The ultimate accolade in the world of cinema, this ceremony dates back to 1929. It is the oldest global awards ceremony in the entertainment industry. While the 2022 edition proved to be, to say the least, tumultuous, Japanese cinema enjoyed another moment of glory. Indeed, Ryusuke Hamaguchi's film "Drive My Car" won the award for Best International Film. Here's a look at the list of award-winning Japanese films.
Note: The award for best foreign-language film (now "best international film") has only existed since 1956. Between 1947 and 1955, an honorary Oscar was awarded to foreign films. This background is important because three Japanese films received this award during that period. Since then, only three Japanese films (one of which was animated) have won the prestigious statuette.
Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa (Honorary Oscar 1951)
Kyoto, 10th century. Under the portico of an old, ruined temple, Rashomon, three men take shelter from the rain. Wars and famines are raging. Yet, a young monk and an old woodcutter are even more terrified by the trial they have just witnessed. They are so disturbed that they force the third traveler to listen to the account of this trial: that of a notorious bandit accused of raping a young woman and killing her husband, a samurai. The tragedy took place in the forest at the edge of which Rashomon's portico is located. The story is simple: Who killed the husband? The bandit Tajomaru, the woman, a passing woodcutter, or the husband himself, who may have committed suicide? All are plausible hypotheses. But the testimonies of the witnesses before the court each time offer a different version of the tragedy, and the truth will only emerge after further surprising revelations… (Source: Allocine)
Gate of Hell by Teinosuke Kinugasa (Honorary Oscar 1954)
In 12th-century Japan, during a civil war, the beautiful servant Kesa is used to divert the attention of rebels from the imperial family. One of the samurai in her escort falls in love with her and asks for her hand in marriage. But Kesa is already married… (Source: Allocine)
The Legend of Musashi by Hiroshi Inagaki (Honorary Academy Award 1955)
Japan, 1600. A rough young man rejected by his family, Takezo dreams of becoming a samurai to gain glory and honors. With his friend Matahachi, he goes into battle but quickly finds himself on the losing side. Forced to flee, the two men find refuge with the widow Oko and her daughter Akemi. While Matahachi decides to stay with them, abandoning his fiancée Otsu, Takezo returns alone to the village where he receives a very cold welcome… (Source: Allocine)
Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki (Best Animated Film 2003)
Ten-year-old Chihiro is on her way to her new home with her parents. During the journey, the family stops at a theme park that appears dilapidated. While there, her parents stop at one of the buildings to try some very appetizing food that has magically appeared. Unfortunately, this food transforms them into pigs. Panicked, Chihiro runs away and finds herself alone in this fantastical world; there she meets the enigmatic Haku, her only ally in this terrible ordeal… (Source: Allocine)
Departures by Yojiro Takita (Best Foreign Language Film 2009)
In Yamagata, a rural province in northern Japan, Daigo Kobayashi returns with his wife after the orchestra he had played in for years in Tokyo disbanded. Daigo answers an advertisement for a "departure assistant" position, believing it to be with a travel agency. The former cellist discovers it is actually a funeral home, but accepts the job out of financial necessity. Immersed in this unfamiliar world, he discovers funeral rites while keeping his new profession, largely taboo in Japan, a secret from his wife. (Source: Allocine)
Drive My Car by Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Best International Film 2022)
Still reeling from a personal tragedy, Yusuke Kafuku, an actor and theater director, agrees to stage Uncle Vanya at a festival in Hiroshima. There he meets Misaki, a reserved young woman assigned to him as a driver. As their journeys progress, the growing sincerity of their conversations forces them to confront their pasts. (Source: Allocine)
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