Akira Kurosawa would be a good director to google his movies....
As with most recommendations, it depends on what genres you like. If it's only samurai movies or if you like horror, drama, comedy.
I like Audition, Linda Linda Linda, Densha Otoko, Departures, A Boy and his Samurai, Shodo Girls, Dark Water, Hula Girls, Nana, Battle Royale.... and others...
I'm sure there are a few threads here about cinema: just do a search. :-) This may be a good start:
http://www.japanforum.com/forum/japa...tml#post769923