Top 10 Third Window Films releases you must own

Fans of Asian cinema will be familiar with Third Window Films, and may have a fair few of their releases in their beloved collection. Founded in 2005, they are UK-based distributor of East-Asian cinema, and in 2015, independently produced the excellent film from director Eiji Uchida, Lowlife Love. Having distributed a number of films that have garnered a selection of prestigious awards, they have released a wide variety of interesting and exciting films made by some of the most exhilarating and underrated filmmakers working today. This list has been compiled to attract attention to a number of films that some readers may not have seen, but also to inform readers which films may be essential to a cinephiles stockpile. To ensure fairness, a director may only be represented once in this list, for the obvious reason that Sion Sono and Shinya Tsukamoto deserve their own lists respectively. Hopefully, there are certain films listed below that you have not seen and choose to seek out, and contrarily, there are films listed that you have seen and cherish.

10.) Vulgaria, Ho-Cheung Pang, 2012

This absurd comedy centres around a film producer who is roped into producing a remake of an adult-film classic, “Confessions of a Concubine”, to fulfil the wishes of a leader of a triad gang. Boasting a range of bright and eccentric characters, Vulgaria is a crude, bizarre and often hilarious serving of deliciously dark humour. Well acted and confident, it feels celebratory of poor taste and offers a great deal in the realm of entertainment, with one scene involving a donkey proving particularly memorable.

9.) Confessions of a Dog, Gen Takahashi, 2006

On the completely opposite end of the spectrum is the pressingly serious socio-political tale of an honest police officer whose promotion to detective begins to expose him to the corrupt nature of Japanese society. Conforming to the criminal behaviour of his superiors, the film comments on the corruption and illegal activities of the few who wish to control all, and was subsequently banned in Japan. It avoids becoming too cinematic in order to preserve an all important message, yet still manages to remain riveting for its colossal three hours and fifteen minute run-time. It is an important piece of work, and with one of the most haunting and formidable endings of the twenty-first century, it demands a place in your collection.

8.) Fish Story, Yoshihiro Nakamura, 2009

The year is 2012, a comet is approaching Earth, and in a record store, three individuals engage in debate. Punk can save the world, and intertwining tales over the course of the last sixty years explain how it will. Fish Story is a wondrous breath of fresh air, and a triumphant joy from start to finish. The music is excellent, the stories, the characters - all wrapped up in the jolting energy of Nakamura's directorial style with playful performances from an accomplished cast. A glorious gem that deserves be discovered by more lovers of Japanese cinema.

7.) Ruined Heart: Another Lovestory Between a Criminal & a Whore, Khavn, 2014

Experimental, beautiful and brutal, this love story is unlike any other you will see. The narrative is minimal, and sparse dialogue with a focus on music make this interesting viewing. The central performance from Tadanobu Asano (Ichi the Killer) is subtly understated but engaging. Avoiding conventionality, it feels like a filmic exercise more than anything else. But, it is captivating and unique.

6.) The Story of Yonosuke, Shuichi Okita, 2013

Okita's film is a heartwarming meditation on the life of one individual, and the numerous faces he connects with in the course of his life. The performances are charming and the characters are undeniably sweet in their kindness and naivety. Yonosuke's relationships and achievements are remembered and pondered, allowing audiences to connect with him, but also, others we ourselves may have been involved with, but sadly lost contact. It is tragic and celebratory, warranting additional viewings of this life-affirming piece of work is inevitable.

5.) Be My Baby, Hitoshi ohne, 2013

Otherwise knows as 'The Vortex of Love', this clever subversion on the romantic-comedy is an insight into the variety of relationships that can blossom after a party. Filmed in interior for its entire two-hour and twenty-minute run-time, the focus is completely on dialogue, and with a script this good, there will be no complaints. With dilemmas such as cheating, abuse and boredom tackled within the films explored relationships, it is an often hilarious, sometimes troubling look at modern love.

4.) Tokyo Fist, Shinya Tsukamoto, 1995

Tsukamoto has had a prolific, trail-blazing career to say the least. An auteur in every sense of the word, his films combine to make an unforgettably deep and singular body of work. Tokyo Fist is arguably one of his greatest cinematic achievements. Regarded by many as Tsukamoto's Raging Bull, it is a gut-punch of a film about rivalry and suffering. Losing his wife to a professional boxer and childhood friend, Tsuda (played by Tsukamoto himself) begins severe training to prove himself, and to take down the antagonistic Hizuru. A visual feast of bizarre, excessive gore and twisted imagery, this is a great introduction to the cinema of a celebrated Japanese talent.

3.) Lowlife Love, Eiji Uchida, 2015

The most recent film on this list is the second directorial feature from Eiji Uchida, who impressed audiences with his 2013 debut, Greatful Dead. The narrative centres around Tetsuo (Kiyohiko Shibukawa), a director whose singular indie-hit many years ago is long behind him; he resorts to scraping by and using his former glory to his sexual advantages. The film is hilarious, with an intelligent wit and acute commentary on the state of modern Japan's film industry and questions of artistic integrity. Shibukawa's central performance is somewhat of a revelation. We at Daze of Heaven cannot wait for Uchida's forthcoming third feature, Love and Other Cults, which is also produced by the wonderful Third Window Films.

2.) Memories of Matsuko, Tetsuya Nakashima, 2006

Matsuko is murdered. Who was she? What happened in her life? Why has she met such a tragic end? Upon hearing of her death, Matsuko's nephew Sho begins to unveil the events of his aunt's mysterious life. This is a film that will make you feel the broadest spectrum of human emotions. It is heartbreaking, funny, poignant, disturbing, warming, and will leave you incredibly moved. It may just be one of the best Japanese films of this century. Seek it out.

1.) Love Exposure, Sion Sono, 2008

At last, we have reached Sion Sono's entry into this list. It can be no other than his four-hour magnum opus, Love Exposure. This film is a masterpiece. Religion, cults, up-Skirt photography, ultra-violence, love, hate - Sion Sono's behemoth of a film has everything and more that any fan of Asian cinema could possibly ask for. Before anything else is given away... go and see it, right now.

 Written by Chris Weston