Do you want to discover aspects of Japanese culture and history, but history books aren't your cup of tea (or matcha)? We offer a selection of 5 films to immerse you in different eras of Japan.
The Hidden Fortress (1958) by Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa's filmography is overflowing with masterpieces. Among them, "The Hidden Fortress" holds a special place. This film takes place in the 16th century.th century, a dark era where civil war raged throughout the country. Internal wars divided the clans who fought to expand their power and sovereignty.
Bonus "fun fact": this is the film that most influenced George Lucas for his legendary Star Wars saga (you'll see, some shots and some characters will ring a bell)!
Silence (2016) by Martin Scorsese
What is particularly interesting about this film is that it deals with a subject rarely explored in cinema: the relationship of the Japanese to Christianity. The film, which takes place in the 17th century...th century, shows the journey of two Jesuit missionaries who discover a culture for which nothing could have prepared them.
The Revenge of the 47 Ronin (1941) by Kenji Mizoguchi
In the 18thth In the 19th century, a group of 47 ronin—masterless samurai—decide to plot revenge for their former master, despite the terrible consequences for themselves… Honor, vengeance, samurai—all the ingredients are there in this thrilling story! This film is adapted from a Kabuki play; for a more modern version, in a genre closer to fantasy, check out "47 Ronin" with Keanu Reeves.
The Last Samurai (2003) by Edward Zwick
What's fascinating about this film, (very) loosely based on the Satsuma Rebellion in the 19th century...th The 19th century saw the treatment of the ideological clash between traditional and modern Japan. Indeed, this era was marked by strong Westernization, to the detriment of traditional Japanese culture. Thus, the Satsuma Rebellion was the samurai's final battle to resist the total eradication of their caste, emblematic of pre-modern Japan.
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) by Clint Eastwood
This film, with its very heavy subject matter, takes place during World War II. The treatment of the story is atypical because, although it is an American film, it chooses to adopt the Japanese perspective in order to recount the terrible Battle of Iwo Jima as it was experienced by Japanese soldiers.
