FILM GUIDE
During the quarter a series of films on Japanese culture will be shown in class. The films are being shown to familiarize you with some forms of Japanese traditional arts as you may have had no direct experience with them. There are also films of social commentary by Japanese film makers, especially Junzo Itami. Although some of them were made a while ago, the issues they raise are still important today.
Below are some questions to consider as you watch the films to assist your understanding.
1. What cultural and social values appear to be emphasized and expressed in the traditional arts in the films? Try to identify specific values and specific forms of expression.
2. The lecture on group formation and family emphasizes structure. How is Japanese hierarchical structure expressed in the traditional arts shown in the films. Try to identify specific expressions in different art forms.
3. Giri-ninjo (obligation - personal feelings) relationships are of major concern in the traditional arts. What expression of this can you see in these films?
4. Ma (interval) spacing and timing of movements and actions are different in Japanese culture than Western culture. From your observations in these films, what is the difference and how is it expressed?
5. Symbols (gestures, objects, etc.) are used to convey emotion and information. These become well-known and stylized (e.g. Stars & Stripes in our society = flag, country, patriotism). Can you identify any such cultural symbols for Japan in the films presented? For example - cherry blossoms = fleeting life, short lived beauty, the life of the warrior, the concept of mono no aware. Try to find any such symbols and their meanings in the films.
6. Training to be a professional in an art or a job reveals social values. What values appear to be important in depictions and commentary on the lives and training of professionals as shown in the films?