Film and Religion in Japan

Catalog description

It is impossible to properly understand other cultures, including most of the major 'classic' Japanese works of literature or film, without considering their religious connotations. Many Ghibli movies reflect Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao's intention to deliver the modern issues of sustainability and other disastrous conflicts through the lens of Shinto, Daoism and Buddhism elements. Other movies show a historical and social context of religious influence on Japanese culture in different eras. By watching seven movies, students not only gain a broad knowledge of core aspects of Japanese culture but are also stimulated to critically think about cinematography and religious discourse. The course consists of close readings, lectures and discussions concerning representative works of films emphasizing religious themes. Requires no Japanese language skill; all movies have English subtitles.