Famed movie critic Haruo Mizuno, known for his trademark comment, "Oh, how wonderful movies really are," has died, it was learned on Wednesday. He was 76.

Hailing from Okayama Prefecture, he lived in Manchuria, in present-day northeastern China, from the age of two until the end of World War II.

After he returned to Japan, he began to watch American movies, which fascinated him and "taught me the real meaning of democracy," Mizuno said.

After graduating from Keio University, he entered 20th Century Fox in 1956. He later transferred to Nihon Unite Eiga and served as general manager for promotions. He became independent in 1972. From that year until 1997, Mizuno commented on 1,200 films for the NTV program, "Kinyo Road Show."

As a filmmaker, Mizuno directed and played the main role in the seven-volume mystery sequel, "Siberian Express," which started in 1995.

He also suggested creating such awards as the Japan Academy Prize, the Golden Gloss Award and the Japan Movie Critics Award -- contributing to the development of Japan's movie industry.

His real name was Kazuo Mizuno.

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