Samurai, Rebels, and Bandits: The Japanese Period Film

3 units

Tales of heroism, crime, revolt, and political intrigue. Bloody battles, betrayal, madness, and flashing swords. This is the world of jidaigeki eiga, the Japanese period film. In this course, we will analyze the complex (and often flamboyant) narrative, visual, and thematic structures of films about the age of the samurai. We will discuss jidaigeki representations of violence and masculinity, self-sacrifice and rebellion, and the invention of tradition as well as critical uses of history. In addition to the historical content of the films, we will study the historical contexts that shaped jidaigeki film production and discuss relevant transformations in Japanese cinema and society. Period films have been shaped by and exert strong influences on Japanese theater, oral storytelling, popular literature, comics, and international film culture, all of which are helpful for understanding the films. As we track changes in jidaigeki style and subject matter, the course will introduce theories for interpreting narrative structure, genre repetition and innovation, intertextuality, and representations of the past. All readings will be in English. No knowledge of Japanese required. No prerequisites. Required Screenings Tuesdays @ 7 pm.