
Takashi Naito
Filmography
In the late Edo period, when traditional Chinese medicine (Kampo) was mainstream, a Dutch-style Western doctor, Taikichi, devoted himself to treating poor villagers. After saving the life of a rough young man, Shinzaburō, through surgery, the man turned his life around and began training to become a doctor himself. Fifteen years later, having studied the latest medical science in Nagasaki, Shinzaburō returns and joins Taikichi in confronting a suspected outbreak of typhoid fever. Set against the backdrop of a time when Kampo and Western medicine competed for legitimacy, this moving historical drama follows the struggles of doctors who risked everything to save lives during Japan’s medical awakening.

From Up on Poppy Hill
Animation Drama Anime Coming-of-Age Drama2011•1h 31min
Japan
Director: Goro Miyazaki
Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the 1964 Olympics—and the mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off the shackles of a troubled past. Against this backdrop of hope and change, a friendship begins to blossom between high school students Umi and Shun—but a buried secret from their past emerges to cast a shadow on the future and pull them apart.

Tales from Earthsea
Animation Fantasy Adventure Anime Dark Fantasy2006•1h 55min
Japan
Director: Goro Miyazaki
Something bizarre has come over the land. The kingdom is deteriorating. People are beginning to act strange... What's even more strange is that people are beginning to see dragons, which shouldn't enter the world of humans. Due to all these bizarre events, Ged, a wandering wizard, is investigating the cause. During his journey, he meets Prince Arren, a young distraught teenage boy. While Arren may look like a shy young teen, he has a severe dark side, which grants him strength, hatred, ruthlessness and has no mercy, especially when it comes to protecting Teru. For the witch Kumo this is a perfect opportunity. She can use the boy's "fears" against the very one who would help him, Ged.

Spirited Away
Animation Family Fantasy Anime Supernatural Fantasy2001•2h 5min
Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
A young girl, Chihiro, becomes trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free her family.
On a cold Monday morning, a group of counselors clock in at an old-fashioned social services office. Their task is to interview the recently deceased, record their personal details, then, over the course of the week, assist them in choosing a single memory to keep for eternity.


