Top 5 Best Movies

Here, I introduce my personal Top 5 most memorable films.
Each selection was based on its emotional impact, visual beauty, and powerful messages.

1. Your Name (2016, Makoto Shinkai)
   

   "Your Name" (2016, directed by Makoto Shinkai) is a touching story about a Tokyo high school boy, Taki, and a girl named Mitsuha living in a rural town who begin to switch bodies in their dreams. At first bewildered, they eventually adapt to each other's lives and communicate through notes and messages. One day, the switches suddenly stop, prompting Taki to search for Mitsuha. The emotional core of the film lies in the mystery that follows and their transcendent bond across time and space. The breathtaking visuals and delicate portrayal of feelings draw viewers into its vivid world, while RADWIMPS' soundtrack enhances every emotional moment. For me, it is a timeless story about destiny and connection—deeply resonant and unforgettable.

2. Like Father, Like Son (2013, Hirokazu Kore-eda)
   

   "Like Father, Like Son" (2013, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda) explores the profound themes of family and blood ties. The story follows successful businessman Ryota and his wife, who learn that their son was accidentally switched at birth six years ago. This shocking truth challenges Ryota's beliefs about what defines a parent. Through quiet moments and documentary-style realism, Kore-eda examines what makes a father, presenting the dilemma with emotional nuance. It left me reflecting on the meaning of family and how love and connection can go far beyond genetics.

3. A Silent Voice (2016, Naoko Yamada)
   

   "A Silent Voice" (2016, directed by Naoko Yamada) is a beautifully crafted animation tackling sensitive topics like bullying, disability, and forgiveness. The protagonist Shoya, who bullied a deaf classmate Shoko in elementary school, is haunted by guilt and seeks redemption through reconnecting with her years later. The film's quiet, emotional storytelling, expressive visuals, and subtle sound design capture unspoken emotions powerfully. Rather than drawing a simpl line between right and wrong, it thoughtfully portrays human fragility. This film deeply moved me and made me think about how we confront past mistakes and reach out to others.

4. Shoplifters (2018, Hirokazu Kore-eda)
   

   "Shoplifters" (2018, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda) tells the story of a seemingly ordinary family living in poverty, who survive through shoplifting. However, as the story unfolds, we discover they are not related by blood. Despite societal norms, they share a warmth and bond stronger than many traditional families. Kore-eda questions whether blood defines family and how happiness may exist outside conventions. This film made me rethink family structures and the societal judgments surrounding them. It's a quietly powerful piece about love, survival, and human dignity.

5. Departures (2008, Yōjirō Takita)
   

   "Departures" (2008, directed by Yōjirō Takita) is a poignant film about a man who becomes a traditional Japanese mortician after losing his job as a cellist. Initially shunned and unsure, he gradually finds pride and purpose in this sacred work of sending off the dead. The film delicately portrays rituals of farewell, the emotions of those left behind, and the dignity of life and death. Despite its theme, it carries warmth and comfort, prompting us to reflect on mortality and what it means to live. It reminded me that life gains its value because it ends, and every farewell is also a celebration of existence.

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