Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Here's a movie that really knows how to draw out the emotions. We laughed, we cried ... and we cried, and cried, and cried, and fell into a deep depressive abyss of sad sadness (in the best sort of way).

So, here are some topic questions to respond to to get the conversation started:

- What was it like for you to be the Them that was causing so much fear and destruction (the bombings were caused by the American military)?

- What is the value of us watching the incredible sadness depicted in this film?

- Did you notice all the focus on little, everyday routines and actions that were animated with such detail (e.g. Setsuko getting undressed to swim, the candy sticking when Setsuko tries to get it out of the tin, Seita rolling in bed, etc.)? As we learned in class, this is characteristic of Isao Takahata's work. How do you feel these moments contribute to the overall film?

- Also, there were some cultural references in the film that would be fun to know more about. For your response, you could do a little research and report on one of the following: what is the symbolism of cherry blossoms in Japan? What is the symbolism of the fireflies and the movie's title? What is the significance of the uniform that Seita wears? What is the "Divine Wind" the characters talk about at the end of the film (after they've lost the war)?

So, after checking out one more interesting little thing I found, write your 2-3 paragraph response to the film below, jumping off one of the discussion points above or something else someone has said. You also check out responses to this other post on Grave of the Fireflies to see what my last international cinema class thought of this film.

Roshomon (1950)

As I was writing the title of this post, I had the realization that Akira Kurosawa's Roshomon was made just five years after the Japanese were defeated in World War II. I am sure that the Japanese's experience with the War influenced the tone and theme of this film. I find that fascinating! Take that into consideration as you write about the film.

So, in the comments below, answer two of the following questions:

• What is the theme of Roshomon? Back up your opinion with at least three examples.
• How do you think the Japanese's experience with World War II is reflection in the theme, tone, and story of this film?
• Is the film ever clear about how did what and who killed who? Can we trust any of these witnesses? Why? What do you think really happened?

Interview (due January 15, 2013)

The interview assignment is awesome and works like this: you have to find someone who has lived in the country in which your first film at home was produced.

Interview this person for 30-60 minutes. Ask him or her questions that help you understand the culture you are focusing on and that help you make sense of what happened in the film you watched at home.

Then, comment below to report on how the interview went. In your report, state the following:

• Your name.
• What country you are focusing on.
• The name of the person you interviewed.
• The name of the first movie you watched at home.

Then, in your post, answer three of the following questions:

• What did you learn in the interview that helps you better understand or appreciate what happened in the first movie you watched at home?
• What did you learn about the culture of your chosen country that you found most interesting? Why was this so interesting to you?
• In what ways is the culture you learned about most different from American culture?
• What is the most valuable thing you learned from the person you interviewed?

Time Bandits (1981)

Due to logistical difficulties, we threw in a random British film between Ireland and Japan. I hope you enjoyed it. Please comment and answer two of the following questions:

• What is the theme of Time Bandits? Back up your response with three examples.
• If Hollywood made Time Bandits, how would it be different?
• What did you notice in the film that you feel is distinctly British?
• Do you feel this film is a work of art or just a fun movie? Justify your response with at least three sentences of reasoning.
• What do you like most about this movie? What do you dislike? Why?

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

My Neighbor Totoro is an interesting film. It is a lot like Waking Ned Divine in that, in some ways, one could argue that not a lot happens because the opposition is relatively simple to overcome. But, for some reason, both films are quite endearing and seem to work for most audiences.

Most most audiences are not you and I want to hear what you think of it. So, answer two of the following questions:

- What is the theme of My Neighbor Totoro? Back up your response with at least three examples?

- What did you like most about the movie? What did you like least? Why?

- How would this film be different if an American animation studio like Disney made it? (Note: Disney did distribute this film in the United States but did not produce it.)

Kikujiro (1999)

Davey is excited to hear what we all thought of Kikujiro. From his own words: "I was curious how they'd respond to it, because it's a crazy movie that's part super endearing, Chaplinesque road movie comedy-drama about an old guy and a kid and part wacky, experimental, meandering art film. I think it blew some minds, and I was happy that several kids stayed after the bell rang to catch the last minute or so of the movie (poor scheduling on my part, but those who left still got the ending--they didn't miss anything plotwise, just a couple of pretty shots and some music and that sort of thing)."
So, in the comments below, let Davey know what you thought of the film. Be sure to answer at least two of the following questions:

• What is the theme of the film? Back up your statement with at least three examples.

• Did you like or dislike the film? Why? (And I want a well articulated reason why that is at least three sentences long.)

• What did you learn about Japanese culture by watching this film?

• How would this film be different if it were made by Hollywood?

Cultural Research: JAPAN

We need to answer the following questions about Japanese culture in order to be prepared to appreciate Japanese films:

- What things do people value most in Japan?
- What is Shinto? What does Shinto teach about the afterlife?
- What ideas and values does Japanese Buddhism emphasize? What do they believe about the afterlife?
- What is a samurai? What sort of code of ethics do they follow? How do samurai view their swords?
- What is seppuku? When would someone commit seppuku?
- Who are the following people: Akira Kurosawa? Hirokazu Koreeda?  Isao Takahata? Yoji Yamada? What are themes that each of them like to focus on? What artistic choice characterize each of their styles?

Choose one of the questions above and do some research to find the answers to the question then write what you learned in the comments below. Answer an additional question for extra credit.

P.S.: if there is a question you are dying to answer (that has to do with Japanese culture or Japanese cinema) which is not included above then research that question instead and answer it below.