Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Stong and accessible academic writing.......2007-09-11
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.
Postmodern Drivel.......2006-11-01
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.
An academic study of Japanese Horror Cinema.......2005-09-09
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.
Book Description
Accessible, fun, and colorful world of snarling gangsters, fire-breathing lizards, and animated dreams full of humor and wonder. While high-art Japanese cinema has been documented and analyzed in the West, popular and cult Japanese movies have remained largely unexplored. The fantastic vintage posters that drew the masses to Kurosawa's samurai flicks, Godzilla, and sexy Pink movies are now available to US audiences. Featuring genre classics and funky retro designs, as well as Anime, Sci-Fi and New Cinema, Japanse Movie Posters also offers irreverent commentary by poster and movie experts, as well as plenty of swords, guns, tattoos, geishas, ghosts, rubber monster suits, cartoon robots, samurais and sirens.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful classic posters in a SUPER format!.......2003-03-14
If you buy one book on Japanese cinema this year, this is it. They have done a terrific job of laying out the history of Japanese film in poster format, in correct color no less, with
a lot of useful information for the Japanese film buff, and collector since many of the posters are available to order right from this publication. My only comment is when will their next
book be issued? Enjoy!
Wonderfully Wacky Posters -- Nothing Like It!!.......2003-02-21
I discovered this new book put out by Tokyo-based DH Publishing by accident. And am glad I did. Chock full of full-page full-color posters of the most wonderfully wackiest of Japan's classic movie posters. There's everything from Horror and Monster to Samurai and Ninja, Pink (what they call soft porn) to Anime, and even some new posters thrown in. My best is easily the Sci-Fi genre, which includes the ultimate Ultraman. Also, you gotta check out some of the Monster posters, like Godzilla and some huge Ice Man creature. I bought two of these, as I knew it would make that perfect present when you've run out of ideas what to buy someone. DH Publishing arigato! I'm going to check out their other books. I hope they're as good!
An unforgettable slice of Japanese popular culture.......2002-12-15
Japanese Movie Posters: Yakuza, Monster, Pink And Horror is an eye-opening, full-color presentation of movie posters representational of the best and the worst of Japan's cinema. From lurid and graphic horror to yakuza movies to posters of Hayao Miyazaki's wondrous words of animation, Japanese Movie Posters offers an unforgettable slice of Japanese popular culture in the twentieth century. Brief yet erudite and scholarly commentaries by Chuck Stephens (contributing editor to "Film Comment", a columnist for "Kinema Junpo, and a freelance specialist in Asian cinema for publications worldwide), Tetsuya Masuda (vintage poster expert and head of the cinema section of wonder antiquarian books), and Kairakutei Black (a Japanese film critic and traditional "rakugo" comic storyteller) offer informed and informative insights into the psychology and media background of the individual posters round out this impressive collection. A unique compendium of cinematic poster art, Japanese Movie Posters is a welcome and highly recommended addition to any personal or academic Cinematic Studies reference collection.
Customer Reviews:
Kids will love it!.......2005-08-05
My son devoured this book, scanning each page over and over. As long time Godzilla fans, to find any book about the Monster was a delight. Concidering that Godzilla mostly appeals to young boys, or old boys wishing they were still young, we found the book a nice addition to our library. The only thing we did not like was that the photos were all black and white, but there were so many of them it helps make up for it. It is a full size book, and provides a write up of the all the Monster's movies up till publication. It also provides a great chronological filmograpghy of non-Godzilla giant monster film from Japan and Korea. The appendix also provides the alternate title for the films, which often make locating a film easier. For a book about a moster, I htink it is great. Many fans may wish for someting Hemingway may write, but get real, it is just for fun and this is a fun book
A disservice to Godzilla fans.......1997-10-04
English language books covering the King of the Monsters are few and far between, but if you are searching for one, this is definitely one to skip. The photo reproduction is generally of poor quality and photos are mostly posed stills or frequently seen images. While purporting to be a fan, the author shows little respect for the subject in his writing, and factual errors are rampant throughout. Regretfully, this book is not worth the paper it is printed on.
