elements of it aren’t representative of Kurosawa’s work. Set in feudal Japan, “Throne of Blood” is Kurosawa’s take on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” In this version, Toshirô Mifune plays a trusted general named Taketoki Washizu. After defeating a mutinous samurai in battle, Washizu and his friend and fellow general, Yoshiaki Miki
8 Reasons Why "Seven Samurai" is the Greatest Samurai Movie of All Time The 1950s are considered the Golden Age of Japanese cinema. The aftermath of World War II and particularly the atomic bomb, and the subsequent American occupation left the country scarred, but filled with inspiration and eagerness to start over. One of the most iconic films of this era is Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" one of the most influential movies of all time, and the basis for a plethora productions, with John Sturges’
History of Philippine Cinema Introduction The youngest of the Philippine arts, film has evolved to become the most popular of all the art forms. Introduced only in 1897, films have ranged from silent movies to talkies; black and white to color. Outpacing its predecessors by gaining public acceptance, from one end of the country to the other, its viewers come from all walks of life. Nationwide, there are more than 1000 movie theaters. Early in the 1980s, it was estimated in Metro Manila alone
Seven Samurai, directed and co-written by Akira Kurosawa is a grand tale and a pioneer film for its genre. The story takes place in 16th century Japan and focuses on a rag tag group of master less samurai known as 'Ronin' who ultimately come together to come to the aid of a poor farming village under the attack of plundering bandits. The film follows the farmers needing to find samurai who are willing to work for three meals of rice a day. They come across an elder samurai who accepts their offer
The Meiji era (1868-1912) in Japan was an era of significant social, political and economic change. After the fall of the previously reigning Tokugawa shogunate (Bakufu), the new Meiji rulers sought to advance Japanese social structures and become more modernised in order to compete and been seen as equals with the Western powers. In response to Westernisation, the Meiji regime brought about several significant social changes in the society of Japan. These included the abolishment of the feudal classes
fundamental philosophies of the samurai is that of detachment from the self. This detachment allows for a freedom from fear, which is essential to the samurai warriors. In the opening of Hagakure, Tsunetomo states that “the Way of the Samurai is found in death”. These rank among the greatest and most well known phrases in Japanese history, and in fact in the history of the world. Death is not to be feared by the samurai, it is to be embraced. The relationship between the samurai and his master is of the
it was all done in 40 years. The Meiji restoration forced western civilizations to respect the new modern Japan. Why the need for change, the Japanese people must have wondered? As the first delegation from Japan who wore the traditional Shogun Samurai dress and shaved pate and long hair tied in a bun and carrying swords unlike their counterparts who wore suits or military uniforms. The west observance of the Japanese must have viewed them as uneducated barbarians. Because of the impression Japan
controlled by military dictatorship. The reason why it was also called the Edo period was because the shogun established Japan’s new capital at Edo. This shogunate was started by a samurai called Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 and ended in 1867 . The structure of shogunate Japan follow the order of the following: Shogun – Daimyo – Samurai – Peasants – Artisans – Merchants. The shogun was at the top of feudal society with the highest social hierarchy. They had the highest military and civil authority. Below the
Ieyasu. The Tokugawa Shoguns maintained strict control over the structure of society by keeping a firm control over what they were allowed to do and what they were not allowed to do. The top structure of the society includes the Shoguns, Daimyos and Samurais. ‘Shogun’ was the title granted by the Emperor to Japan’s top military commander (Web-japan.org, 2013). Initially Emperors controlled the country but over time Shoguns became more powerful than the Emperor and took over the whole government, the
Japanese Martial Arts In Japan, especially during the earlier periods of Japanese history such as the Tokugawa, physical adeptness was much revered and valued. This was mainly because of the fact that these strengths were the basis on which much of the population depended upon for survival during these fairly turbulent periods. Throughout time, Japan has been a very organized and scrupulous society, and even its style of physical combat has been sorted into specific categories according to what
