The Japanese Film: Art and Industry [Hardcover]

Joseph L. Anderson (Author), Donald Richie (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

After the Americans, the Japanese have probably produced the most original, complex, and entertaining films in the international cinema. Anderson and Ritchie tell the story of the Japanese film from a number of different perspectives. Beginning with a compelling chronological overview, they go on to describe Japanese film through its various techniques, its directors, its actors and its audiences. Few industries have had a more fascinating history and Anderson and Ritchie do it justice in this fine and informative book. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

[F]ar and away the most important text in its field, and the additions to the pioneering work have greatly increased its value. -- Audie Bock, Film Quarterly
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 526 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr; Rev Sub edition (February 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691053510
• ISBN-13: 978-0691053516
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,468,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading on Japanese film and industry., July 20, 2000

By 

anthemic (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Japanese Film: Art and Industry (Expanded Edition) (Paperback)

To be quite honest - I am suprised that nobody has reviewed this book yet. While orginally released in 1959 - the one you see above is an updated and expanded version from 1982.

This is essential reading for die-hard buffs and students of film because it traces the historical development of Japanese cinema. Furthermore, there is a focus on industry rather than being overwhelmed with massive chapters on Ozu, Kurosawa etc. This makes it a useful point of departure from which to head into greater depths of analysis and specific interests.

Books on Japanese film history and industry are few in numbers with current trends tending to be very academic with specific focal concerns. Any reader who desires texts on specific topics and directors will greatly benefit from reading this book.