Product Description
This is a detailed analysis of 103 Japanese science fiction, horror and fantasy feature films released theatrically or directly to television in the United States from 1950 through 1992. Each entry provides a plot synopsis, critique, background on the production, contemporary review quotes, and a comparison between the U.S. and Japanese versions. The filmography is arranged by studio and includes American and Japanese titles, release dates and releasing studios; comprehensive production and cast credits; running time; U.S. rating (when appropriate); and alternate titles.
Customer Reviews:
good concept, but book too loaded with errors!.......2004-03-09
This would have been a very interesting book but there are simply too many factual and typographical errors to recommend it. As far as I'm concerned, the book's only redeeming value is in the cross-listings given in each entry, which allow basic navigation through this genre for those who are new to it.
A great work of fiction!.......2003-02-07
Did Thomas Weisser actually watch any of these movies before writing about them? I find that hard to believe as I've managed to track down a lot of these films, only to find them completely different than his reviews. Weisser's never had much credibility - this just continues to add to his legend.
From The Author Of Asian Cult Cinema - An Outrage.......1999-08-30
I really wonder about this author. He professes to love the Asian cinema so much yet what he writes about Asian men and women tend to be degrading. Regarding women, the author obsesses on appearance rather than acting ability. As for men, he has a tendency to lump them into a faceless, violent, crazed mass. I'm not really sure if this author means it or not, but his books have the feeling of borderline racism or voyeurism disguised as movie reference books. The subject of Asian cinema deserves much better than this and Asian people should be outraged.
Good reference, some gaps.......1999-06-28
Here is a shining little star in the otherwise empty universe of the Japanese Cinema reference books. Why a "little" star? And who is the reader? For serious buffs ("otakus" of Japanese movies) it contains not enough infos, and has too many gaps (where, for example, is "Kujakuoh"?) On the other hand, in case of beginners of the genre, it is almost sealed by the red tape. Personally, I enjoyed it, but what about the others?
Book Description
This is a detailed analysis of 103 Japanese science fiction, horror and fantasy feature films released theatrically or directly to television in the United States from 1950 through 1992. Each entry provides a plot synopsis, critique, background on the production, contemporary review quotes, and a comparison between the U.S. and Japanese versions. The filmography includes American and Japanese titles, release dates and releasing studios; comprehensive production and cast credits; running time; U.S. rating; and alternate titles.
Customer Reviews:
Informative Overview Of Japanese Fantastic Cinema.......2003-08-03
Ghosts and monsters of various breeds have haunted Japanese cinemas for decades, recently culminating in the spectacular worldwide success of RINGU and its sequels/remakes. Anyone remotely interested in this strange and hypnotically fascinating sub-genre absolutely needs to read Stuart Galbraith's remarkably entertaining and informative JAPANESE SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR FILMS, easily the definitive work to date on the subject.
Galbraith writes in a breezy and humorous fashion, providing detailed , often witty synopses and brief critical examinations of over one hundred titles, covering any/all films released in the U.S. during the period 1950 - 1992. As such, it affords an excellent historical background to the current and much heralded renaissance of Japanese cinematic horror. Of particular interest is Galbraith's refusal to instantly demean any of the films on hand. He takes the films cultural and artistic differences from the U.S. norm at face value and attempts to succinctly explain any appeal each individual movie might have. This is not to say that some of the titles don't get mercilessly slammed--they do, deservedly so. Its just that Galbraith tends to provide a much more thoughtful critique than the usual "Bad Special Effects, Terrible Dubbing" mantra so often spewed out by xenophobic American-based reviewers.
The book's final one hundred pages are devoted to a remarkably detailed filmography, with full cast and technical crew credits to every film discussed in the main text. As the author notes, this is easily the most extensive such listing of Japanese fantasy films ever put into print. The filmography in itself makes the book an unqualified necessity for fans of the genre.
ATTENTION DAIKAIJU EIGA FANS: You Need This Book !.......2000-04-13
As a kid, I remember walking with my brother down to the Saturday matinee to see King Kong getting whupped by Godzilla, Rodan buzzing over the streets of Tokyo and the tiny twin fairy ladies singing their praise of Mothra. I didn't know it then but these kinds of movies were part of the "Daikaiju eiga" genre (Japanese giant monster movies) that Mr. Stuart Galbraith writes about so eloquently in his marvelous reference book "Japanese Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films".
