This in from Hannah Marqusee ’10 and Jason Krigsfeld ’10:
Do you like state promoted images of heroism? How about disembowelment?
If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, then we have a class for you!
This forum will analyze a selection of films from the 1960s to the present to analyze the prominent narrative in “Japanese” cinema in which death is glorified and sacrifice is equated with heroism. We will then look at how this narrative is challenged or criticized through films that use a humanist or an absurdist critique of traditional concepts of death and sacrifice. We will discuss bushido (samurai code), yamato seishin (Japanese spirit), makoto (sincerity), and giri/ninjo (obligation/compassion) as we examine the role of heroism and honor in jidaigeki (period films), yakuza (gangster) films, and other, contemporary films.
For more information, contact hmarqusee@wesleyan.edu or Jkrigsfeld@wesleyan.edu
Possible time: Tuesdays 7-10pm
Possible location: FEAS SEM
jason is a saint
jason is a saint