Notorious Film Nerd Hideo Kojima Reveals His Criterion Collection Picks

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind iconic video games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, is a passionate cinephile. His love for film is evident in the cinematic sensibilities he injects into his games, and now, he’s sharing some of his favorite Criterion Collection films in a captivating video.

High and Low

Kojima champions High and Low (1963) as a standout from Akira Kurosawa’s filmography. He highlights its unique blend of police procedural elements and domestic drama, differentiating it from more celebrated works like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. Kojima expressed his admiration, emphasizing the film’s impact on him, and encourages viewers to experience it for themselves.

Late Spring

Kojima connects Akira Kurosawa with another influential Japanese filmmaker, Yasujiro Ozu. He selects Late Spring as a poignant exploration of a widower and his daughter in post-war Japan. The film’s focus on familial relationships and the quiet struggles of daily life resonates with Kojima’s appreciation for nuanced storytelling and character development.

Tokyo Twilight

Kojima offers another Ozu selection, Tokyo Twilight. This posthumous anthology film showcases a different tone from Ozu’s typical work. Kojima emphasizes its darker atmosphere, a stark contrast to the usually lighthearted tone of Ozu’s films. He highlights this aspect as a captivating element, making a strong recommendation.

Ugetsu

Kojima expresses enthusiastic appreciation for Ugetsu (1953), a Kenji Mizoguchi classic restored with the help of Martin Scorsese. The film’s evocative portrayal of war’s devastation resonates with Kojima’s personal experience, particularly its haunting atmosphere and use of black and white imagery.

Kwaidan

Kojima highlights Kwaidan (1964), a collection of stylized ghost stories based on Japanese folklore. He shares a personal connection, stating the film, along with similar works, scared him as a child. The film’s artistic style and unsettling nature leave a strong impression on Kojima.

Harakiri

Another Masaki Kobayashi film, Harakiri, earns Kojima’s praise. He admires its influence on the Spaghetti Westerns that emerged in the 1960s. Kojima recognizes the film’s lasting impact on cinematic styles, drawing connections between Japanese samurai films and Western genres.

Jigoku

Kojima recommends Jigoku (1960), a Nakagawa horror film. He points to a previous film by Nakagawa, The Ghost of Yotsuya, as a stepping stone for his discovery of the more surreal and unsettling Jigoku. This choice highlights Kojima’s fondness for a specific subset of horror films.

Onibaba

Kojima recalls his experience watching Onibaba (1964) as a child, highlighting its impact on him. He connects this film’s influence to Guillermo del Toro, mentioning a shared appreciation for the folk horror elements of the film. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and monster imagery are key points in Kojima’s recommendation.

Woman in the Dunes

Kojima reveals his discovery of Woman in the Dunes (1964). He found inspiration for this choice in the Kobo Abe novel, underscoring his fondness for art-house films and literature. He emphasizes the film’s art-house nature and its connection to the novel.

Kojima’s passion for these films clearly shines through in his selections. His Criterion Collection choices offer a glimpse into his cinematic tastes and preferences.