Top 11 Japanese Films on the Theme of School Violence

Solomon no Gisho is a 2015 film that shares similarities with Watashitachi no Kyokasho, both revolving around the death of a student. The school initially deemed it a suicide, but an anonymous letter accused a classmate as the murderer, causing suspicion and chaos among the students. Ryoko Fujino, a quiet but trustworthy student, had long remained silent in the face of bullying. This time, however, she is determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for both her lost friend and her peers. Defying the school, Ryoko organizes a mock trial to investigate the case.

Solomon no Gisho is a voice for the victims of school violence, a desperate plea to schools, families, and even friends. It portrays how bullying distorts the lives and characters of children. With a unique storytelling approach, the film gradually unveils shocking truths, leaving viewers stunned by the ending.

Ryoko Fujino’s debut performance was widely praised, earning her the Best New Actress award at the Japanese Academy Awards. Her portrayal of the character’s maturity and innocence was particularly compelling. Additionally, Itagaki Mizuki, another promising young actor, received acclaim for her role. The performances of the supporting cast, including parents and teachers, also deeply resonated with audiences.

Limit is another film exploring the theme of school violence, but this time the setting shifts from a school to a forest. After a car accident that leaves the entire class dead, only five female students survive.

While waiting for rescue, they are forced to fight for their survival, competing for every opportunity to live. In this brutal struggle for life, the true nature of each person is revealed. The film is thick with suspicion, where the truth is uncertain and even the smallest mistake could cost a life. It’s a dark and unforgiving film, depicting violence in its most raw and horrific form.

Though the story doesn't take place in a school, the tension and atmosphere presented in the film can make you shudder, as it mirrors the kind of things that could happen in a school environment—only in the school setting, everything is more carefully hidden.

What happens when a 35-year-old woman enters a high school? That’s the premise of 35 Sai No Koukousei. This film tackles the issue of school violence from a 'lighter' angle, focusing on the hierarchical ranking system among students and teachers. Based on this system, individuals tolerate discrimination and vie for higher status. In addition to bullying, the film addresses various challenges that high school students face. The mysterious 35-year-old student, Baba, takes it upon herself to solve these issues, bringing the class closer together.

35 Sai No Koukousei emphasizes unity and friendship as key solutions to school violence. It also presents practical educational strategies to help curb these issues. The natural performances of the young cast, combined with the presence of Ryoko Yonekura—often referred to as the queen of Japanese TV dramas—make the film even more compelling. Notably, the film's ending, revealing the true mastermind behind it all, is sure to leave you stunned.

Without relying on excessive gore, All About Lily Chou Chou paints a chilling portrait of the dark world beneath the white school uniforms. It shows young people stepping on one another in a futile attempt to prove their existence, inflicting wounds that refuse to heal. The film follows four students: Yuichi Hasumi, Shusuke Hoshino, Tsuda, and Kuno. Yuichi is quiet, introverted, and unremarkable, while Hoshino stands out as the top student both academically and in sports. The two grow closer through their school interactions, but after a near-death experience during a group trip, Hoshino undergoes a drastic transformation. No longer the model student, he becomes rebellious and apathetic, eventually leading a gang that forces boys to steal and coerces girls into prostitution.

The film’s nearly three-hour runtime offers a relentless portrayal of the brutal realities young people inflict on one another, captured through intentional, dramatic lighting and raw camera angles. Yet, despite its grim subject matter, you cannot look away as the story unfolds. The music of Lily Chou Chou echoes throughout the film, acting as both a saving grace for the troubled teens and a soothing balm for the audience. It’s a powerful and successful exploration of school violence.

Kazoku Game also deals with the topic of school violence, but with a greater focus on family dynamics. The story revolves around a seemingly perfect family, hiding a painful secret: their youngest son is being bullied at school, though no one knows. The family begins to unravel as a strange tutor exposes their hidden fractures. However, the tutor may also be the key to their salvation—particularly for the youngest son. Though he doesn’t offer direct assistance, he forces the boy to confront harsh truths and teaches him how to rise above the situation.

Despite its dark themes, Kazoku Game also offers moments of humor, balancing the heavy drama with occasional lightheartedness. The family's breakdown is filled with pain, conflict, and tension, with scenes of family members wrecking their own home, expressing their pent-up frustrations. It’s a cathartic experience for many viewers.

The stellar cast contributes significantly to the film’s success. Sakurai Sho, a member of the famous band Arashi, plays the eccentric tutor, while Kamiki Ryunosuke shines as the older brother who appears perfect on the surface but is deeply selfish. The film won numerous accolades, including Best TV Drama, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Soundtrack at the 77th Japanese Academy Awards and the 17th Nikkan Sports Drama Awards.

