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Akira Kurosawa's 20 Most-Loved Early Movies

Akira Kurosawa's 20 Most-Loved Early Movies

In Long Take, Akira Kurosawa presents 100 of his favorite films. Below are the first 20, compiled by Kazuko Kurosawa and translated by Anne McKnight.
Hannibal showrunner Bryan Fuller discusses his transition to film with Dust Bunny.

Hannibal showrunner Bryan Fuller discusses his transition to film with Dust Bunny.

In Dust Bunny, Bryan Fuller steps into the role of director following his tenure as showrunner for Hannibal and Pushing Daisies.
Zhengyang Du is an independent and innovative director and cinematographer. His portfolio includes both documentary and narrative films, characterized by a serene and subtle visual style that conveys understated emotional tension.

Du's work has gained significant recognition within the film industry. His short films, such as “Waiting For A Separation” (2023), “In the Light” (2022), and “Leave Me” (2021), have been featured in esteemed international festivals, including the Cannes Short Film Corner and the FIRST International Film Festival, among others. He has also earned accolades, including a nomination for Best Experimental Short at the 2021 HiShorts! Xiamen Short Film Week and an Honorable Mention at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival. Most recently, his directing and cinematography project “Beings” received an Honorable Mention at the 45th Thomas Edison Film Festival (Oscar-qualifying) in November 2025. This prestigious festival, established in 1981, is renowned for honoring innovative films across various genres. “Beings” stood out among 948 submissions, earning one of just 25 Honorable Mentions.

“Beings” is an experimental documentary expressed through four symbolic forms—the iron fish, the captive horse, the abandoned vehicle, and the disabled martial artist. This film reflects on how “beings” uphold dignity and significance in the face of control, decay, and physical limitations. Transitioning between stillness and resistance, each vignette captures a distinct state of being constrained yet persistently alive.

The Essence of “Beings”

After establishing a strong reputation with festival-acclaimed works in both documentary and narrative formats, Zhengyang Du approached “Beings” from a deeply personal perspective. Upon his arrival in Orange County, the unfamiliar surroundings evoked a quiet sense of wonder; he wandered with his camera, observing the world with a restrained, introspective gaze. Cinematography became a means of calmly witnessing the existence of people and objects, with seemingly random encounters unveiling unexpected beauty. However, the act of capturing images raised a profound question: does filming itself hold meaning, and if so, what does it mean to simply exist?

Through this ongoing exploration, Zhengyang gradually recognized that existence itself might serve as the purpose, rather than merely as a means to an end. To exist requires enduring pain; transcending pain is what imbues life with emotional significance. “Beings” examines how living entities maintain dignity amid control, decay, and physical limitations. Flowing seamlessly between stillness and resistance, each vignette illustrates a state of being restrained yet vibrantly alive, suggesting that persistence may constitute the most essential gesture of existence.

Visual Approach

In “Beings,” Zhengyang expands the visual language found in his award-winning short films and well-known commercials for reputable brands such as Nike and Tilta. However, he refines it into an even more subdued cinematic grammar. The film's aesthetic is grounded in tranquility and minimal intervention: the camera shares the same space as its subjects, observing them with quiet patience rather than heightening movement. The editing prioritizes gentle rhythms over speed, allowing imagery and emotions to develop organically. A subtle chromatic shift—from color to monochrome and back—mirrors the film’s emotional journey, hinting at a complex cycle of vitality, suppression, and renewal.

This visual evolution holds conceptual importance. Severed branches illustrate a life taken away; when reshaped into fish forms by human hands, they imitate living entities, yet their restored appearance comes with the loss of their original freedom. Similarly, horses confined in dark stables, blindfolded and restrained, represent another facet of captivity. The imagery remains devoid of color until a white horse begins to thrash and gallop; its forceful hooves and intensifying cries gradually reintroduce color into the frame, symbolically restoring vitality, agency, and a fragile sense of freedom.

Production and Collaboration

“Beings” was filmed entirely in Orange County, facing challenges more conceptual than technical. Instead of elaborate setups, Zhengyang aimed to uncover the invisible connections among these fragments of existence, allowing each moment to resonate softly with the next. This approach necessitated patience and a commitment to observation without imposing narrative direction—a challenging discipline that ultimately shaped the film’s contemplative tone.

The production was also heavily collaborative. Zhengyang expresses heartfelt appreciation for filmmaker Ruoyu Wang, who was closely involved during the filming period, and to Master David and the martial artists of Pakua OC, whose kindness provided access to their martial arts studio. Their trust, patience, and presence were vital to the film's realization, contributing both logistical support and a spiritual dimension to the creation of “Beings.”

