Japan Group Events and Activities

 

Asian Culture and Arts: Workshop, Fall, 2005
Japanese Film: Its Characteristics and Aesthetics
Faculty: Setsuko Tsutsumi

We will explore various aspects of Japanese film through an examination of the works of three major directors: Kenji Mizoguchi (1898-1956,) Yasujiro Ozu (1903-1963,) and Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998,) who, though diverse in style and choice of material, have each contributed to establishing Japan’s current place in world cinema. Mizoguchi, through his romantic adaptations of literary works; Ozu, through his depiction of family life; and Kurosawa, through his powerfully direct and dynamic works, have all explored themes which are universally relevant to the human condition, yet they have done so from a uniquely Japanese perspective. We will make a close examination of their subject matters, artistic presentations, and cinematographic techniques in order to define what makes each director different and uniquely Japanese.

The class will meet once a week for film viewing on Wednesday afternoon and will have discussion for one hour the following Thursday morning in the usual workshop room. Students should take extensive notes during the reviews using the review sheets of guided criteria, and use the notes for the following discussions. The notes you take will be collected afterwards as proof of reviews and attendance.

In discussions, we will focus on each director’s themes, subject matters, artistic presentations, and cinematographic techniques.

Class Schedule

Wed. 1:00 – 4:00 Film Review, Seminar 2, D-3109
Thurs. 11:00 – 12:00 Discussion, Com. 323

Schedule of Film Review (All the films are on closed reserve at the library)

9/28 – 10/12 Films of Akira Kurosawa
9/28 Wed. Rashomon,
10/5 Wed. Ikiru
10/12 Wed. Kagemusha
10/19 –11/2 Films of Yasujiro Ozu
10/19 Wed. Tokyo Story
10/26 Wed. Late Spring
11/2 Wed. An Autum Afternoon
11/9 – 11/30 Films of Kenji Mizoguchi
11/9 Wed. Sansho, the Bailiff
11/16 Wed. Life of Oharu
11/30 Wed. Ugetsu

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