Postwar Japanese Film and Anime
Taken in: AY20/21 Sem 2
Expected Grade: B
Actual Grade: B- (SUed)
Yes, just take this module if you like anime, it is worth a shot (and will be fun and chill if you have SUs)! Though, do be prepared because this module doesn’t just cover anime but films as well (it’s a half-half). In short, this is like a film class but with focus on postwar Japanese film and anime — as the title suggests, so there will be the use of film terms and techniques along the way but more importantly the themes of each movie and how they related to the postwar period.
Each lecture focuses on one anime/film with the very first lecture setting the stage and context on timelines and important dates to note that will help us understand the setting of each film better! There are also a couple of readings to do that will help you understand the themes (e.g. symbolism of Tokyo Tower, Japanese narrative of WWII, urbanisation and folklore, etc.) of each film but I did struggle with some of the readings as they were a little hard to understand. It would be helpful to watch the anime/film before the lecture and the titles chosen are mostly interesting (comedies are included!) so just treat it as a break from studying. Not much need to take notes during the show as the lecture will help to breakdown the show for you.
Assessment-wise, there were 2 critical reviews, one group project, class participation during tutorials and weekly lecture quizzes! We were supposed to critically review 2 of the assigned lecture readings and form an argument based on this. I butchered both because I was confused as to what to do and since I found some readings hard to understand. I do not have much advice to give but to consult your TA or the Prof where appropriate. Same with class participation, I was mostly at a loss if readings were being discussed. Nonetheless, it is still enjoyable knowing that others in the tutorial share similar interests with you just stressful when it came to discussion time (for me). The group project was more of a ‘fun’ project where we can choose a film and decide on the medium to present the film in a way that would entice others to watch it. It can be quite some work since it is a creative group project (e.g. video, IG account, travel guide) but it can be enjoyable if your group mates are fun and take it seriously (again, the quality depends on your group mates, pick wisely!).
Beyond the academic urge to do well and score well, I would really recommend this module for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history in general! Learning about it through films is arguably one of the easiest ways to ease into it in my opinion. If you’re looking to get an easy A, I don’t think this module is an easy A and you will have to work for it.
Here are the films / anime we watched:
1. University of Laughs, Dir: Hoshi Mamoru 2004
2. Rhapsody in August, Dir: Kurosawa Akira 1991
3. Sunset on Third Street 1, Dir: Yamazaki Takashi 2005
4. Sunset on Third Street Sequel, Dir: Yamazaki Takashi 2007
5. Welcome Back, Mr McDonald, Dir: Mitani Koki 1997
6. Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko, Dir: Takahata Isao 1994
7. Spirited Away, Dir: Miyazaki Hayao 2001
8. A Letter to Momo, Dir: Okiura Hiroyuki 2011 (my favourite!)
9. Your Name, Dir: Shinkai Makoto 2016
shenaniganswpie 