The Transference of Imagery in Japanese Film to the West
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Japanese
Minor
International Studies
Presentation Format
Event
Abstract/Description
Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki have been great influencers in the fields of live action and animated cinema. However, the ways their films were brought to the west, and how the imagery of them influenced cinema is a rarely discussed topic. This paper explores their influence in the west, specifically through looking at Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001). The influence of Kurosawa can be especially seen in the western and sci-fi genres, specifically famous films such as John Sturges’ The Magnificent Seven (1960) and George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977). In both cases, Kurosawa’s influence has been noted by the directors. On the other hand, Miyazaki’s influence can be seen in the fact that his films were seen by many western children, who have now grown up and hold that influence with them. This paper also explores why the live action works of Kurosawa are less known in the west compared to the animated works of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Both movies will be explored in depth, and compared to movies they may have had an effect on. In addition, their cultural impact in the west will also be explored. Ultimately, the paper looks into how these filmmakers have affected cinema and culture worldwide, and how the imagery of a movie, specifically live action versus animation, affects the audience’s recognition of the creator.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
GLT/Modern Languages Senior Colloquium
The Transference of Imagery in Japanese Film to the West
Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki have been great influencers in the fields of live action and animated cinema. However, the ways their films were brought to the west, and how the imagery of them influenced cinema is a rarely discussed topic. This paper explores their influence in the west, specifically through looking at Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001). The influence of Kurosawa can be especially seen in the western and sci-fi genres, specifically famous films such as John Sturges’ The Magnificent Seven (1960) and George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977). In both cases, Kurosawa’s influence has been noted by the directors. On the other hand, Miyazaki’s influence can be seen in the fact that his films were seen by many western children, who have now grown up and hold that influence with them. This paper also explores why the live action works of Kurosawa are less known in the west compared to the animated works of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Both movies will be explored in depth, and compared to movies they may have had an effect on. In addition, their cultural impact in the west will also be explored. Ultimately, the paper looks into how these filmmakers have affected cinema and culture worldwide, and how the imagery of a movie, specifically live action versus animation, affects the audience’s recognition of the creator.