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    Bushi no Ichibun (Love & Honour)

    CASE STUDY

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    Bushi no Ichibun (Love Honour) Japan, 2006

    Director:Yoji Yamada

    Cast:Takuya Kimura, Bando Mitsugoro, Rei Dan & Kaori Momoi

    SYNOPSIS:Shinnojo Mimura, a low level samurai, lives with his pretty,dutiful and loyal wife Kayo. He is a food-taster for a feudal lord at the

    castle; Mimura dreams of opening a kendo school for boys. One day,

    Mimura is poisoned by shellfish that is out of season and blinded as a

    result of the toxin. Mimura is depressed when he awakens as he

    realises that he cannot continue his work and will struggle to support

    his wife and himself. Kayo is summoned by Mimuras family to explain

    how the couple plan to survive. When Kayo mentions she knows a

    chief officer at castle (Toya Shimada), Mimuras family are keen for

    her to go to him and ask for assistance. Later, a message comes from

    the castle informing the couple that Mimuras stipend of rice willremain the same for the remainder of his life and that they will be

    able to remain in their home. Mimuras aunt arrives later to tell

    Mimura that her husband has seen Kayo consorting with a man at the teahouse he has his servant

    (Tokuhei) follow her to confirm this. Kayo notices she is being followed and reveals all to her husband. She

    tells how Shimada offered to help but in return wanted Kayo (there is a flashback where we see Shimada

    seemingly force himself on to Kayo) and how he insisted on seeing her a further three times with the

    threat of telling her husband if she refused. Mimura divorces Kayo there and then and she is told to leave

    the house. Soon after, Mimura finds that the continuation of his stipend had nothing to do with Shimada

    and that Shimada simply took advantage of Kayo. Mimura is outraged and is spurred into renewing his

    sword skills as a blind man. To avenge Kayos dishonour, Mimura sends a message to Shimada to meet himfor a duel and warns him not to underestimate him. The two meet and fight. Mimura cuts Shimadas arm

    but spares his life. Mimura then receives word that Shimada refused to tell anyone who disfigured him and

    later committed suicide (as he couldnt perform his samurai duties with only one arm). Shimada dies with

    nobody knowing that he deceived the Mimuras, violated Kayo and was bested by a blind man. Meanwhile,

    Tokuhei tells Mimura that he has hired a kitchen girl to prepare his meals. Mimura tastes her food and

    recognises his wifes cooking he calls Kayo into the house and they reconcile with an understanding that

    they will start their life anew.

    Messages and Values

    Bushi no Ichibun seems to offer the following messages and values:

    Role of the wife

    The underdog overcoming adversity

    Mans honour/pride

    Deceit must be punished

    Women as the motivators of mens actions

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    Characters

    Thinking about the characters involved can be a good way to begin to understand any film. In Bushi no

    Ichibun we have three main characters:

    Shinnojo Mimura

    Kayo Mimura

    Toya Shimada

    Shinnojo is a low-level samurai who dreams of leaving the profession and starting a

    kendo school for boys. He recognises that his position as food-taster offers little to

    society and wishes he could teach and make a difference. This is illustrated

    perfectly in two contrasting sequences: the first sees Mimura in a wide shot,

    kneeling among fellow samurai in a back room. He is boxed in and indistinguishable

    from the other samurai. The second sees Mimura walking home from work the setting couldnt be more

    different. He is outdoors, surrounded by nature with the sun shining on him as he interacts playfully with

    some young boys on the bank. Mimura represents the everyman he is the character that maleaudiences would relate to (stuck in a job they dislike and dreaming of something more). He is in a happy

    marriage with Kayothis is encapsulated in the opening sequence of the film. Their roles are obvious: she

    is the doting wife, happy in her duties and content with serving her husband and he fulfils the man of the

    house role, being sent off to work. He is honourable and has a good heart.

    Kayo represents the ideal woman. She is kind, generous and willing to sacrifice

    everything to preserve her husbands honour. She takes pleasure in her duties (see

    opening scene) and realises that the truth is not always an option when protecting

    someone you love (this can not only be seen when she conceals Shimadas actions

    but also when she lies to her husband about the fireflies not being out yet). Herentire existence revolves around her home and husband what lies beyond her home is danger and

    deceit. This is best seen when she goes to pray for her husband at the shrine and is met by the predatory

    Shimada.

