Post by Aj_June on Jul 6, 2018 22:11:35 GMT
I was thrilled to recently find some original Japanese film posters including this stunning Art theatre Guild Production poster from Nagisa Ôshima , Tokyo senso sengo hiwa The Man Who Left His Will on Film (1970)
There has been a rather limited perception of Japanese cinema among western critics and scholars Many great masters of Japanese cinema to this day, still mysteriously linger in the shadows of obscurity...
A Chain Of islands ..
Nihon rettô is an outstanding film, a brilliant multi faceted unpredictable drama of extraordinary dimension. The complexing thriller begins with the discovery of a floating body, the death of an American serviceman which ultimately leads to a far reaching criminal investigation. The CID investigate crimes committed by American servicemen and they take on the responsibility for this cold case. Their headquarters are on the local American Military Base which is staffed by both American and Japanese investigators, however it is the Americans who have an overriding power of control.
The subsequent investigation, somewhat hindered, uncovers a sophisticated dark world of corruption & organised local & international crime, Menacingly throughout, American war planes roar overhead. The incisive film boldly criticises American foreign policy in Japan, Asia and further afield . The setting is 1959, a time of civil unrest and agitation as Japanese youth movements protest against the upcoming renewal of the ANPO treaty...
Kei Kumai's unflinching socially critical works have great depth and a tremendous dramatic force. His style of powerful simplicity presents controversial themes with astonishing artistic inventiveness. A superb cast of characters, the black and white cinematography of "A Chain Of Islands" is exceptional. Winner of the 1966 "Blue Ribbon Award", Best New Director, and at the 1966 "Kinema Junpo Awards", Best Screenplay Kei Kumai ... Highly Recommended.!!
Wow. Nice to meet you manfromplanetx. I admire and envy your dedication to Japanese movies. As a fan of Japanese cinema I also thank you for making contributions related to Japanese cinema on different channels like IMDB. I can understand what you are saying. Many of the great works from Japan have never even come to limelight and there are many hidden gems to be found if one looks for it. I think one of the reasons why western critics have limited perception of Japanese cinema is that Japanese art (and culture) is very complex and for those who have not lived in Japan, it could be difficult to grasp and appreciate their art. AK is one of the directors that westerners are able to relate to and identify with and so his works are relatively more popular than works of many others.
I am adding the names you mentioned in my online notes and would very much like to go through them in my own time.