Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'long film' is most naturally expressed by describing the film's length directly, rather than using a single fixed term. The most common and versatile way is to use 長い映画 (nagai eiga), literally 'long movie.' For more formal or technical contexts, especially when referring to feature-length films, 長編映画 (chōhen eiga) is used. This guide covers the main expressions and their nuances.
To describe a film that is long in duration in everyday conversation.
Yesterday, I watched a very long film.
That long film is over three hours long.
A more precise way to say 'a film with a long running time.' It is slightly more formal and descriptive, often used when discussing film lengths specifically.
Films with long running times sometimes have an intermission.
To refer to a feature film or a full-length movie, often in industry or critical contexts.
This is the standard term for 'feature film' or 'full-length film.' It is used in film criticism, festival programs, and formal discussions. It contrasts with 短編映画 (short film).
His latest work is a feature-length film.
An abbreviation of 長編映画, often used in compounds or when the context is clear. It can also refer to a long novel or other long-form work.
To emphasize that a film is exceptionally long, often in a dramatic or epic sense.
Literally 'super blockbuster,' this term is used for epic, large-scale films that are often long. It carries a sense of grandeur and high production value, not just length.
'The Lord of the Rings' is an epic film.
A term meaning 'very long feature' or 'epic-length film.' It is less common and often used in promotional materials or reviews to highlight extraordinary length.
The English word 'long' is sometimes borrowed into Japanese as ロング (rongu), but ロングフィルム is not a natural expression. Stick to 長い映画 or 長編映画.
Use 長い映画 in everyday speech to simply say a movie is long. Use 長編映画 when you want to sound more technical or when contrasting with short films. 長編映画 implies a standard feature length (usually over 60 minutes), while 長い映画 is subjective.
This movie is long, isn't it?
Since this is a feature film, let's concentrate and watch it.
I don't like long films.
The director is known for his long films.
At this film festival, both feature-length and short films are screened.
この監督は長編で有名だ。
This director is famous for his feature films.
This epic-length film exceeds four hours.