    Shimada is the antithesis of Mimura. He is a liar who manipulates Kayo for his own

    gain. Despite being a high-ranking samurai he lacks the honour and dignity that

    Mimura has. Unlike Mimura, he shows no kindness or thought for others and as

    such he is punished whilst Mimura and his wife are given a new start.

    TASK:

    How are the other minor characters used to tell the audience more about our main characters?

    (In undertaking this task it is very important to remember that film is a visual medium and may show

    us features of an individual characters make-up through performance and/or carefully constructed

    shots rather than simply telling us in the use of dialogue. Remember to ALWAYS be considering the four

    micro-elements of cinematography, mise en scene, editing and sound).

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    Representation and its impact on messages and

    values in the film

    In this section we will be looking at how gender is represented in the film. We will also look at how time

    and place have been represented and how all of this ties into the messages and values perpetuated by the

    film.

    WomenThis film only really features two speaking female partsthe role of Kayo Mimura (the protagonists wife)

    and the role of Hatano-san (the protagonists interfering aunt). The way in which these two women are

    represented helps to deliver the key value of the role of the wife and the message that women are often

    the motivators of mens actions.

    MenThis is a male-dominated cast perhaps reflective of Japans society that is still dominated by males in the

    work place and in office (it was recently [2014] ranked 104 on the Global Gender Gap Index). The two main

    male roles are complete opposites one is honourable and pure and the other corrupt and selfish. Lets

    take a closer look how these two males are represented and how these construction impact on the key

    messages and values of the film.

    KAYO MIMURA:Take a close look at the key scenes which feature Kayo and consider how the

    four micro-elements help to construct a representation of her as an ideal

    wife.

    1. Opening sequence Kayo at home

    2. Kayo tends to Mimura (around 20 minute mark)

    3. Kayo lies to protect Mimuras feelings (around 35 minutes)

    4. Kayo realises what she must sacrifice for her husband (around 51

    minutes)

    AS ALWAYS do not rely on narrative in your analysis. Focus on

    cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene and sound.

    TASK:

    Part 1: Create a notes page for Hatano-sanwhat buzz words would you use to describe her?

    Part 2: Take a look at the following scenes and make notes on the representation that is constructed of

    Hatano-san. How does this impact on Yamadas value of a doting wife? How and why is Hatano-san used

    to contrast Kayo?

    1.

    Hatano-sans first visit (around the 22minute mark)2. Hatano-sans gossip (around 1hr 3 minutes)

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    In this scene we see Mimuras

    pride as a man challenged by his

    wife revealing that she has been

    with another man. She attempts

    to explain why she went toShimada but this does nothing to

    appease Mimura who

    dramatically divorces Kayo and

    casts her out. Mimura is representative of the slighted man in this scene we see stereotypical

    aggression that we usually associate with masculinity. However, he also shows an emotional side as he

    weeps when Kayo leaves. Investigate how this scene contributes to the messages and values of Bushi no

    Ichibun by answering the following:

    1. Cinematography: the lighting of this scene sees the home set in shadows. How does this help

    construct the representation of a man stripped of his pride?

    2. Editing: the last shot in the sequence sees the 180-degree rule broken. What might this represent

    or suggest to the audience about Mimura and his predicament?

    3. Cinematography: camera angles are used to give Mimura status when he talks to Kayo. What does

    this suggest about mans position in relation to a womans?

    4. Sound, cinematography and mise-en-scene: as Mimura casts Kayo out and is left alone, thunder

    and lightning can be seen/heard outside. What is this representative of?

    SHINNOJO MIMURA:

    The importance of a mans honour and pride is an overriding theme in Bushi

    no Ichibun. Lets take a closer look at the scene where Kayo reveals the

    extent of her betrayal of Mimura and his reaction.

