Japan
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron tells a visually stunning tale of love, imagination, and learning to let go.
The Criterion Shelf: Directed by Seijun Suzuki
Ranking the films of Seijun Suzuki in Criterion Channel's collection devoted to the Japanese action film auteur behind films like Branded to Kill and Gate of Flesh.
Come Back Anytime Review
The story of a man who created a community in Tokyo, one bowl of ramen at a time.
Junk Head Review: Stop Motion Delight
Toronto Japanese Film Festival selection Junk Head is a visceral stop-motion that engages the senses.
Ribbon Review: A Beguiling Coming-of-Age
Toronto Japanese Film Festival selection Ribbon is a coming-of-age film exploring the struggles and anger felt by 20-somethings during the pandemic.
Midnight Swan Review: A Dance with Good Intentions
Toronto Japanese Film Festival selection Midnight Swan stars Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Misaki Hattori in a portrait of a transgender woman who takes a child under her wing.
Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2022: The Pursuit of Perfection Review
The Pursuit of Perfection takes us behind the scenes of Tokyo's most exclusive restaurants and chefs.
The Criterion Shelf: Directed by Juzo Itami
Tampopo is a perfect summation of Juzo Itami's vibe for its dark, almost cruel humour surrounding a sweet central relationship. "Japan is a culture where if you want something to eat, or you want to have sex, or whatever, you just do it," the director once said.
Contest: Win BEYOND THE INFINITE TWO MINUTES on Blu-ray!
Win a copy of the mind-bending time loop comedy Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes on Blu-ray!
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes Review
Inventive, clever, and hilarious, this Japanese sci-fi comedy is a one-take wonder that takes the time loop trope to another level.
TIFF 2020: Under the Open Sky Review
Under the Open Sky is a heartfelt redemption tale about an ageing ex-Yakuza struggling to turn his life around.
Parental Guidance: Alita: Battle Angel
Alita: Battle Angel fights her way into theatres this weekend. Based on a manga, it’s chock-full of cool fight sequences set in a gritty dystopian future. But should you take your kids to see it?
Contest: See ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver!
That Shelf wants to send you and a friend to advance screenings of Alita: Battle Angel in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal – courtesy of our friends at 20th Century Fox!
Reel Asian International Film Festival Unveils Its 2018 Slate
Reel Asian, Toronto's annual celebration of pan-Asian cinema, has announced its 2018 slate.
Isle of Dogs Review
Isle of Dogs continues Wes Anderson's harmonious marriage of formalism and silliness.