Pioneer Filmmakers: Comparisons between Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki

Essay Instructions:

This essay is casual and not very serious.
readings:
https://drive(dot)google(dot)com/file/d/1497dmRvPUulqj_9cy4AN6tgrFGs_RqO6/view
https://drive(dot)google(dot)com/file/d/1f-FgaaWcXbmwr_WiQ1RUnTsLrvSSfKV7/view
films:
https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=8dmMPN3ihC8
https://archive(dot)org/details/Rashomon1950_201905
For this paper, you will choose one of the Pioneer Filmmakers we have discussed in class and write an Analysis paper presenting similarities and dissimilarities with another filmmaker of color, of the present. You will draw your examples from at least 2 movies each that these filmmakers have created (but if you can only find one movie in your research please reach out to me).
Examples of pioneer filmmakers from this list and a filmmaker from the present. Examples provided:
Oscar Micheaux and Spike Lee
Spencer Williams and Tyler Perry
Salvador Toscano and Alfonso Cuaron
Luis Bunuel and Pedro Almalvador
Yasujiro Ozu and Hirokazu Kore-eda
Zhang Shichuan and Jia Zhangke
Ousmane Sembene and Mati Diop
Dadasaheeb Phalke and Ketan Mehta
*Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki (Chosen ones)*
Mohammed Karim and Nadine Labaki
James Young Deer and Chris Eyre
If you would like to study another filmmaker not listed in the above examples please let me know via email. You will send me a written proposal before writing your paper and the three areas of concentration.
AREAS OF FOCUS FOR THE PAPER (Choose at least 3 areas): In addition to the areas of focus your analysis/reflection should include the framework (the four questions) we are using to study filmmakers in this particular class:
What are the examples of narrative style, representation, culture, and identity?
Is the content of the film story/characters/aesthetic believable, relatable, interesting?
How do these filmmakers use the camera?
How do their personal circumstances and/or environment influence/affect the work of these filmmakers? How do their lives or the circumstances these filmmakers faced connect them and their film(s)?
Do these filmmakers have similar messages in their films?
In what way are the filmmakers similar from the perspective of their films? And in what way are they different? Use scenes from your comparison films to compare and contrast. Keep in mind things like genre, themes, message/story, use of the camera, editing, color, etc.
Standard guidelines:
Watch at least two films by each filmmaker (but watching more films will make your paper even more compelling).

Research aspects of their lives to find similarities or dissimilarities (childhood influences, where they grew up, historical events, etc.) to incorporate into your paper.
Work with 1-2 comparison films (keeping genre and basic story in mind when choosing the comparison film)
Incorporate the framework we are using in this class to write your paper.
Submit a proposal of two filmmakers you will be focusing your paper around. Due Feb 25th
You should include aspects of the film that resonate with you concerning the films and/or filmmakers. (ie. strengths and/or weaknesses in the areas such as story, acting, sound, cinematography, editing, scenes, soundtrack, etc.)
Requirements:
The analysis paper should be a minimum of 10 pages and no more than 15 pages.
12 font size, double-spaced.
A minimum of 3 supportive materials should be used outside of the required text(s) for class (i.e. books, articles)
Bibliography/Reference page (excluded from the total number of required pages for the paper)

Essay Sample Content Preview:

Comparisons between Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki
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Comparisons between Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki
Introduction
Asian and Asian American films have tended to create a distinct film aesthetic that speaks to their culture, identity, and independence from Hollywood. For instance, the first Asian American films served the critical function of giving a voice to a minority community ignored mainly in America. On the one hand, the first Asian American films were produced by Asian American Ethno-Communications students in 1973 to highlight political and historical injustices the population, such as the Japanese American internment, forced labor in America, and discrimination against Chinese Americans. While most Asian American films employed different formats and genres, the institutional mission to illustrate the experiences of many Asians in America was central. The movie focused on racial discrimination, invisibility, and immigration: issues that universally touched Asian cultures and nations. They were relatable by most Asians who came into contact with American policies, culture, and history, irrespective of their country of origin. On the other hand, some filmmakers did not focus on the interaction between Asia and America but on Asia alone. For instance, albeit through distinct styles, Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki brought Japanese scenes onto Hollywood by telling stories in settings that highlighted Japanese culture, identity, and characters.
The current paper aims to draw similarities between these two filmmakers by looking at some of the movies they have produced, their styles, themes, and how their respective backgrounds shaped their work. The aim, therefore, is to elicit potential differences and similarities between the two filmmakers.
Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998)
Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese filmmaker and painter. He was born in 1910 and died in 1998. His films career spanned over five decades in which he directed over 30 films and remained the most important and influential figure in the history of film. He began his career in film in 1936 and produced his first work Sanshiro Sugata during World War II. His father was an architect who was open to Western ideas encouraged his children to watch films and movies because they had an educational dimension. His brother, Heigo Kurosawa, was a major influence on young Akira when, following the aftermath of the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923, he encouraged Akira not to look away from the corpses but to confront his fears directly. Heigo also guided Akira to love film and filmmaking. Most of his work has focused on wartime stories and tragedies, having lived through an earthwork, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and America's nuclear attack on Japan. Rashomon remains one of his most successful productions. In 1951, it was shown at the Venice Film Festival and awarded the Grand Prix. It also won the Academy Award for best foreign-language film, becoming the first Japanese work to win international acclaim.
Rashomon (1950)
By definition, the Rashomon effect is when the same event is described in significantly different or even contradictory ways by other people involved or experienc...

Updated on January 26, 2024

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Pioneer Filmmakers: Comparisons between Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki

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