Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema

What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World (Good Morning, Vietnam’s Soundtrack)

It was used as an insert song in the Vietnam War film Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams.

I think the scene is brilliantly crafted: the song plays over images of the violence and slaughter of the Vietnam War.

Satchmo’s voice paradoxically conveys a deep sense of sorrow.

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My HeadB.J.Thomas

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head / B.J. Thomas

The title of this song in Japan is “Even if I’m Soaked by the Rain.” Even if you haven’t seen the film, many of you probably know the song.

It’s a masterpiece of American New Cinema starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and its tragic ending was quintessential New Cinema.

MiserlouDick Dale & His Del-tones

Pulp Fiction Misirlou

A representative work of Quentin Tarantino, it won numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Dick Dale’s “Misirlou,” by the so-called King of Surf Guitar, is a classic main theme that creates edge-of-your-seat excitement—it grabs your heart within the first few seconds.

The film is packed with memorable scenes that fans still talk about, and the moment when John Travolta and Uma Thurman jump into a dance contest and perform is especially moving.

Enter The DragonLalo Schifrin

Enter The Dragon（1973）-Main Theme

This is the main theme from the Bruce Lee-starring kung fu film Enter the Dragon.

It’s a classic that’s frequently used in Japan, from commercials to TV shows as a sound effect.

The “Acho!” voice in the track is, of course, Bruce Lee.

It’s blood-pumping music—supposedly highly effective to play during martial arts training.

West Side Story TonightLeonard Bernstein

West Side Story ~ Tonight Quintet (Tonight: Quintet)

West Side Story is a Broadway musical with music by Leonard Bernstein, one of America’s leading conductors and composers.

It was adapted into a film in 1961.

Interweaving the social backdrop of New York at the time, it portrays two days of love and death between a young man and woman who fall victim to the rivalry between two different juvenile gangs—Polish American and Puerto Rican.

Around The WorldFilm Studio Orchestra

Around the World in 80 Days

The elegant melody woven by the grand orchestral arrangement was used as a film’s ending theme and stands as a signature work by Victor Young, who won the 1956 Academy Award for Best Original Score.

The performance by the Film Studio Orchestra beautifully balances the dignity of classical music with the accessibility of pop, and its graceful resonance lingers in the heart.

Originally gaining worldwide attention as the main theme for the film Around the World in 80 Days, the piece was later covered by a variety of artists, including Bing Crosby and the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

It’s a soothing track that’s perfect for a refreshing break during work or study, or for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy music at an unhurried pace.

Hymn No. 320: “Nearer, My God, to Thee”Eliza Flower)

André Rieu – Nearer, My God, to Thee (live in Amsterdam)

The hymn based on Jacob’s dream is a work themed around the desire to draw closer to God.

Set to a beautiful melody by Eliza Flower, it has continued to move listeners deeply.

Its lyrics convey the meaning of approaching God even through hardship, and it is also known from the Titanic episode.

In Japan, it has been used in the final episode of A Dog of Flanders and at funerals, and is cherished as a song of parting tinged with poignancy.

This piece is recommended for those facing life’s trials and for anyone seeking a hymn that resonates with the heart.

Since its publication in 1841, it has become a classic sung around the world.