Overview:
"An introduction to modern Japan through films, in which we used a wide variety of 20th century works to discuss an array of topics. We've viewed films in many different genres -- documentary, drama, comedy, science fiction, supernatural, avant-garde, and animation -- we discussed topics ranging from the nature of art to the moral question of nuclear modernity. The films were mainly split between pre-war and post-war era. Within the post-war era, the films were further split between the damaging effects of the atomic bomb during WWII, and the overcoming of those traumatic events (Tokyo Olympics). We have also discussed the topics of art, history, society, war, propaganda, tradition, and morality." This was a very time-intensive course, having to watch one film (1.5-3 hours long) every night and write a short reflection about the film. The next day in class, we spent two hours on in-depth discussions about the film. There was so much detail and information to discuss in each film, two hours was barely enough! We mainly discussed the impact on media and films on political and social events, since most of the films had been centered on the effects of the A-bomb. I spent the same amount of time as one would spend on a part-time job (about 25 hours/week)! However, I never regretted taking this class. Instead, I wished it was actually longer! After the course ended, it felt weird not having to watch a movie every night. There was a withdrawal phase where I would simply watch films at random because I was so used to watching a film every night for class! |
Movies (listed in order):
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