Dogs Without Names

Kanami is a TV director. Her pet Natsu recently died due to a disease. Kanami begins to shoot a film about dogs after her movie director friend suggests the idea. For her movie, she visits an animal shelter and a shelter for dogs rescued from the area around Fukushima. She is touched by the people who work diligently to save the animals.

Directed by Akane Yamada, Dogs Without Names leans on a strong ensemble — Satomi Kobayashi, Takaya Kamikawa, Misato Aoyama — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2015.