Princess Mononoke (Conclusion); Japanese Film Legends

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We will complete our screening of the anime film Princess Mononoke. As you watch, take note of how the film reflects the following themes and tropes/motifs:
  • Environmentalism (a brief history of environmentalism)
  • Japanese culture (particularly Shinto & Buddhism)
  • Duality: life/death; nature/human civilization; animal/human,
  • Technology, prosperity & wealth
  • Disease/Curses v. health
  • Atonement (reparation for sin; reconciliation through a savior)
  • Gods/divinity/fate
  • Ethics
Choose 1 theme to write about, using the film as a source for your exploration/commentary. Write an "article/essay" in which you use this theme and evidence/details from the film as a way of discussing/examining the theme. Your essay counts as creative non-fiction.

Akira Kurosawa (sample films)
Yasujiro Ozu (Tokyo Story trailer & full film)
Godzilla (trailers, 1954-1964)
10 of Japan's Greatest Directors (article)

HOMEWORK: Write a story inspired by Japanese films/filmmakers or Japanese culture that you have examined in this unit. Next up: Chinese literature. Begin reading "Red Scarf Girl". 

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