Tracy Simpson · Follow
9 min read · Jul 13, 2024
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Dive into the world of Kazunari Ninomiya’s cinematic ventures with our roundup of his most memorable movies. From blockbusters to indie gems, this article offers a comprehensive look at the multifaceted acting career of this talented actor.
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1. Ao no hono-o (2003)
Unleashed in 2003, Ao no Hono-o is a gripping Japanese drama that dives into the murky waters of adolescence and familial ties. The protagonist, a 17-year-old, finds himself entangled in an impeccable crime when his stepfather — a tormented and frequently inebriated individual — resurfaces, terrorizing his mom and sister.
2. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Experience the intensity and complexity of World War II as never before in “Letters from Iwo Jima, “ directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Ken Watanabe. This epic film stands apart as it offers a unique perspective, telling the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima through the eyes of the Japanese soldiers who fought it. Set in the volatile 1940s, the battle becomes a race against time, with the United States and Imperial Japan locked in a deadly conflict on Iwo Jima.
3. Tekkonkinkreet (2006)
“Tekkonkinkreet, “ a visually stunning animation film from 2006, takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the urban labyrinth of Treasure Town. In this densely populated city, crime runs rampant, and two young orphans, Kikikawa and Black, become unlikely heroes. With their unique friendship and unmatched street smarts, they stand as the final defenders of Treasure Town against the ruthless Yakuza and their plans for urban development.
4. Returning the Favor (2006)
“Returning the Favor, “ also known as “Sukoshi wa, ongaeshi dekitakana, “ is a moving drama movie released in 2006. Directed by Ken Yoshida, this heartfelt film has a stellar cast including Chizuru Ikewaki, Ryô Katsuji, and Masanobu Katsumura.
5. Gantz (2010)
Gantz, a thrilling blend of action, horror, and sci-fi, premiered in 2011. Directed by Shinsuke Sato, this live-action adaptation of the popular manga series takes audiences on a suspenseful ride. Starring Kazunari Ninomiya, Kanata Hongô, and Ken’ichi Matsuyama, this film follows two teens who find themselves in an eerie scenario after attempting to save a man on the subway tracks. Waking up in a mysterious room dominated by a mysterious black sphere, they are sent on a mission to hunt down and kill aliens hiding on Earth.
6. The Lady Shogun and Her Men (2010)
Step into a captivating alternate reality with “The Lady Shogun and Her Men” (Ôoku), an intriguing live-action adaptation of Japan’s Edo period. Plagued by disease, the male population has dwindled, leading to an unprecedented power shift. In this engrossing world, women reign supreme, holding the key to survival and salvation.
7. The Last Promise (2010)
“The Last Promise” (2010) is a high-stakes suspense drama that dives into the lives of five men caught in the midst of terrorism. With a release date of January 9, 2010, this gripping film takes audiences on a thrilling journey as a company becomes the target of hijackers.
8. Gantz: Perfect Answer (2011)
“Gantz: Perfect Answer” is a thrilling Japanese action-adventure film based on the popular anime and manga series of the same name. Directed by Shinsuke Sato and written by Hiroya Oku, this live-action remake is a captivating ride filled with suspense, drama, and high-stakes action.
9. Another Gantz (2011)
Another Gantz, released on April 22, 2011, takes the audience on a thrilling journey into the lives of the mysterious characters from the first Gantz film. Set from the perspective of an investigative journalist, this live-action adaptation delves deep into the secrets of Kurono and Kato’s childhood, offering another intriguing piece of the complex Gantz puzzle.
10. Kurumaisu de boku wa sora wo tobu (2012)
“Skybound I, Myself” is a heartwarming Japanese drama released in 2012, directed by Noriyoshi Sakuma and co-written by Yasuzô Hasegawa and Toshio Terada. This inspirational film takes place in Japan and revolves around the life of Hasebe Yasuyuki, a young man struggling after a spinal cord injury confines him to a wheelchair. Drowning in despair, he meets Ishii Daisuke, a boy with a similar injury, store clerk Kato Kumi, and counselor Minami Hideaki, all of whom have faced similar challenges. As Hasebe slowly opens up, these individuals’ support and strength together help him regain hope.
11. Platinum Data (2013)
In the intriguing Japanese drama “Platinum Data, “ a groundbreaking new system for mapping DNA is introduced across Japan, promising a safer society with crime eradication. Keishi Otomo directs this captivating mystery-sci-fi combo, where the creator of the system becomes an unexpected murder suspect, thrust into the center of an enigma intertwined with the Platinum Data. Dive into this thought-provoking thriller starring Kazunari Ninomiya, Etsushi Toyokawa, and Honami Suzuki, as they navigate through a web of intrigue to uncover the truth of the Platinum Data.