Absolutely ANY Daikaiju eiga film released in the U.S. that you can remember (...and some that you no doubt have forgotten about! ) are described in this book. From the studios of Toho and Daiei, you will find ALL of the 20+ Godzilla and 7+ Gamera films as well as EVERY other sci-fi movie made by the incredible team of Tomoyuki Tanaka, Ishiro Honda and Eiji Tsuburaya (producer, director and SFX master of the original Godzilla films). Some of the lesser known but still wonderful films discussed include The Mysterians; Attack of the Mushroom People; Kwaidan; Onibaba; The Magic Serpent; Majin Trilogy; Atragon; The H-Man; War of the Gargantuas and Frankenstein Conquers the World.
With 424 pages laid out chronologically, Mr. Galbraith provides in-depth detail on more than 103 films including storyline, actors and their roles, production background, release notes and comments from contemporary reviews. Also included is a filmography of the genre from all Japanese studios including cast, crew and Japan/U.S. release information. A rather large bibliography and index complete this masterful work. This book was obviously written with great love and affection for the films at hand - I am quite sure that Daikaiju eiga fans will not be disappointed with their purchase of this book!
Average customer rating:
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Glass Etching: Surface Techniques and Designs
Norman Dobbins
Manufacturer: Cke Publications
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- The blank screens of Hiroshi Sugimoto
|
Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Exposed
Thomas Kellein
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
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Binding: Hardcover
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Customer Reviews:
The blank screens of Hiroshi Sugimoto.......1997-02-05
Can others see us more clearly than we see ourselves? Hiroshi Sugimoto, 49, was born in Japan but has lived in the United States for more than half his life. His serene photographs of drive-in theatres and movie palaces pay tribute to the role played by the cinema in the creation of a modern American myth. Another series, of dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, looks at these tableaux of prehistoric nature and wildlife as actual moments frozen in time. Characterized by extremely long exposures, Sugimoto's images compress time while enlarging our understanding of what the decisive moment in photography can mean. Other series, of seascapes, or of Buddhas, seem timeless. In 1996 Sugimoto became one of the few contemporary photographers to have a major solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. See also Motion Picture by Hiroshi Sugimoto (Milano: Skira, 1995) [isbn 88 8118 025 1
Book Description
Did you ever wish that you really understood money? Well, Dave Barry wishes that he did, too. But that hasn’t stopped him from writing this book. In it, Dave explores (as only he can) such topics as:
• How the U.S. economy works, including the often overlooked role of Adam Sandler
• Why it is not a good idea to use squirrels for money
• Strategies that will give you the confidence you need to try for a good job, even though you are—let’s be honest—a no-talent loser
• How corporate executives, simply by walking into their offices, immediately become much stupider
• An absolutely foolproof system for making money in the stock market, requiring only a little effort (and access to time travel)
• Surefire tips for buying and selling real estate, the key being: Never buy—or, for that matter, sell—real estate
• How to minimize your federal taxes, safely and legally, by cheating
• Why good colleges cost so much, and how to make sure your child does not get into one
• How to reduce the cost of your medical care by basically not getting any
• Estate planning, especially the financial benefits of an early death
• And many, many pictures of Suze Orman
But that’s only the beginning! Dave has also included in this book all of the important points from a book written by Donald Trump, so you don’t have to read it yourself. Plus he explains how to tip, how to negotiate for everything (including bridge tolls), how to argue with your spouse about money, and how much allowance to give your children (three dollars is plenty). He also presents, for the first time in print anywhere, the Car Dealership Code of Ethics (“Ethic Seven: The customer is an idiot”). Also, there are many gratuitous references to Angelina Jolie naked. You can’t afford not to buy this book! Probably you need several copies.
What kind of financial shape are you in right now? This scientific quiz will show you.
Be honest in your answers: If you lie, you’ll only be lying to yourself! The place to lie is on your federal tax return.
What is your annual income?
1. More than $50,000.
2. Less than $50,000.
3. However much I get when I return these empties.
Not counting your mortgage, how much money do you currently owe?
1. Less than $10,000.
2. More than $10,000.
3. Men are threatening to cut off my thumbs.
How would you describe your portfolio?
