Hokasanbon

Set in a single location, this action-comedy stylishly depicts how a mistake caused by an accidental prank causes a series of people to fall like dominoes. The film is shot in a way that makes the serious look funny, and the supposedly uncool look stick to the film. The sense of humour is reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino, but the ending, in which three stories that were misaligned like the misplaced buttons come together, shows the high quality of the film as a storyteller.

Directed by Akira Kawai, Hokasanbon leans on a strong ensemble — Masaru Ikeda, Ryoko, YABU — 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 screen titles of 1998.