Customer Reviews

Archetypes in Japanese Film: The Sociopolitical and Religious Significance of the Principal Heroes and Heroines

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I really found this book to be insightful and interesting, so I'm sad to see that it's out of print. I got my copy through interlibrary loan. Each chapter examines a different archetype, from the Vengeful Spirit to the Chaste Warrior. Movies that are discussed run the gamut, from popular classics such as "Ugetsu" and "Sancho the Bailiff" to lesser know films, such as one title (I don't remember) which is essentially a Japanese twist on the Oedipal conflict. I found several parts of the book particularly including, including the exploration of how the 47 Ronin story has evolved over time, how the Japanese viewed romantic love and why the double suicide story became popular, and even how a different approach to childrearing creates a more passive society. I don't imagine that this book has much of an audience, and I think the word archetype should be changed to "stock characters," but oh well. I found it to be a good read.