10 Essential Movies On Netflix You've Probably Missed
8. Shall We Dance?
It's almost impossible to think of a hugely successful Japanese movie which hasn't been remade by American studios. While mostly these tend to come from the horror genre, Shall We Dance? makes a welcome change, offering a gentle and touching comedy-drama about a bored salaryman who decides to take up ballroom dancing. Richard Gere played the central role in the US remake but in the Japanese version - currently available on Netflix - it was Kji Yakusho who wowed audiences with his footwork on the dancefloor. This is the very definition of amiable filmmaking, subtly blending a delicate character study with elements of romantic comedy without ever sinking into maudlin sentimentality. Fans of Japanese cinema would do well to check out more films starring the great Kji Yakusho - Tampopo, The Eel and 13 Assassins are just three of the many great films he's appeared in.