The Samurai: Warrior and Ruler of Ancient Japan Few countries have a warrior tradition as long and exciting as Japan. It is a tradition found in the Samurai, the loyal and self-sacrificing knight of ancient Japan. The Samurai is a valiant warrior who can both appreciate the beauty of nature in that of a rose blossom but will also kill or die for his master in an instant. This well-rounded warrior was the ruling class of Japan for almost seven hundred years. He fought for control of his country and
The Samurais, The Ultimate Stoics For seven centuries, the Samurai were Japan's warrior class. As a class of warriors and knights, they dominated society in feudal Japan. Their code or “ Way of the warrior”, bushido(History of the Samurai-www),called for a life of duty, discipline and self control, on and as well as off the battlefield (History of the World-Houghton Mifflin Company- Boston288). His loyalty and bravery to his lord was much more important than his loyalty to his friends, family and
Yojimbo was directed by Akira Kurosawa in 1961. It is the story of a nineteenth century Japanese village that is controlled by two opposing merchants and their clans. The visit of a wandering samurai, who seeks work as a hired killer, interrupts their arguing over a gambling concession. The samurai, Sanjuro, is able to exploit both gangs using his skill with a sword. The story is an Eastern take on the Hollywood western with a dash of satire, with “The bodyguard who kills the bodies he is
The evolution of Japanese technological advances has shaped and molded the modern world known today. To understand Japan’s technological advances, you must understand Japan’s roots. Japan has a recorded history of about 1600 years and during these years, they have contributed many technologies that we currently use on a daily basis. Japan’s technological advances have cultivated from the two most common religions, Buddhism and Shintoism. Japan has an extremely close relationship with nature more
divided into feudal fiefs, ruled by lords or daimyo. To prevent rebellion, the Shogun insisted that the daimyo spend part of every year in the capital, Tokyo (Beasley, 1). Japanese society was divided into separate classes; these were the Daimyo, Samurai, Soldier, Farmers, Artisans/Merchant, and slaves. “Japan had another ingredient useful for imperial expansion-arrogance- a view of their country as the land favored by the gods, the land that others should recognize as superior” (Hane, 2). Emperor
Japan's economy went through stages of prosperity and depression. During the 1950- 1973 years Japan's economy has experienced a rapid growth period. Then the economy slowed down until the end of the 1980s. After the 1980s, japan suffered from an economic crisis for a decade. This decade is know as the “Lost Decade”. Some say you have to know your past in order to see your future. In this essay I will discus the major issues from from the past and present within the Japanese economy. These issues
This excerpt is from one of the many great scenes in “47 Ronin” a novel written by John Allyn. The story tells of how 47 samurai become ronin, or masterless, after an unjust seppuku is forced upon their leader. In the novel, these samurai devise a plan in order to seek revenge for the death of their master and bring honor upon his name. The novel begins with Oishi, the head samurai and right-hand man of the daimyo Lord Asano, riding in the sunset with Ako, Asano’s daughter. They observe the poor conditions
Nelson Mandela once profoundly stated, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” While this quote definitely holds true for the United States of America, it is now true for Japan as well. Over the last few decades, the economy of Japan has vastly improved. It is now the second largest developed economy in the world today while being the third largest economy presently behind China and the United States. Japan is also a member of the Group of Eight which is a group
In this investigation I will look at the major historical and military events of the transition of the Edo period to the Meiji Period and the Meiji Restoration and look at how they relate to the freedom of Japanese people. Japan during the periods of 1600 – 1868 A.D. was a land of seclusion, military power and oppression. This was known as the Edo period. This however was one of the most peaceful times in Japan’s history. This peace was established through the military powers of the Tokugawa Shogunate
Japan is a fascinating and multifaceted culture; as in one hand it is rich and deep in tradition dating back thousands of years like the heritage of ancient Samurai warrior which can be seen in great castle, a carefully planned garden or a beautifully preserved samurai residences. To the geisha’s, a professional entertainers who attends the guests and are well versed in various traditional Japanese arts, while on the other hand it Japan is a society which is constantly developing in fashion to technology