Hello. I'm new to the Japanese media and cinema available to
English-speaking audiences, and am looking for some recommendations
for good Manga series and films with/in English.

Here are some things I've found that I've really liked:

In the area of Manga, my favorites are Kazuo Koike's _Lone Wolf and
Cub_ (found _Samurai Executioner_ too gruesome, and _Lady Snowblood_
not bad) and Osamu Tezuka's _Buddha_ series.

I like all of Kurasawa, particularly Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Dersu
Uzala, The Lower Depths, and Sanjuro. My favorite samurai film so far
(after Kurosawa's films) is Yoji Yamada's _Twighlight Samurai_ from a
few years back. Lately I've started to watch some Miyazaki, and
particularly liked Princess Mononoke.

So in general, I like the heroic tales, but I appreciate realism and
complexity in characters most of all, and whatever is finely crafted.

Thanks in advance for any help.