Juzo Itami, one of Japan's best known directors, is the topic of today's post.The above link provides some biographical information about Itami in addition to a list of his films and writings.
My first Juzo Itami film was "The Funeral" which I have to admit, I didn't understand. It was described to me as a black comedy, but really it was a satire on modern Japanese families and the business of funerals. I have since seen "Tampopo" and "A Taxing Woman" and thoroughly enjoyed them. I look forward to "A Taxing Woman II".
The above films also provide an entertaining and descriptive analysis of human greed. The central characters in all of the above films go to sometimes absurd lengths to achieve their desired goals with often hilarious (and sometimes ludicrous)results. They serve to remind me of the sometimes transitory nature of human life with "The Funeral" providing the strongest reminder possible of the shortness of the human lifetime. Good viewing all round.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
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2 comments:
Hi TTB
I have seen all the Taxing Woman films and Minbo (at the movies, I think) and I absolutely loved Tampopo. I was pretty young when I saw it at a Japanese film festival but distinctly remember being struck by the overwhelming presence of 'Goro' ...
Are you a fan of other Japanese directors? Takeshi Kitano, perhaps? I've seen 3 of his, maybe more ...
Rebecca
Goro was a bit of a legend. I think there was a Goro in Madame Butterfly too. He was the go-between/matchmaker type I think.
Kitano Takeshi is also a legend. See link to Zatoichi. If you haven't seen this film, make supreme efforts as it is a gem. The ending is especially rewarding...
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