    1. Kayos Betrayal (around the 1hr 17mins mark)

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    SOUND

    MISE-EN-SCENE

    EDITINGCINEMATOGRAPHY

    The Final Showdown

    Shimada is representative of Mimuras opposite. Here we have two male constructs that embody, on

    one hand, honour, dignity, pride and mercy and on the other, deceit, cruelty and dishonour. The final

    sequence in the film is reminiscent of a western and typical of most samurai films it is testosterone-

    fuelled brutality. The two men contrast one another in the way in which they approach the fight.

    Mimuras pure intention (to avenge his wronged wife) triumphs over Shimadas corrupt nature. These

    two representations of men help to reinforce the message that underdogs can win if their intentions

    are just and it places value on the social ideology that deceit must be punished.

    Perform a close analysis of this scene that focuses on how the representation of these two male

    characters reinforces the messages and values of the film.

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    Vladamir Propps Character TheoryAnother way in which we can consider representation is through Propps character theory. As you know,

    Propp theorised that many narratives involved 7 broad character types who each play an integral part to

    the plot. Can these character types be applied to Bushi no Ichibun?

    Character Type Name & Reasoning

    Hero

    Villain

    Dispatcher

    Donor

    Helper

    Princess

    Place

    Bushi no Ichibun is set towards the end of the Edo period in Japan. The main locations that are featured inthe film are the Mimura household, the castle where Mimura works, the Dojo where Mimura trains and

    the isolated area where Shimada and Mimura meet to fight. What are these locations representative of

    and how do they link into the messages and values of the film? Remember to consider the micro-elements

    in your analysis (see example).

    THE MIMURA HOUSEHOLD:

    The Mimura household is representative of the couples

    relationship. At the start of the film the set is lit with soft, natural

    lighting and it is dressed simply there is nothing ornate or over

    the top; everything is present to serve a purpose. This could beindicative of the Mimuras relationship in the opening sequence

    they are comfortable with each other and the roles they play in

    their marriage (she is the dutiful housewife and he the working

    husband). The screens are kept open allowing the viewer to see the natural surrounding of their garden and

    we hear the sounds of nature pervading the home this could suggest that the relationship between man

    and wife is a part of nature itself. The camera shots are often mid-shots and allow the couple to seem

    encapsulated in the house as if they belong. When Mimura is blinded and Kayo betrays him, the house is

    cast in shadows this is representative of the secrets between husband and wife. Nature itself reflects this

    disharmony for example, the thunder and lighting as Kayo is cast out, the invasive sound of the cicadas

    when Hatano-san reports of Kayos activities with another man etc The birdcage in the house is anotherelement of the mise-en-scene that represents the Mimura marriage. Two finches happily inhabit their cage.

    When Kayo leaves, one finch dies and Mimura frees the remaining bird as a statement that it cannot exist

    without the other. Upon Kayos return, Mimura declares that they will find two new finches a fresh start.

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    THE CASTLE

    THE DOJO

    THE SHOWDOWN AREA

    TASK:

    Analyse the remaining locations (the castle, the dojo and the showdown area). Use the Mimura

    Household example as guidance.

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    Essay question: What role does representation

    have in communicating the messages and values

    of Bushi no Ichibun

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    Social, historical, political cultural issues and

    their impact on the films messages

    Historical & Cultural Context

    Bushi no Ichibun is set towards the end of theEdo period (1603 1868). During this era peace

    reigned and samurai were no longer in demand so

    their status began to dwindle. More and more

    samurai were finding themselves unemployed and

    wandered the land with no purpose or master

    (masterless samurai were known as ronin).

    During this time, samurai who were still employed

    worked for the daimyo (landowners) who were a

    law unto themselves and only answerable to the

    shogun (military leaders/generals).SAMURAI

    The Japanese word samurai or bushi is made up of two Chinese characters which mean warrior and

    gentleman. This is important to the film Bushi no Ichibun as one of the key values celebrated in the film

    is one of honour and pride. Samurai have long been associated with honour in Japanese society it is

    referred to as bushido and is still valued in todays society. The samurai moral values focussed on

    frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery and honour in both life and death. It was influenced by Shinto and

    Zen Buddhism and this allowed the violent existence of the samurai to be tempered by wisdom and

    serenity. If a samurai was shamed (e.g. a mistake, a lost fight etc), he was often expected (or even told)

    to commit harakiri (the act of cutting own stomach open).