Interpretation and Experience

In contrast to works that attempt to dictate interpretation, “Beings” resists prescriptive meanings. Du highlights that he does not aim to instruct audiences on how to engage with the film; instead, he hopes viewers might temporarily set aside analytical impulses. Like

Zhengyang Du is an independent and innovative director and cinematographer. His portfolio includes both documentary and narrative films, characterized by a serene and subtle visual style that conveys understated emotional tension. Du's work has gained significant recognition within the film industry. His short films, such as “Waiting For A Separation” (2023), “In the Light” (2022), and “Leave Me” (2021), have been featured in esteemed international festivals, including the Cannes Short Film Corner and the FIRST International Film Festival, among others. He has also earned accolades, including a nomination for Best Experimental Short at the 2021 HiShorts! Xiamen Short Film Week and an Honorable Mention at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival. Most recently, his directing and cinematography project “Beings” received an Honorable Mention at the 45th Thomas Edison Film Festival (Oscar-qualifying) in November 2025. This prestigious festival, established in 1981, is renowned for honoring innovative films across various genres. “Beings” stood out among 948 submissions, earning one of just 25 Honorable Mentions. “Beings” is an experimental documentary expressed through four symbolic forms—the iron fish, the captive horse, the abandoned vehicle, and the disabled martial artist. This film reflects on how “beings” uphold dignity and significance in the face of control, decay, and physical limitations. Transitioning between stillness and resistance, each vignette captures a distinct state of being constrained yet persistently alive. The Essence of “Beings” After establishing a strong reputation with festival-acclaimed works in both documentary and narrative formats, Zhengyang Du approached “Beings” from a deeply personal perspective. Upon his arrival in Orange County, the unfamiliar surroundings evoked a quiet sense of wonder; he wandered with his camera, observing the world with a restrained, introspective gaze. Cinematography became a means of calmly witnessing the existence of people and objects, with seemingly random encounters unveiling unexpected beauty. However, the act of capturing images raised a profound question: does filming itself hold meaning, and if so, what does it mean to simply exist? Through this ongoing exploration, Zhengyang gradually recognized that existence itself might serve as the purpose, rather than merely as a means to an end. To exist requires enduring pain; transcending pain is what imbues life with emotional significance. “Beings” examines how living entities maintain dignity amid control, decay, and physical limitations. Flowing seamlessly between stillness and resistance, each vignette illustrates a state of being restrained yet vibrantly alive, suggesting that persistence may constitute the most essential gesture of existence. Visual Approach In “Beings,” Zhengyang expands the visual language found in his award-winning short films and well-known commercials for reputable brands such as Nike and Tilta. However, he refines it into an even more subdued cinematic grammar. The film's aesthetic is grounded in tranquility and minimal intervention: the camera shares the same space as its subjects, observing them with quiet patience rather than heightening movement. The editing prioritizes gentle rhythms over speed, allowing imagery and emotions to develop organically. A subtle chromatic shift—from color to monochrome and back—mirrors the film’s emotional journey, hinting at a complex cycle of vitality, suppression, and renewal. This visual evolution holds conceptual importance. Severed branches illustrate a life taken away; when reshaped into fish forms by human hands, they imitate living entities, yet their restored appearance comes with the loss of their original freedom. Similarly, horses confined in dark stables, blindfolded and restrained, represent another facet of captivity. The imagery remains devoid of color until a white horse begins to thrash and gallop; its forceful hooves and intensifying cries gradually reintroduce color into the frame, symbolically restoring vitality, agency, and a fragile sense of freedom. Production and Collaboration “Beings” was filmed entirely in Orange County, facing challenges more conceptual than technical. Instead of elaborate setups, Zhengyang aimed to uncover the invisible connections among these fragments of existence, allowing each moment to resonate softly with the next. This approach necessitated patience and a commitment to observation without imposing narrative direction—a challenging discipline that ultimately shaped the film’s contemplative tone. The production was also heavily collaborative. Zhengyang expresses heartfelt appreciation for filmmaker Ruoyu Wang, who was closely involved during the filming period, and to Master David and the martial artists of Pakua OC, whose kindness provided access to their martial arts studio. Their trust, patience, and presence were vital to the film's realization, contributing both logistical support and a spiritual dimension to the creation of “Beings.” Interpretation and Experience In contrast to works that attempt to dictate interpretation, “Beings” resists prescriptive meanings. Du highlights that he does not aim to instruct audiences on how to engage with the film; instead, he hopes viewers might temporarily set aside analytical impulses. Like

The new documentary The Stringer questions whether the iconic photograph of the Vietnam War, attributed to Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, was actually misattributed to him.
Between Calm and Defiance: Zhengyang Du's Experimental Documentary "Beings" - MovieMaker

Between Calm and Defiance: Zhengyang Du's Experimental Documentary "Beings" - MovieMaker

Zhengyang Du is an unconventional and independent director and cinematographer. His portfolio includes both documentary and narrative films, recognized for their serene and nuanced style.
The erotic thriller Bight has released a trailer in anticipation of its Valentine's Day premiere.

The erotic thriller Bight has released a trailer in anticipation of its Valentine's Day premiere.

S&R Films has released a trailer for the forthcoming erotic thriller Bight, which is the feature directorial debut of actress Maiara Walsh (Desperate Housewives), who appears alongside Cameron Cowpert.
Neon has unveiled a poster and trailer for the US release of Julia Ducournau's (Raw, Titane) psychological body horror film, Alpha. 

