Japanese Film

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

I have used the film Tampopo to show modern, now 1980s, Japan. That is the point where Japan was at its richest, but the director makes a point of pointing out aspects of Japanese modern life that are both unique and familiar. It is a Japanese film, but has a strong French technical influence, while using the American Western genre to promote the hero, Goro. Like the Taiwanese film, Eat Drink Man Woman, it centers on food, something that students can relate to, though maybe surprised as well.

There is a lot going on. My current school's schedule does not allow for this movie to be shown in world history (we have only 20 weeks to cover it all).

I would use it in a cultural geography course, however, and get much covered as a result.

[Anonymous]

A while ago, I watched a movie called, "Nobody Knows" (PG-13) and it's about the abandonment of four children in Tokyo. The film is based on a true account in 1988 of a mother leaving her children behind to survive on their own with a very meager money supply. I thought this film was pretty good, but the whole idea of four young kids surviving on their own for months without anyone knowing is somewhat disturbing.

The movie is set at a slower-than-average pace and the color is dreary, but I couldn't stop watching because I wanted to find out the fate of these kids. I recommend this movie.

You can sort of tie in modernization and the change of family structure with this movie if you want to incorporate it into a lesson for students.

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