Anyway to get things going here are some recommendations I've watched recently:
Tomie 1999 - This movie really surprised me. I expected it to be a lot trashier than it was.I already had a bias that this was going to be a very silly horror with cheap thrills but actually I thought it was rather arty and slow in pace. Perhaps that may turn of some but for me it was a real mood movie. The soundtrack was really wonderful and unnerving and eerie with a sense of foreboding and melancholy as the film became progressively darker. I really love Kanno Miho and she is just amazing here. I've only seen her in cute nice roles so this was a nice change of pace. (I wrote an actual slightly longer review on the film page for this one)
Ring 1998 - I think we all know this one. Classic movie that probably got alot of people of certain generations into Japanese film.
Spiral 1998 - The forgotten sequel to the Ring. I can see why it's not popular but as someone who has read the first 3 books in the series I think this is a decent adaptation of the real book sequel to the original film/book. It shifts alot from horror to more medical thriller. I think it works better as a film if you have read the book though as I think it needed a longer run time and more details. It has a fair few of the same cast too. I really liked the book this was based on. Hated the 3rd book, Loop, but I do always wonder how a film of that might have gone.
Audition 1999 - That infamous movie (you probably know why unfortunately) That aside, I think it's an excellent slow burner that feels like a real deconstruction of a romance that warps into something else.I read the booktoo and it's got the same energy. I'm glad Takashi Miike showed restrain and let the film also burn slowly like the book.
Drama
Stalker: Nigekirenu Ai 1997 - Sometimes clumsily paced, but groundbreaking, suspense drama with an unforgettable soundtrack. Watabe Atsuro gives an unforgettable star quality performance that is both disturbing and nuanced. Ranging from extreme emotion to just downright creepy. He somehow manages to play a very charming attractive character in one moment but then an ultimately ugly pitiful character the next. It's very conflicting as a viewer to feel sympathy one minute then repulse the next.
I liked that the FL actually does alot of the "right things" (which is something I appreciate in good writing). The soundtrack is excellent too and composed by Sakamoto Ryuichi. The main song will stay with you long after the show ends.If you want a good suspense thriller with lots of intense acting moments with good music then this is for you. (I wrote a longer review on the drama page)
Kimi no Te ga Sasayaite Iru 1997-2001 - Beautiful drama that is actually 5 long episodes that aired over 5 years. It's great to watch now all together and see the cast age over the 5 year period. I haven't seen it in years and maybe it's a bit corny if I go back but I really enjoyed it when I first watched. It was the first thing I saw Kanno Miho in too and she is wonderful.
Kou Kou Kyoushi 1993 - This is quite a dark and at often times ugly drama. I think it's a really pop culturally significant piece but it won't be for everyone. Definitely has some extremely controversial moments (and that isn't even the controversy of the premise itself). Can see why this was a ratings puller but there was honestly something kind of ugly about this drama and unsatisfying that I didn't rate it higher than I did. Glad I watched but go in with caution. Steer clear of the movie, Kou Kou Kyoushi, though IMO. It's really depressing and most of the characters are horrible. Depressing movie in comparison that doesn't really have any substance.
Shomuni 1998 - I've only seen the first series when I rented it and I'm due a revisit. Really silly fun with a delightful cast. I can't remember too much now but I had a good time. Light fun and of interest for pop culture.