1. Conservative, mainly bonds and blue-chip equities.
2. Aggressive, mainly options and speculative stocks.
3. My what?
When analyzing an investment, what do you consider to be the most important factor?
1. The amount of return.
2. The degree of risk.
3. The name of the jockey.
How do you plan to finance your retirement?
1. Savings.
2. Social security.
3. Sale of kidneys.
—from the Introduction: “Why You Need This Book”
Also available as a Crown eBook.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Another home run from a very funny man........2007-09-03
Recently I read a New York Times movie review where the reviewer started with the comment that since he didn't like the star, he was certain he wouldn't like the movie. He then proceded to rake the flick over the proverbial coals. If that is a valid premise for a review then I should start by saying I like Dave Barry, therefore I will like this book.
Some day Barry will write something that isn't funny, but this isn't it. Oh, I'll grant you that if you don't care for his sometimes heavy handed style you may not laugh out loud as much as I do. But it would still be humorous.
Start with his dedication. "This book is dedicated to all the people in the world, on the theory that they will respond by thinking: 'Wow! A book dedicated to me. I should buy a copy.'" Wish I had thought of that and used it first.
The rest of Money Secrets is a broad satire on the many financial self-help books on the market. He makes his points with lines such as this, "The largest single item in the economy is the Gross National Product, or DNA for short."
One of Barry's strengths is his keen ability to take a subject and work it into more and more diverse and outlandish situations. Okay, Donald Trump is easy to make fun of but you would never imagine the roles he has in this book. While the comparison of Alan Greenspan and Punxsutawney Phil is slightly outdated, it will make you laugh. A final point worth noting is Barry's use of a small Angelina Jolie clip. I have better things to do than count the number of times she appears, but toward the end they're funny in and of themselves.
Dave Barry is a funny man and this is a funny book.
A very good second-tier Dave Barry book........2007-08-28
Dave Barry is one of the funniest writers of his generation, if occasionally a bit excessively juvenile. This book is extremely funny, if not as funny as "Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up", "Dave Barry Turns 40", "The Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need", "Dave Barry's Book Of Bad Songs" and "Dave Barry's Greatest Hits". It's about on a par with "Dave Barry Slept Here", "Dave Barry Is From Mars & Venus" and "Dave Barry Turns 50", particularly "...Slept Here", in that it does for (to) economics what that book did for (to) history.
hilarious as always.......2007-06-01
I think I've read every book Dave Barry has written, and this is in the top three.
Great Gift.......2007-05-23
I purchased multiple copies of this book because my husband owns a financial planning practice and I thought it would be a good gift for his employees on Administrative Assistant's Day. Well, it was! The office staff thought it was hilarious. (Hopefully, they're not reading it on company time!) I also purchased a copy for myself, because I have been a fan of Dave Barry for many years. Absolutely worth it, if only for his description of Suzie Ormond. The best part (for me) is that you will learn virtually nothing about anything financial (so my husband doesn't have to worry about any competition). Enjoy!
Good, mindless humor!.......2007-04-11
It made me smile, listening to this as I cleaned and demolished my garage, and for that alone it's worth it. If you like his newspaper columns you'll like this book, because that's the style it's written in. Light and fluffy: if you're looking for a bit of mindless humor this'll hit the spot.
Books:
- Kovels' American Silver Marks
- Leonardo Da Vinci and His Super-brain (Dead Famous)
- Light Screens: The Complete Leaded Glass Windows of Frank Lloyd Wright
- Little Black Girl Lost 3
- Little Things in a Big Country: An Artist and Her Dog on the Rocky Mountain Front
- Louis Comfort Tiffany and Laurelton Hall: An Artist's Country Estate (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications)
- Lying on the Couch: A Novel
- Mao's Last Dancer
- Mariano Fortuny, His Life and Work
- ME Just For Today Be Happy
Books Index
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The Midnight Eye Guide to New Japanese Film
Asia Shock: Horror And Dark Cinema from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, And Thailand
Horror International (Contemporary Approaches to Film and Television)
Asian Horror Encyclopedia: Asian Horror Culture in Literature, Manga, and Folklore
J-Horror: The Definitive Guide to The Ring, The Grudge and Beyond