    Bushi no Ichibun may be set in a period far removed from today but Japanese society still places great

    importance on living without shame and not bringing shame upon your own family. This can be seen in

    some recent news stories which saw Japanese celebrities publically atoning for their socially unacceptable

    behaviour.

    Member of a girl group is photographed coming out of

    her apartment with a man. Her agency forbids any

    dating. By means of an apology, she shaves her head and

    begs for forgiveness.

    Member of a hugely successful boy band is arrested for being drunk

    and stripping in a park at night. His agency banned him from leaving

    his house or appearing on television for three months.

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    Social ContextAs you know, Bushi no Ichibun is set in the Edo period but was made in 2006. In this section we will look

    at Japanese society and how this may have influenced the messages and values that Yamada presents in

    his film.

    MARRIAGE & DIVORCE IN THE 2000s

    By 2006, the divorce rate in Japan had risen a staggering 26.5% overa ten year period. Divorce rates have shown an upward trend since

    the 1960s. A peak of 290,000 was hit in 2002. In addition to this,

    there has been a decline in marriages since the 1970s. There was a

    slight increase in the 80s but another slump in the mid-2000s. In

    2006, the BBC reported that there was an unprecedented rise in

    divorce among Japanese couples married for more than 20 years

    Men are typically the breadwinners and

    women often quit their jobs to stay at

    home once they are married. 70% of

    women quit their jobs once they have

    had their first child. Japanese workers

    work very long hours and men can be

    out of the home for much of the day and

    evening. The home is seen as the

    womans domain.

    THE GENDER GAP

    Japan is often reported as one of the major developed nations with the largest gender gap. Womens

    median income is two thirds of that received by their male counterparts. There are few women in

    supervisory or managerial roles

    more than 90% of males make up

    these job roles in Japan. Men

    dominate not only the workplace but

    the political landscape. Negativeattitudes to women in power have

    been recently reported with a female

    politician being heckled as she spoke

    in parliament. The male politicians

    who disagreed with her comments shouted, Why dont you get married? and Arent you able to have a

    baby?

    Attitudes today are starting to change with the younger generation. However, with Bushi no Ichibun, it is

    obvious that this more old-fashioned view of marriage is celebrated. This may be down to the fact that the

    director is male and at the time of the films release was 75 years old.

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    Example: Bushi no Ichibuns messages and values

    about the role of the wifeappear to be influenced

    by the common standards of Japanese society.

    Yamada reinforces the value that women belong in

    the home with the actions of Kayo. Each and every

    time Kayo leaves the homestead in the film, she

    encounters a problem. For example, she leaves the home to pray for her husband and runs

    into Shimada who recalls his interest in her. She then visits with Mimuras relatives and is

    told to ask Shimada for help. When she leaves the house again, it is to visit with Shimada

    (she is raped as a result of this). Finally, when her

    husband discovers this, she is cast out into the rain.

    The motivation for her actions is pure and she isultimately rewarded by being allowed back into the

    home once her husband has achieved his revenge

    on Shimada. We can see this by comparing the

    micro-elements in some of the scenes. For example,

    during the films opening we see Kayo in her element she is framed inside the house as if

    she is an extension of it and close mid-shots are used to show her happy expression as she

    cleans (see opening analysis for further detail). In comparison, the scene where Kayo runs

    into Shimada is tightly framed it gives the impression she is trapped. Shimada dominates

    the frame making Kayo look meek in comparison. The close up shows her discomfort and isa stark contrast to the shots of the opening sequence. With divorce rates at an all-time high

    in the mid-00s, Yamada appears to be reinforcing the safety that marriage can offer. He is

    literally offering a message that says that the wider world is a dangerous and predatory

    place for women to inhabit and going out into this world (from the home) can be

    treacherous.

    Using the example above, complete the task remembering to reference specific examples.

    TASK: Considering the information in the previous pages about historical, social, political and cultural

    contextshow do you think the messages and values of the film are impacted? Give clear reasons.

    Heres a reminder of the films messages and values:

    Role of the wife

    The underdog overcoming adversity

    Mans honour/pride

    Deceit must be punished

    Women as the motivators of mens actions

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    The role of narrative in communicating the

    messages and values in the film

    In this section we will look a little more closely at the narrative structure of Bushi no Ichibun and how this

    contributes to the communication of the films messages and values.