The cast of Alpha features Tahar Rahim, Golshifteh Farahani, Mélissa Boros, Emma Mackey, Finnegan Oldfield, and Louai El Amrousy. Check out the trailer below… 

Alpha tells the story of a troubled 13-year-old girl who lives with her single mother. Their lives take a turn when she comes home from school with a tattoo on her arm. 

SEE ALSO: Check out our review of Alpha here. 

Alpha is set to premiere in US theaters on March 27th. 

About Amie Cranswick: Amie Cranswick has been a member of the editorial team at Flickering Myth for over ten years. With a background in publishing and copyediting, she has been the Executive Editor of FlickeringMyth.com since 2020.

Neon has unveiled a poster and trailer for the US release of Julia Ducournau's (Raw, Titane) psychological body horror film, Alpha. The cast of Alpha features Tahar Rahim, Golshifteh Farahani, Mélissa Boros, Emma Mackey, Finnegan Oldfield, and Louai El Amrousy. Check out the trailer below… Alpha tells the story of a troubled 13-year-old girl who lives with her single mother. Their lives take a turn when she comes home from school with a tattoo on her arm. SEE ALSO: Check out our review of Alpha here. Alpha is set to premiere in US theaters on March 27th. About Amie Cranswick: Amie Cranswick has been a member of the editorial team at Flickering Myth for over ten years. With a background in publishing and copyediting, she has been the Executive Editor of FlickeringMyth.com since 2020.

Casey Chong shares a selection of seven films related to influencer culture that you should consider adding to your watchlist. Influencer culture, which includes social media influencers and vloggers, is often portrayed…
Neon has released a new US trailer for Julia Ducournau’s Alpha.

Neon has released a new US trailer for Julia Ducournau’s Alpha.

Neon has released a poster and trailer for the US debut of writer-director Julia Ducournau’s (Raw, Titane) psychological body horror film, Alpha. The film’s cast features Tahar Rahim and Golshifteh Far...
Comic Book Preview – DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna #1

Comic Book Preview – DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna #1

DC Comics will release DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna #1 on Wednesday, and you can check out the official preview of the issue below for an early look… DC K.O. ALL FIGHT MONTH: ROUND 5 OF 8! I…
Hot Toys has revealed the sixth scale figure of the Battle Damaged Version of the Predator from Prey.

Hot Toys has revealed the sixth scale figure of the Battle Damaged Version of the Predator from Prey.

Hot Toys has officially revealed its sixth scale figure of the Feral Predator (Battle Damaged Version) from Dan Trachtenberg's praised 2022 Predator prequel, Prey. This deluxe collectible figure is available...
Milla Jovovich is the upcoming celebrity target in Hitman: World of Assassination.

Milla Jovovich is the upcoming celebrity target in Hitman: World of Assassination.

IO Interactive has revealed that Milla Jovovich will be the next celebrity Elusive Target in Hitman: World of Assassination, set to debut in February 2026. Jovovich will portray a new character…
Star Wars: Galactic Racer will deliver continuous racing excitement to gamers in 2026.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer will deliver continuous racing excitement to gamers in 2026.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Fuse Games, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games and Secret Mode, announced their newest addition to the cherished Star Wars franchise, titled Star Wars: Galactic Rac…
Comic Book Sneak Peek – Alien vs. Captain America #2

Comic Book Sneak Peek – Alien vs. Captain America #2

Marvel’s crossover series Alien vs. Captain America will continue next week with the debut of its second issue. You can check out a sneak preview below with the official content... ALLIED, AXIS AND…
The official trailer for Andy Serkis' animated film adaptation of Animal Farm has been released.

The official trailer for Andy Serkis' animated film adaptation of Animal Farm has been released.

Angel has unveiled a trailer for Director Andy Serkis' forthcoming animated comedy-drama, Animal Farm. Inspired by George Orwell's literary masterpiece, the movie focuses on a community of animals as they…
Lenny Kravitz takes on the role of a Bond villain in 007 First Light.

Lenny Kravitz takes on the role of a Bond villain in 007 First Light.

IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios have announced that Grammy Award winner Lenny Kravitz will be part of the cast for the upcoming 007 First Light, portraying The Pirate King Bawma. Kravitz will contribute both t…

World Cinema: Latest News, Blockbuster Premieres, and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Welcome to our website, your comprehensive resource for all things related to global cinema! Here, you’ll find up-to-the-minute news on major film premieres, in-depth reviews of the latest movies and series, as well as exclusive features on the behind-the-scenes lives of your favorite film stars. We keep a close eye on international film festivals—from Cannes to Venice—and spotlight emerging directors who might just redefine how we experience cinema.

Beyond offering reviews and news updates, we delve into the art of filmmaking itself. Our articles explore everything from on-set production details to the creative perspectives of renowned actors and directors. We also keep track of trends in animation, CGI, and other groundbreaking techniques shaping the future of the industry.

Join our community of film enthusiasts to stay ahead of the curve on exciting new releases, intriguing tidbits from Hollywood’s biggest names, and hidden gems in world arthouse. With us, you’ll always be informed about the most significant events shaping the ever-evolving realm of global cinema!