Ringu

A Japanese TV news reporter investigates a supposedly lethal videotape. Several Tokyo area high school students succumb to its curse, including her niece, Seeking to explain the mysterious video and curb its evil influence, the reporter uncovers a mystery involving a scientist and his supernaturally empowered daughter. There are some scares along the way and a pervasive, sinister atmosphere. The climactic scene has a great special effect that's not gory or gross, just wonderfully creepy. What's the meaning of a cursed videotape? Maybe it has to do with a suppressed, historical evil affecting the collective consciousness of a nation--imposing itself on the popular culture? Or maybe something is being said about the destructive potential of cinema? In any case, Ringu would make a pretty good double feature with Videodrome. (P.S. Roberto Bolaño included a critical gloss of this film in the first part of his novel 2666, which is, in its own way, very much concerned with the destructive power of cinema.) Directed by Hideo Nakata from Hiroshi Takahashi's script. Starring Nanako Matsushima. 1998.

Sisters of the Gion

Pretty compelling for 1936. Nice tracking shots through the back alleys of Kyoto’s red light district. The story of two geishas, their several patrons, and the difficulties faced by each in a world where affection and commerce are tied too closely together.

Tokyo Sonata

A strange blend of torture porn and domestic drama in which a middle class Japanese family is drawn and quartered then reanimated by the magnetic power of home.