2019
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我決定挑幾部讓我「動心」過的片子。這份片單的五部作品，都曾帶給我在工作之餘，像是開後門一般，被震動的經驗。它們的形式／題材／語言文化都不同，卻可以組成一個「我」，組成「張硯拓」這個人在大銀幕與小螢幕的一張「感知」的地圖。
There’s something magical about the seaside in summer— a charm that makes you forget time, inviting you to linger in the warmth of fleeting romance. Inspired by the Summer by the Sea feature in the latest issue of Japanese culture magazine Sanma, the editorial team curates a wistful film series set along the coastal towns of Japan’s Kanto region. These six summer films are perfect companions for the season’s memories. Wander through the nostalgic seaside home of Still Walking, soaking in the gentle friction of ordinary family life in Shōnan. Listen for the waves in the final notes of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s farewell. Escape into the dreamlike world of Swallowtail Butterfly and encounter the hallucinatory metropolis of Yen Town. Each of these cinematic landscapes captures a unique Japanese summer, stirring up the most enchanting waves in your heart. This summer, come watch the sea—and the films—with us.
22 Inspiring Films to Watch with Kids – A Giloo Family Collection Giloo presents a heartwarming selection of 22 knowledge-rich and emotionally uplifting films perfect for the whole family. Whether your child is full of innocent curiosity or navigating the early stages of adolescence, these films offer moments of inspiration and meaningful lessons to grow with. From a hilarious couple’s wild farming adventure that teaches the importance of sustainability and green living, to the sacred ritual of relocating the Ise Grand Shrine that reveals the harmony between humans and nature, and a touching story of a boy devoted to gymnastics and his steadfast coach that embodies the spirit of perseverance—each film opens a window to learning through storytelling. Stay safe at home and keep learning alive with your kids—education doesn’t stop when school does!
Since the Industrial Revolution, Japan’s path to modernization—beginning with the Meiji Restoration—seems to have established a distinct cultural attitude: the ability to preserve long-standing traditions while continuously reinventing them. After WWII, Japan made a remarkable recovery and quickly rose to global prominence, its cultural influence spreading across the world. For someone like me—born in the 1980s in Taiwan—this familiarity with Japanese culture feels second nature. As a student of Western classical music, I often find that this aesthetic of fusion, and even the lifestyle it reflects, plays a guiding and inspiring role in my creative process. The five selected works—covering religion, food, film, craftsmanship, and nature (intentionally excluding music)—may seem diverse, but each explores the same underlying tension and harmony between permanence and transformation. In a world where we constantly face global pressure and existential questions, this deep cultural foundation offers a quiet but powerful source of strength—especially for those of us who stand on the side of the challengers.
Japan—a land of paradox and fascination—has long captivated travelers from afar. With deep-rooted traditions that have withstood over 150 years of rapid Westernization, Japan continues to preserve a unique national identity and way of life, while also giving rise to a distinct and globally influential pop culture. This month, Giloo Documentaries presents a curated selection of films that explore the many faces of Japan. Journey with us across mountains and oceans, through surface and depth—encountering the worlds of fashion, Takarazuka theater, love hotels, fine cuisine, robotics, and contemporary art. Modern Japan is vibrant, eclectic, and often wildly unexpected—and these films capture its raw, untamed spirit.
Time is the most powerful force in the world. It hones a skill into mastery, freezes arrogance in its tracks, melts even the brightest brilliance, and heals the deepest wounds. Time is what makes us believe — and yet, its cruelty can leave us defenseless. As time watches over generations, we are left in awe, yearning to both embrace it and lean on it. This curated selection of films begins with the power of time — bidding farewell to what’s lost in the past, while searching for what lies ahead. Sometimes, we are trapped within fleeting seconds; other times, we gaze across a thousand-year flood of history, unsure where we’re headed. This is, above all, a list that moved my heart. I hope these stories through time stir something in you too — or even spark a question: What might a lifetime truly taste like?
With the pandemic still dragging on and international travel plans looking dim in 2021, many of us are still grounded—literally. But don’t worry! Giloo invites you to embark on a cinematic journey through the eyes of master filmmakers like Wim Wenders and Kim Longinotto. From cultural phenomena to pressing social issues, we’ll explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo, New York, and Paris—through stories told in light and shadow. This special online program was also featured in an exclusive write-up on the App Store’s Today tab. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to take off—these cityscapes are waiting to be seen.