    First of all, lets take a look at some narrative theory: Tsvetan Todorovs stages of narrative. Todorov

    theorised that many stories went through five distinct stages of narrative. These stages were: equilibrium

    followed by a disruptioncaused by an event or person; then realisationthat a disruption has occurred; an

    attempt to repairthe damage caused by the disruption; and finally, restorationof equilibrium. Does Bushi

    no Ichibun adhere to this narrative structure?

    NARRATIVE STAGE MOMENT IN BUSHI NO ICHIBUN

    Equilibrium

    Disruption

    Realisation

    Attempt to repair

    Restoration

    POINTS TO CONSIDER

    How does the application of these stages to the film help highlight the theme of the underdog

    overcoming adversity? Think about how the order of events helps to establish Mimura as the underdog

    and what impact this has on the resolution.

    Why does the film use a flashback to reveal how Shimada took advantage of Kayo?

    Choose a scene to analyse in more detail to support one of the points made above (e.g. you may analyse

    the ending of the film to highlight the sense of reward Mimura and Kayo experience). As ever, focus on the

    micro-elements of the scene.

    Binary OppositionClaude Levi StraussAnother way in which we might look at the narrative is by addressing the elements which move the plot

    along. Ultimately, the driving force of the story is a battle between the honourable (Mimura) and the

    dishonourable (Shimada). Mimura and Shimada are opposing forces the hero and villain of the piece(according to Propps definition). Strauss argued that all texts include binary oppositions as a way to

    reinforce a society or cultures ideologies.

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    TRUTH VS LIESExample: The binary opposites of truth and lies exist in the film. We witness the deceit of Shimada (he lies

    to Kayo about talking with the Shogun about getting Mimuras stipend maintained) and truth can be

    witnessed in Mimuras honest reaction to news that his wife has been taken advantage of by a nobleman.This can be seen even further when Mimura sends Tokuhei to give Shimada the message that he wishes to

    fight him. He tells Tokuhei to warn Shimada not to underestimate him. This shows a level of integrity from

    Mimura something which is not seen with Shimada (e.g. when he arrives at the showdown location he

    doesnt announce himself so he can listen to Mimura and Tokuhei and then during the fight he tries to trick

    Mimura by attacking from above). One of the values that the film explores is the social ideology that deceit

    should be punished and honesty rewarded. Nothing encapsulates this better than the resolution of the film

    Shimada is beaten by a blind man and cannot live with the shame so kills himself whilst Mimura finds that

    his honour is restored with the defeat of Shimada and he can once again welcome Kayo back into the family

    home. TO DEVELOP THIS FURTHER, YOU COULD LOOK AT THE LIES THAT KAYO TELLS AND HOW THE

    INTENTIONS DIFFER/OPPOSE SHIMADAS.

    Close analysis: Shimadas deceit is one

    of driving points of the plot as the

    antagonist he stands in the way of the

    protagonists goals. In the flashback

    sequence there is a focus on how

    Shimadas deceit impacts Kayo it

    shows his deceit as something damaging and micro-elements of the scene create a sense of pity for Kayo. In

    the opening of the flashback sequence (image 1) Yamada uses a wide high angle shot and Kayo is framed in

    the bottom right hand corner. This shot choice makes Shimadas house much more imposing andthreatening. Her costume is pale and helps create a sense of purity and innocence (despite the fact she is

    there without her husbands knowledge). Cutting to the interior, there is once again a focus on the impact

    Shimadas deceit has on others. When he grabs Kayo, the camera lingers on a close up of her face and his

    hand grasping her shoulder there is no reverse-shot onto Shimada and this allows the audience to

    experience and empathise with Kayos distress.

    MAN VS WOMAN

    HERO/GOOD VS VILLAIN/EVIL

    LOWER CLASS VS UPPER CLASS

    HONOUR VS DISHONOUR

    TASK: Look at the binary oppositions found in the narrative of Bushi no Ichibun and comment on how

    their inclusion helps to communicate the messages and values of the film.

