JAPN 310: Japanese Cinema
Course Description
An introductory scrutiny of major Japanese directors and genres with attention to film composition, choices of subject and character, ideas of the cinematic, and the relationship of cinema to Japanese culture and society. Students will analyze and critique films. Discussion of films will deal with the production of their historical, social, and cultural context, as well as issues dealing with popular culture and equity. Taught in English.
Units: 4
An introductory scrutiny of major Japanese directors and genres with attention to film composition, choices of subject and character, ideas of the cinematic, and the relationship of cinema to Japanese culture and society. Students will analyze and critique films. Discussion of films will deal with the production of their historical, social, and cultural context, as well as issues dealing with popular culture and equity. Taught in English.
Units: 4
Reflective Narrative
This course contributed to the fulfillment of MLO 2 (Culture), as it introduced classic and iconic Japanese films, such as Kurosawa’s Ikiru, Ozu’s Tokyo Story, and more recent works like Takita’s Departures. Not only did I learn about each directors’ distinct filming techniques reflective of the Japanese aesthetic, but each film allows the viewer to learn about Japanese culture, even though it is often in the background. Each film offered a look at the ethics, beliefs, and social roles of the portrayed time period. For my final paper I focused on Samurai films, both from Kurosawa’s era and more modern times, to identify the Japanese image of Samurai and how their portrayal has evolved over the years to engage their audiences. The biggest stylistic change I noticed was the movement from dramatic theater styles that create tension through poses and long pauses to a more modern focus on heavily structured plot that still holds onto cultural references and the stylized beauty of Japan. One of the most important insights I gained from this class was getting to observe Japanese society working in the background of all the films; the buildings, nature, the urban spaces, the locals, all helped build an image of Japan and it’s cultural evolutions and shifts from period to period, while the director’s style showed (not told) aspects considered important to Japanese aesthetics. In the future I wish to develop a more through understand of Japanese cultural characters and archetypes. The best way to pursue this goal is to watch widely to see what themes and characters frequent the big screen.
Work Samples
310_litz_samurai.pdf | |
File Size: | 80 kb |
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