5 Must-Watch Movies If You Love Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami, the literary maestro whose 33 books have been translated into 50 languages, has captivated readers worldwide with his unique blend of surrealism, emotion, and human connection. But what if you're craving more of Murakami's magic beyond the written word? Fear not, fellow Murakami enthusiasts! The silver screen offers a tantalising range of adaptations that bring his enigmatic stories to life.

For those who've been living under a literary rock, yes, Murakami's works have indeed made their way to the big screen. From full-length novels to short stories, filmmakers have embraced the challenge of translating Murakami's distinctive style into visual masterpieces.

Must-Watch Movies If You Love Haruki Murakami

‘Norwegian Wood’ (IMDb Rating: 6.6/10)

Director Tran Anh Hung brings Murakami's beloved novel to life in this haunting adaptation. As the Beatles' iconic song plays, we're transported to 1960s Tokyo, where Watanabe navigates the tumultuous waters of love and loss. The film beautifully captures the novel's melancholic atmosphere, exploring the delicate balance between past and future, innocence and experience.

‘Burning’ (IMDb Rating: 6.6/10) Amazon Prime

Lee Chang-dong's psychological thriller, based on Murakami's short story ‘Barn Burning,’ is a masterclass in tension and ambiguity. This South Korean gem follows Jongsu, a young deliveryman whose life takes a mysterious turn when he reunites with his childhood friend Haemi and meets the enigmatic Ben. As the story unfolds, viewers are left to question reality and perception, much like in Murakami's prose.

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‘A Girl, She is 100%’ (IMDb Rating: 7/10)

Naoto Yamakawa's short film adaptation of Murakami's ‘On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning’ is a delightful exploration of serendipity and missed connections. In just a few minutes, it captures the whimsical nature of Murakami's original story, leaving viewers pondering the role of fate in our lives.

‘Tony Takitani’ (IMDb Rating: 7.2/10)

Jun Ichikawa's adaptation of Murakami's short story is a poignant exploration of isolation and the human need for connection. The film follows Tony Takitani, a solitary man whose life is transformed by love, only to be challenged by his wife's compulsive shopping habit. With its minimalist style and emotional depth, ‘Tony Takitani’ perfectly captures Murakami's ability to find profundity in the ordinary.

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‘Hear the Song of the Wind’ (IMDb Rating: 6.7/10)

Based on Murakami's famous ‘Trilogy of the Rat,’ Kazuki Ōmori's film takes us on a nostalgic journey through a student's summer in his hometown. With its blend of familiar haunts, mysterious encounters, and a soundtrack featuring the Beach Boys, this early adaptation sets the tone for Murakami's cinematic legacy.

These film adaptations offer a unique opportunity to experience Murakami's world through a different lens. While they may not capture every nuance of his writing, they provide a visual and auditory journey into the themes that make his work so compelling, loneliness, connection, memory, and the thin line between reality and dreams.

For Murakami aficionados and newcomers alike, these films serve as a perfect complement to his literary works. They allow us to see his characters come to life, to hear the music that often plays such a crucial role in his stories, and to immerse ourselves in the atmospheric worlds he creates.

So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be transported into Murakami's cinematic universe.

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