# Classic Japanese cinema

**Language:** Japanese  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Listen in as 美桜 and 伊織 talk about classic Japanese films and their global impact in real, everyday Japanese. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** A quiet, traditional kissaten (coffee shop) near Kyoto's Gion district, where a local film club is hosting a retrospective on golden-age cinema. Mio and Iori sit at the counter after a screening, sharing their mutual appreciation for classic directors and the timeless art of Japanese filmmaking.

## Lessons

### 1. Sharing opinions about a movie

Mio and Iori discuss a movie they just watched, sharing their mutual appreciation for director Mizoguchi's beautiful cinematography.

### 2. Comparing preferences in movies

Iori compares directors and shares his preference for Kurosawa's samurai films, expressing his love for "Seven Samurai" to Mio.

### 3. Discussing how often you watch something

Mio asks Iori how many times he has watched his favorite film and is amazed to learn he has seen it about ten times.

### 4. Using comparisons to explain a point

Iori compares the teamwork in "Seven Samurai" to a baseball team, which Mio finds highly relatable given Iori's role as a coach.

### 5. Stating where a business is

Iori confirms that Mio runs a traditional Japanese sweet shop, and Mio shares its location near Nishiki Market.

### 6. Complimenting someone's creations

Iori compliments Mio's traditional sweets by comparing their beauty to a classic film.

### 7. Inviting someone to visit

Mio invites Iori to visit her shop, and Iori eagerly accepts and asks when he should come.

### 8. Suggesting a day to meet

Mio suggests meeting on Saturday, and Iori agrees before asking what time works best.

### 9. Suggesting a time to meet

Mio suggests meeting at three o'clock and mentions there will be tea, which Iori happily agrees to.

### 10. Saying how much you want

Mio asks Iori how many Japanese sweets he would like to eat, and Iori enthusiastically replies that he wants a lot.

### 11. Asking about future plans

Iori asks Mio if she plans to attend the movie club again, and Mio confirms she will return next month.

### 12. Describing a filmmaker's style

Iori shares what the next movie club selection is, and Mio expresses her appreciation for the director's quiet films.

### 13. Expressing a strong preference

Iori reiterates his preference for Kurosawa, admitting to Mio just how much he loves the director's work.

### 14. Confirming plans to meet

Mio tells Iori she will be waiting for him on Saturday, and Iori expresses his excitement for their upcoming meeting.