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    The role of genre in communicating the

    messages and values in the film

    Bushi no Ichibun, in English terms, is a samurai film. The samurai genre has long been prevalent in

    Japanese film and television it was particularly popular in the 1970s with an insurgence of ongoing TV

    series centred around the samurai way of life. In Japanese terms, Bushi no Ichibun would be considered aChanbara film (sword fighting). Chanbara is a sub-genre of jidaigeki films (period dramas). In this

    section we will be investigating the conventions of this genre and the role that genre plays in terms of

    communicating the key messages and values of the film.

    Japan after the Second World War was a country in flux. It had not only been utterly defeated by Allied

    forces, but it had a new constitution written and imposed upon it by foreigners as well. Every principle by

    which the Japanese had lived their lives was now subject to revision or disposal. During this time the

    chanbara film flourished. Chambara became one of the central vehicles by which Japan would re-examine

    its culture and values in light of a new post-war, post-imperial role. Ironically, it would accomplish this by

    looking backwards into its own past in order to move forward into the future.

    Conventions of a chambara film An encounter between swordsmen frequently serves as the climax

    Warriors fighting against the odds

    Underdogs overcoming oppression/adversity

    Sword fights

    Historical setting

    Often include stories of revenge

    One of the plots driving forces tends to be a battle between good and evil

    Examples of these conventions in chambara films:

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    Task: Identify the conventions that are present within Bushi no Ichibun. Note down

    a scene or sequence from the film which demonstrates those conventions.

    Why do directors continue to use genre?Genre is the most effective way to appeal to an audiences expectations. In terms of a samurai film,

    Japanese audiences will be very familiar with the generic conventions of plot and character. This familiarity

    allows the film to communicate a lot of information about characters, themes and in a very short space of

    time.

    ConventionScene or sequence: How has the convention been used to discuss or comment on

    social/cultural issues?

    Battle between

    good and evil

    This is most obviously demonstrated in the final battle sequence between Mimura and Shimada. However, it is also seen in the

    exchanges between Shimada and Kayo. Kayos intentions are pure and come from the love for her husband whilst Shimada is

    driven by his own greed and salacious desires. The preferred reading of Shimadas desire for a married woman is that it is wi cked

    and should be punishedthis reflects the values of todays society in Japan. Shimadas villainy demonstrates no bounds we see

    no redeeming qualities in this charactereven in his defeat, he is cowardly and takes his own life not sharing how or why he was

    bested. This two-dimensional evil villain is typical of the genre the audience will be familiar with the part he plays in the story

    and will be expecting him to get his comeuppance. When he does, it confirms to the audience that their beliefs are correct and

    justified. The ideology that bad people are punished and good people are rewarded is reflected on the screen and leaves the

    audience feeling content and (to an extent) comforted.

    Underdog

    overcoming

    adversity

    Warrior fighting

    against the odds

    Historical setting

    Revenge

    Climatic battle

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    Genre TheoryTheorist Steve Neale stated that genres are instances of repetition and difference and that difference is

    absolutely essential to the economy of genre. He also argued that audiences could derive pleasure from

    repetition and difference (e.g. pleasure could be taken from recognizing a manipulation of genre

    conventions).

    Messages, values and ideology: audience

    reception

    Impact of Bushi no Ichibun on national audiencesBushi no Ichibun was released in Japan in 2006. It opened to favorable reviews and performed well at the Japanese

    box office. In addition to this, it was nominated in every major category in the Awards of the Japanese Academy(Japans Oscars) and won best supporting actor, best cinematography and best lighting. Samurai films have always

    been a popular genre in Japan and it seems that combination of a Japanese idol in a romantic period drama won

    over Japanese audiences nationwide.

    In this section we will firstly be looking at how the film may have been read by Japanese audiences before moving

    on to investigating how the films reading may have differed for an international audience.

    Audience TheoryBlumler & KatzUses and Gratifications Model

    Lasswell theorized that the reason audiences consumed media texts was because they served a purpose. Blumler &Katz built on this theory and categorized these uses and gratifications. These categories were entertainment,

    escapism, social interaction, personal identity and information. Using the space below, note down the main uses and

    gratifications of Bushi no Ichibun. Provide examples to support your points.

