Via DesiMartini
Hollywood has always been influenced by Japanese cinema, especially in terms of the latter’s cinematic creativity, brutal graphic violence, and horror. In fact, Hollywood has been so influenced that it adapted many Japanese works, including anime and films and books, into major productions.
Let’s walk you through some of them right now!
1- The Ring (2002)
One of the most successful, critically-acclaimed horror films of all time was a direct adaptation of the Japanese film “Ringu”, which is based on a Japanese short novel. Naomi Watts stars in this well-made horror hit, which later on was developed into a series. The film follows Katie, who investigates her niece’s death from a mysterious videotape that guarantees its viewer’s death within a week. The story of “The Ring” is so unique that Hollywood couldn’t miss out. Of course, you recall Samara’s spine-chilling grunts now, right?
Via Sci-Fi Movie Page
2- The Grudge (2004)
Another Hollywood horror classic has been based on the Japanese film “Ju-on: The Grudge”. Sarah Michelle Geller (who you might know from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) leads this compelling (and supposedly true) story of a curse passed on from one victim to another. The film was such a massive box-office success that two more sequels were made. Netflix has also produced a series about Ju-On’s origins, following the shocking tale of the curse.
Via Bloody Disgusting
3- Hachi: A dog’s Tale (2009)
Who hasn’t cried uncontrollably when watching this heartbreaking story about the cutest dog and his eternal love for his owner, played by Richard Gere? Don’t answer this because it is a rhetorical question!
With barely any dialogue or narrative twists in the film, Hachi gave us a tearjerker about a dog who goes to his owner’s workplace every day for over 20 years, waiting for him to take him home. The dog even does this long after the owner’s death! Inspired by the beautiful true story of pure love and loyalty, this adaptation is considered one of the best and most unique dramas ever produced. To honour this incredible dog, a statue has been made in his memory in Japan.
Via Ingenio Virtual
4- Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
This underrated Sci-Fi action film is based on the Japanese novel “All You Need is Kill”. In the movie, Tom Cruise surprises his fans by NOT being the action master we know him for. Instead, he plays a military general who’s never been to battle in his life and has no combat skills. The general is faced with the horror of a lifetime when he’s abruptly sent to war against mysterious aliens who have the gift of turning back time. The film hasn’t been commercially successful, but we strongly urge you to give it a go due to its unique storyline, humour, and unexpected ending!
Via Digital Spy
5- Godzilla
Starting in the ‘90s, the hit classic monster franchise is inspired by Japanese monster fiction Gojira. Since the immense success and fan frenzy of the first movie, several sequels, revivals, and adaptations have been made, ending with the very recent production of Kong VS Godzilla, which put two of cinema’s most legendary monsters up against each other.
Via Gojipedia Fandom
*Honourable Mention: The Magnificent Seven
Seven Samurai wasn’t just adapted into a Hollywood classic; it was also turned into a stellar Egyptian adaptation: Shams El-Zanaty, starring Adel Emam, Mahmoud Hemeida, and Sawsan Badr, making the story into a war involving Bedouin thugs and seven Egyptian mercenaries who become heroes. Hollywood hasn’t had enough of The Magnificent Seven either because it’s doing a remake starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke.
