expand your vocabulary, practice listening skills, and gain insights into Japanese culture. So get set to challenge yourself and get your Japanese to the next level!