Watashitachi no Kyokasho begins with the tragic death of a high school girl who falls from the classroom window onto the school grounds. The school rules it an accident, but Tsumiki Tamako, a lawyer and the girl’s stepmother, believes it is the result of bullying. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a journey to reveal what Asuka had endured and bring justice to her memory.

Each episode unveils a new layer of the mystery, revealing the stories of people connected to Asuka. These revelations shock, sadden, and anger the audience. The show is intricately written, with a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on edge, never quite sure what to expect next. By the series' end, the lingering questions about society's responsibility to prevent school violence will leave audiences deeply reflective.

Life is one of Japan's most iconic dramas about school bullying, depicting the issue with stark realism and emotional depth. The story follows Ayumu, a first-year student who enters high school looking forward to a fresh start after a painful experience with a former friend. However, her happiness is short-lived as she becomes the target of bullying by a group of girls, led by the most popular girl in school. The rapid pace of the plot and constant new developments draw the audience into a tense, suspenseful journey as Ayumu fights to defend herself from the cruel tactics of her classmates. The open-ended conclusion leaves a lasting impression on viewers, making it unforgettable.

Kie Kitano shines as Ayumu, portraying a strong-willed, resilient young woman. Saki Fukuda also delivers an unforgettable performance as Manami, the cunning and manipulative bully. Supporting roles played by Yoshihiko Hosoda, Megumi Seki, and Miki Sakai are equally compelling, adding depth to the drama.

Although the film is filled with darkness and gloom, with very few moments of joy, it doesn’t leave the audience feeling hopeless or sorrowful. Instead, it instills a sense of hope, emphasizing the strength of victims to rise up against school violence.

Kokuhaku is a 2010 film that shocked audiences with its bold themes, tackling issues that go far beyond conventional morality. The film delves into school violence, juvenile crime, and domestic abuse, making it an intense and disturbing viewing experience. With an IMDb rating of 7.9/10, the film features standout performances by Matsu Takako and a carefully selected cast of young actors. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

The story begins in a high school classroom where the teacher, Moriguchi, confesses the death of her young daughter and reveals her revenge on two students, A and B, who killed her child by injecting HIV-infected blood into her milk. However, this punishment is far from the worst the students endure. What A and B experience is far more horrific. You might find it hard to believe what happens in the film, but perhaps the real monsters, hiding beneath their innocent school uniforms, are waiting somewhere out there.

It might sound similar to another school-based drama, Aoi Haru Ride, but don't be mistaken, these are two completely different films. Aoi Haru is lesser-known when it comes to Japanese films about school violence, but once you've watched it, you will never forget it.

The story unfolds in a dark and chaotic boys' school, where students fight for power while being lost themselves, unsure of what they're even fighting for. The film is full of violence, bloodshed, and grotesque scenes, yet it powerfully conveys the desperate cries of youth lost along their journey. The performances by Ryuhei Matsuda and Arai Hirofumi are exceptional, perfectly capturing the essence of youth and their inner turmoil. It’s a short but haunting film with profound meaning.

Misumisou, also known as 'Liverleaf,' is one of the most highly anticipated Japanese films adapted from manga in 2018. The story delves into school violence, with its roots tracing back to family issues and the turmoil of adolescence. The brutality among the children is portrayed so casually and effortlessly that it might shock viewers who aren't accustomed to this genre. What may seem like a minor issue, if left unchecked, spirals into something far darker.

Misumisou follows Nozaki’s path of revenge, drenched in blood and tears. Due to her father’s job, Nozaki is forced to leave Tokyo and move to a desolate, suffocating town, far from her friends. Her first friend in this new town is Taeko Oguro, a popular girl at school. However, Taeko's relationship with her boyfriend, Aiba, soon ruins their friendship.

Angry at being abandoned by her best friend, Taeko slowly grows to hate Nozaki, allowing her classmates to bully Nozaki in the cruelest ways. As the bullying escalates, it reaches its tragic climax when Nozaki's entire family is burned alive. Though Nozaki’s younger sister survives, she lies on the brink of death. Consumed by hatred and fury, Nozaki vows to take revenge on those who pushed her to the edge and caused the death of her family. Blood stains the snowy landscape, and the wild flower waits for its moment to bloom.

Crows Zero (2007) is a Japanese film based on the manga series Crows by Hiroshi Takahashi. The film centers on the students of Suzuran High School, a notorious institution known for its violent nature and fierce turf wars between rival gangs vying for dominance. In Crows Zero, despite being set in a school, the film never shows students reading books or attending classes. Instead, the entire plot unfolds through gang meetings and brutal, bloody brawls between students.

The protagonist, Genji, the son of a Yakuza boss, enters Suzuran High and begins to carve out his own power within the school’s chaotic hierarchy. With three films released in the series, Crows Zero features a star-studded cast of prominent Japanese actors such as Shun Oguri, Kyosuke Yabe, Takayuki Yamada, Shunsuke Daito, and Masahiro Higashide.