Assignment:
Developing Historical and Cross-Cultural Insight
Both Hayao Miyazaki and Zhang Yimou produce socially and culturally relevant artistic forms that illustrate the connections between culture, identity, and the tension involved in the relationship between citizens and their governments. Although both film-makers use very different looking films, they share an ability to address some of the most important questions regarding what it means to be a citizen of China and Japan. In this essay you will draw out the major themes of one film by either director (a list of acceptable films follows, you are limited to the films on this list without exception). Prior to viewing the films, reflect on the questions below. Then view the film and take notes on the film's storyline, presentation and visual elements. Consider how the film director has consciously, through their cinematic choices addressed the issues raised in the questions. In particular, both Yimou and Miyazaki have created films with portrayals of traditional Confucian, Shinto and Buddhist values that also offer insight into their viewpoints concerning the role that such traditions continue to play in the post-modern era. The purpose of the assignment is to explore the way in which politics and art interact in an Asian cultural context, and also to develop expository writing skills.
Questions:
1. What is the larger message of the film regarding identity issues?
2. How do the characters in the novel represent different understandings of Chinese and Japanese culture and traditional values?
3. How do these characteristics relate to what was discussed in class regarding Shinto, Buddhist and Confucian value orderings - how do these value orderings condition the lives of the characters in the novel?
4. How have you come to understand what it means to be Chinese and/or Japanese through your reading of the film?
5. How does the film-maker use location, including the natural world to address their subject?
Your essay should draw on material from the film that you choose as well as the text and class discussions. Be sure to cite material appropriately (see attached guidelines),Use in text citations with a bibliography at the end of the paper. DO NOT USE FOOTNOTES.
Technical Instructions: Your paper should be 4-6 pages long and no longer than six pages. Include your title on the first page of the essay, hit return 3 times and begin writing. Your essay should be typed in Times New Roman font with margins no larger than 1 inch all around, double-spaced with page numbers centered in the footer. Be sure to include an introduction that explains your organization and conclusion, which pulls the essay together and presents your observations
Zhang Yimou Films Hayao Miyazaki Films
Not One Less Spirited Away
Riding Alone for Thousands of Princess Mononoke
Miles Howl's Moving Castle
Raise the Red Lantern