12. Red Medaka (2015)
Red Medaka, released in 2015, is a captivating comedy-drama that follows the journey of a young high school student, Danshun. Passionate about a unique art form called Rakugaki, Danshun encounters Tatekagwa, an experienced practitioner who has come to his school for an educational session.
13. Assassination Classroom (2015)
“Assassination Classroom, “ a thrilling 2015 Japanese film directed by Eiichirô Hasumi, is based on the popular manga series of the same name by Yûsei Matsui. The film, starring Ryôsuke Yamada, Masaki Suda, and Maika Yamamoto, delivers an action-packed, adventurous, and humorous experience.
14. Haha to kuraseba (2015)
Amidst the ruins of Nagasaki, a heartwarming and emotional journey unfolds. The film “Haha to Kuraseba” is a poignant tale of reunion and acceptance. We follow Hatsune, a devoted midwife who was left devastated by the tragic death of her son in a terrible atomic bombing. Unbelievably, her son reappears, returned to her life when she least expected it. Told through a graceful blend of drama and fantasy, this film explores the intricacies of family, hope, and the power of love to heal even the most unimaginable wounds.
15. Assassination Classroom: The Graduation (2016)
“Assassination Classroom: The Graduation” is a thrilling action-adventure comedy that follows the continued story of a group of students who are secretly tasked with assassinating their alien teacher, Koro-sensei, before he reaches the age of 36. The film delves into the students’ personal struggles and reveals the truth about Koro-sensei’s identity. As the deadline for assassination nears, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, adding an extra layer of urgency to the students’ mission.
16. The Last Recipe: Memory of Giraffe’s Tongue (2017)
“Recipe of the Forgotten: The Timeless Memory of the Giraffe’s Tongue” explores the delectable history of cuisine. Chef Sasaki-san is assigned the mission of discovering the legendary recipe of Yamagata, who was stationed in occupied Manchuria during the 1930s.
17. Killing for the Prosecution (2018)
“Seeking Retribution: A Japanese Enigma” is a thrilling 2018 Japanese mystery film, which navigates the labyrinthine world of criminal justice and the unyielding pursuit of truth. Set amidst the bustling energy of Tokyo, the story revolves around Kuno Matsumoto, a tenacious, conscientious prosecutor. He’s been assigned to unravel the complex mystery linked to a brutal assassination of a notorious loan shark, with ties to an unsolved past case involving the late business tycoon, Katsuro Watanabe.
18. The Asadas (2020)
The Asadas, also known as Asada-ke! , is a gripping 2020 Japanese movie directed by Ryôta Nakano. It was written by Tomoe Kanno and Ryôta Nakano and stars Kazunari Ninomiya, Satoshi Tsumabuki, and Haru Kuroki. The movie depicts the life of a young photographer who copes with disaster, including a tsunami and nuclear reactor meltdown, by creating vivid photographic portraits of his family.
19. Arashi Anniversary Tour 5 x 20 Film: Record of Memories (2021)
“Arashi Anniversary Tour 5 x 20 Film: Record of Memories” captures the iconic group, Arashi, in one of their last performances during the “5×20” anniversary tour held from 2018 to 2019. Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, this captivating music film brings to life the unforgettable energy and passion of these talented artists. The film stars Kazunari Ninomiya, Jun Matsumoto, and Masaki Aiba, who, along with their fellow band members, showcase the timeless and dynamic music that has made Arashi a cultural phenomenon.
20. Fragments of the Last Will (2022)
In “Fragments of the Last Will, “ set in post-World War II Siberia, Hatao Yamamoto, a Japanese prisoner of war, finds himself in a gulag far from home. With the belief that he will be reunited with his family in Japan, Hatao holds onto hope and unites his fellow POWs in a fight for survival. Through their trials and tribulations, the prisoners discover the strength within themselves and each other, leading to unexpected friendships and shared experiences.
21. Tang (2022)
Tang, a heartfelt Japanese drama set in 2022, follows the life of Ken Kasugai (played by Kazunari Ninomiya), a man who finds himself struggling in his relationships with his wife and child. Ken has become engrossed in a game, leading to the eventual desertion of his wife. In a surprising twist of fate, a missing child robot called Tang (voiced by Mikako Ichikawa) suddenly appears before him, offering a fresh perspective on life, love, and redemption.
22. Analog (2023)
Embark on a heartwarming journey of love and traditional artistry within Analog, a 2023 Japanese romantic drama. Satoru Mizushima, a thoughtful designer who values handmade items, crosses paths with the enigmatic Miyuki Miharu at the quaint Piano café.
