Renowned Japanese animation director Shinichirō Watanabe recently joined The Criterion Collection's "Closet Picks" video series, stepping into the Criterion archives in New York. There, he delved into a treasure trove of over 1,500 classic films, hand-picking his favorites and sharing how they've shaped his creative vision. The video quickly grabbed fans' attention, racking up over 30,000 views to date. 
Among his selections, Watanabe first highlighted director John Cassavetes' "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie." He explained:
"What I like about this film is how it blends raw, brutal realism with theatricality, which feels incredibly fresh. I think this film exists on the border between two genres, and I really love that."
Next, he picked up Japanese director Seijun Suzuki's classic "Branded to Kill." Watanabe stated, "This is a film I always recommend... though perhaps it's not the kind of film you *should* recommend. But I personally love it; it confuses you, yet it lingers in your mind."
Shinichirō Watanabe also chose German director Fritz Lang's iconic film "M," noting its significance as a prime example of German Expressionist cinema. Furthermore, he became visibly excited upon seeing "The Complete Jacques Tati." He remarked:
"He made comedies, but not lighthearted ones. It was a style where the characters looked cool, yet delivered jokes with a straight face." Watanabe revealed that this unique brand of humor deeply influenced his own work.
In the video, Watanabe also spoke about martial arts legend Bruce Lee. "I've loved Bruce Lee since elementary school; he had a huge impact on me," Watanabe shared. He disclosed that he reconnected with Lee's work in his twenties and began to delve into his philosophical ideas. "When I rediscovered his work, I found his philosophy incredibly interesting, and I was deeply inspired," Watanabe said.
He even revealed that Bruce Lee's philosophy made its way into his magnum opus, "Cowboy Bebop." Watanabe stated, "In 'Cowboy Bebop,' there's an episode that quotes his famous line."
Shinichirō Watanabe is celebrated for works like "Cowboy Bebop," "Carole & Tuesday," "Macross Plus," and "Space Dandy," known for his long-standing fusion of music, film culture, and diverse styles. Through this "Closet Picks" video, he offers fans a glimpse into the crucial cinematic wellsprings that have fueled his creativity.
Shinichirō Watanabe's Curated Film List:
"The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" — John Cassavetes
"Branded to Kill" — Seijun Suzuki
"M" — Fritz Lang
"The Complete Jacques Tati" — Jacques Tati
"Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits"