Japanese Horror Cinema [Paperback]

Jay McRoy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

A much-needed critical introduction to some of the most important Japanese horror films produced over the last fifty years, Japanese Horror Cinema provides an insightful examination of the tradition’s most significant trends and themes.

The book examines the genre’s dominant aesthetic, cultural, political, and technological underpinnings, and individual chapters address key topics such as: the debt Japanese horror films owe to various Japanese theatrical and literary traditions; the popular "avenging spirit" motif; the impact of atomic warfare, rapid industrialization and apocalyptic rhetoric on Japanese visual culture; the extents to which changes in the economic and social climate inform representations of monstrosity and gender; the influence of recent shifts in audience demographics; and the developing relations and contestations between Japanese and Western (Anglo-American and European) horror film tropes and traditions.

Extensive coverage of the! central thematic concerns and stylistic traits of Japanese horror cinema makes this volume an indispensable text for film and cultural studies courses.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jay McRoy is assistant professor of English, University of Wisconsin, Parkside.

Contributors:Christopher Bolton, Phillip Brophy, Ian Conrich, Gareth Evans, Ruth Goldberg, Richard Hand, Steffen Hantke, Matt Hills, Frank Lafond, Graham Lewis, Jay McRoy, Xavier Mendik, Gary Needham, Steven Jay Schneider, Christopher Sharrett, Eric White, Tony Williams. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824829905
• ISBN-13: 978-0824829902
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An academic study of Japanese Horror Cinema, September 9, 2005

By 

Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japanese Horror Cinema (Paperback)

The recent surge of popularity in Japanese horror cinema has not been accompanied by books examining and illuminating the phenomena. Very little has been written on what is an elusive and complicated world.

Filling this gap, "Japanese Horror Cinema" is an academic study of the various worlds of Japanese horror cinema, an assemblage of essays by various authors each elucidating one of four essential topics. The essays are mainly sociologically based, involving more of the psychology of Japanese fear rather than cinematography or film-studies based. Each focus area is accompanied by a case study of an individual horror film or series.

"History, Tradition and Japanese Horror Cinema" looks at films from a historical basis, looking at the evolution and foundation of Japanese Horror Cinema. The aesthetics of cruelty is shown from traditional Japanese theatre such as Kabuki and Noh, and how they relate to modern-day horror. The case study for this section is Nakata Hideo's "Ringu" and "Ringu 2."

"Gender, Terror and the "Avenging Spirit" Motif in Japanese Horror Cinema" looks at Japanese Horror under Western eyes as well as Anime Horror and the Japanese interpretation of the rape/revenge genre. The case study for this section is Ishii Takashi's "Freeze Me."

"National Anxieties and Cultural Fears in Japanese Horror Cinema" looks at Japanese body-horror and technophobia as seen in films such as "Tetsuo the Iron Man"
and "Pinnochio 964." The case study for this section is Fukasaku Kinji's "Battle Royale."

"Japanese Horror Cinema and the the Production and Consumption of Fear" looks at not only the selling of modern horror, but the interpretation of Japanese Horror Cinema by US internet-based fan communities. The case study for this section is Shimizu Takashi's "Ju-On: The Grudge."

The book is very academic in nature, and probably not well-suited for casual fans looking to geek out on their favorite fright flicks. However, for those seeking a greater insight into the psychology of Japanese Horror Cinema, there are few better books on the market in this largely unexplored area.

5.0 out of 5 stars Stong and accessible academic writing, September 11, 2007

By 

A. Kushner "Cinefreak" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japanese Horror Cinema (Paperback)

This book is an excellent collection of thoughtful and engaging criticism on contemporary Japanese horror cinema. Its appropriate for university classrooms as well as for individual consumption by film buffs. If you enjoy insightful discussions of this incredibly popular film genre, pick up a copy of this book.

5 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Postmodern Drivel, October 31, 2006

By 

Deep Desert "Deep Desert" (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japanese Horror Cinema (Paperback)

The essays in this book attempt to explain the recent popularity of J-horror among Japanese and America audiences but they are simply too dense and full of postmodern jargon to be effective for use in any class. I was hoping for more discussion of the influences of Japanese folklore and supernatural stories. Also reveals the anti-American bias of academia (Battle Royale II is superior to Saving Private Ryan for courageously re-enacting the fall of the World Trade Center towers!). Avoid unless you really are into this kind of reading.