    We have looked at the instances of repetition in the film, but what differences exist in Bushi no

    Ichibun and what messages and values do you think these differences communicate?

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    Consider the following:

    Why might samurai films be such a popular genre in Japan?

    Why do audiences find enjoyment in period dramas?

    In 2006, why might Bushi no Ichibuns move from the typical violent samurai film to a more

    romantic and morally sound film have been welcomed by audiences?

    Stuart Halls Reception Theory

    Stuart Hall argued that a media text requires the audience to oppose or negotiate with that text. He sawthe audience as being anything but passive because each member of any audience comes with their own

    unique experiences and opinions. Hall said that there is generally a dominant reading that producers want

    to createa message ideology. In Bushi no Ichibun, it is evident that Yamada has encoded the film with

    specific messages and values and has created what Hall refers to as a preferred reading.

    Can you think of specific scenes/sequences in the film which demonstrate this preferred reading?

    Hall suggests that we receive the ideological messages in media texts differently according to our own

    personal experiences. We might agree with a preferred reading or we may come up with a negotiated

    reading where our own cultural life experiences bring a different interpretation to a media text. We could

    go even further and completely reject the preferred reading and create an oppositional reading which

    challenges the message being given to us.

    Considering the research we undertook on Japanese society and culture, how do you think Japanese

    audiences may have responded to the film? You may find it beneficial to pick one of the key messages

    and values and a supporting scene to support your response.

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    Impact of Bushi no Ichibun on international audiencesBushi no Ichibun was released by distributer Funimation to a limited number of screens in the US in

    2007. It grossed $16,326 at the US box office. In addition to this, the film was part of the official selection

    at the Moscow International Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival and the Hawaii

    International Film Festival. The film was also given a limited release in the UK in 2008. At the premiere, the

    audience was given the chance to attend a Q&A session with director, Yamada.

    Here are some reviews from the UK and US:

    What do these reviews tell us about the international expectations of Japanese Cinema and more

    specifically, Samurai Cinema?

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    World Cinema and National Cinema World Cinema

    A term used to describe films and film industries from non-English speaking countries

    National Cinema

    A term used to describe films associated with a specific country

    As you know, Bushi no Ichibun is a Japanese produced film in the Japanese language. In our country, this

    categorizes the film as World Cinema. However, as the film is also of the Samurai genre, it would also be

    considered National Cinema(as Samurai film is synonymous with Japan).

    Feudal honour is challenged by love with overwhelming consequences. Even die hard Zatoichi-ites will

    admire the deftness of Yamada's masterly direction.Empire Magazine

    The movie has only one sword fight, and it consists of only three or four swings of the blade, but don't

    let that dissuade you. You won't be bored. - Film Critic Site

    A very satisfying tale that emphasizes one of the genre's key themes: The deepest wound a samuraimay suffer does not come from any blade.Globe and Mail

    Intricate, artfully constructed and utterly assured, Love And Honour is essential viewing for anyone

    who has seen Yamada's earlier samurai films. If you haven't, don't miss the chance to see what is a

    finely- tuned example of the genre. Rotten Tomatoes

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    National Cinema is a significant factor in the contribution of a national identityfor both home and foreign

    audiences. National Cinema focuses upon cultural and social issues of the country in which it was made.

    These films are then shown around the world offering foreign audiences (possibly) their only look at a

    society they might never otherwise view. As a result, film has a significant impact on how we see foreign

    cultures. Can you think of any personal examples of this?

    Bushi no Ichibun the real Japan?As a member of a foreign audience, consider how Japan and the Japanese culture is represented in Bushi

    no Ichibun. Answer the following:

    What identity is created for Japan through this film?

    How is this identity created? (micro-elements)

    What impressions do you have of Japanese culture after watching this film?

    How was this impression of the culture created through the micro-elements of the film?

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    Style theme and its impact on messages and

    values

    The key themes covered in Bushi no Ichibun are: love; betrayal & redemption; honourand

    conflict.

    Using the table below, outline some key scenes which feature any of these themes and include some

    analysis of how the micro-elements help to convey these themes. An example has been included.

    Love

    Betrayal & redemption

    Honour

    Conflict

    The theme of conflict can be seen most literally in the final battle sequence. Two men with very different

    morals and values come together to fight Mimura represents the social value of goodness & justness whilst

    Shimada is the embodiment of societys idea of unacceptable behavior. Cinematography is used to

    demonstrate this conflict of characters specifically the camera work. As the two characters prepare to fight,

    a deep long shot is used. Shimada is framed to the left and positioned far back whilst Mimura is more centrally

    framed and closer to the camera. This could represent the idea that goodness prevails evil. It could also

    suggest that evil invades and infects as Shimada slowly sneaks into the shot the viewer can see his approach

    as Mimura stands with his back to him, unaware. The camera slowly arcs around Mimura, he fills the screen

    and Shimada is blocked out altogether. Again, this could be interpreted as good overcoming evil and

    promoting the ideology of positive values dominating society. The camera lingers on close ups of Mimura face

    as he hears the lies Shimada feeds himthere are few close ups used on Shimada. This allows the audience to

    empathize more with our protagonist and (in terms of conflict) we register the inner turmoil he is undergoing

    as he listens to Shimadas deceit.

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    StyleStyle can refer to a variety of elements in cinema. It covers cinematography, sound, mise-en-scene

    (including lighting), dialogue etc

    We have seen some clips from Yamadas previous works and can definitely see that he favours themes of

    underdogs overcoming adversity (Twilight Samurai and the Otoko wa Tsurai Yo series of films). He also

    favours a certain cinematic style when it comes to the micro-elements of his films. In this section, we will

    investigate this style and think about how the messages and values of Bushi no Ichibun arecommunicated through it.

    Visual Style in Japanese CinemaDavid Bordwell Article (1995)

    Bordwells findings suggest that Japanese cinema has its own unique and distinctive style. Lets consider

    whether or not Yamadas film is of this style.

    APERTURE FRAMING (when actual frames are used in the composition of the shot)most typically, an

    establishing shot will tuck a character into one cell of that gridwork characteristic of the Japanese

    housethe spectator apprehends the overall composition as a visual design as well as a transmitter of

    story information.

    As you can see from the stills above, Yamada has used aperture framing for the characters of Mimura and

    Kayo when they are at home. This is seen further with the framing of the birds in their cage. Here, aperture

    framing is used to create a sense of safety and belonging. Husband and wife and snugly tucked into the

    beams and doorways of their marital home this most definitely fits in with Yamadas positive view of

    married life.

    JAPANESENESS

    Old Japan is more exotic than Westernized Japan is to Westerners Masachi Nagata (1955). Bordwells

    article explores how many Japanese films in the post-war era often featured aspects of the Japanese

    cultureThe idea that Japaneseness could be packaged was perhaps more evident in the post-war era,

    when geisha and cherry blossoms already seemed anachronistic in an aggressive industrial economy. If

    we look closely at Yamadas film we can see that this style has been adhered to.

    Obviously, with Bushi no Ichibun being aperiod drama it is inevitable that certain traditions of Japan will

    feature prominently. However, Yamada includes some distinctly Japanese visualsa shrine, a Shinto grave

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    News of blindness (35mins): gusts of wind

    Start of film: Spring

    site and manicured/landscaped public areas. This films visual styling celebrates the beauty of Japan. To

    emphasize this further, a series of low wide shots are used to make the most of the traditional setting.

    Yamadas Style

    Mise-en-scene: Nature

    There is a definite nature theme that runs through the visuals (and sounds) of this film. Yamada usespathetic fallacy throughout the narrative to provide another emotional layer for the viewer. Looking at the

    film text, analyse how the use of nature supports the key messages and values offered by the film.

    Remember to reference micro-elements in your analysis.

    Mimuras visit to the castle (1hr approx.): Summer

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    Sound: Music

    Yamadas style of sound for Bushi no Ichibun is similar to his previous film Twilight Samurai the

    soundtrack is minimalistic and traditional (Japanese drums/taiko, shamisen and bamboo flutes). In what

    ways is non-diegetic music used to highlight the films key messages and values? Remember to refer to

    specific examples in your responses.

    Kayos betrayal(1hr 24): Storm

    Mimuras challenge(1hr 34): Autumn