Currents in Japanese Cinema: Essays

Customer Reviews:

Well Worth The Hunt.......2006-09-16

First published in the 1980s, Tadao Sato's CURRENTS IN JAPANESE CINEMA was always an indespensible rarity - a comprehensive collection of writing on Japanese film NOT written by a Westerner. This was one of my first guides to Japanese film, and it definitely stoked my interest; this book has gotten rather hard to come by, which is very unfortunate, as Japanese film seems to have gone through an enthusiastic rediscovery in recent years.

Like any great critic, Sato balances opinionated writing with accessibility; his own background - a working-class fan-turned-journalist who ultimately became one of the foremost scholars on Japanese film - gives his writing a directness that is refreshing. Certain of his opinions and assessments can be debated; in that the man is doing his job engagingly well.

This collection is presented as an introductory work for non-Japanese readers; a bit of early Japanese cinematic history is related, but the bulk of the book focuses on major figures (Ozu, Kurosawa, Mizoguchi, Naruse, Oshima, Suzuki and Kobayashi all get some examination), with a few thematically oriented chapters as well (yakuza, period films, war films, etc), and a brief look at developments in the 1970s.

Any fan of Japanese film would do well to look for this.

-David Alston

A Japanese Perspective on Japanese Film.......2000-07-08

There is a great deal of discussion these days about the inadequacy of Western critics treating non-Western materials, but it is deucedly difficult to find indigenous criticism in translation. The essays of Tadao Sato, one of Japan's important film critics, are thus extremely valuable for students and teachers of the subject. Sato's work is provocative, readable, and full of insight. He gives us a sense about how Japanese cinema speaks to the extraordinary crises and transitions that have affected the nation's people and culture during the past century. He treats not only art films but also talks about currents in popular cinema. He is not as exhaustive as Richie, but his overview is, perhaps for this reason, more coherent. He analyzes technical aspects of cinema and discusses the importance of actors and actresses as well as explores thematic aspects of Japanese film. He is, as translator and editor Barrett points out, "anti-feudalistic," so he gives less attention to the period films of Kurosawa than Western critics do. To compensate, however, he provides extremely valuable insight into the more "Japanese" domestic dramas of Ozu and Naruse. An essay on the impact of Western cinema on Japanese cinema gives a concise picture of cross-cultural influences. His essays on "Developments in the 60s" and "Developments in the 70s" demonstrate connections between "art" cinema and popular cinema. He does not consider anime, sci-fi genres, or more recent cinema in this collection. The book includes a useful chronology of developments in Japanese cinema through 1981. Barrett's essay on Sato creates important context for Sato's work.

Customer Reviews:

A Myriad of Academic Interests.......2001-05-17

As literary studies moves into the fields of cultural anthropology, race studies, cultural history, and related fields, Rey Chow's "Ethics after Idealism" fills in these various gaps. The book itself spans the whole gamut from a review of the whole academic scenario in North American universities in the institutionalizing of departments and centres governed by the theme of "area studies", to gender-race issues in cinema and its extrapolations for literary studies, and comparative literary works and pieces of popular culture significant of Hong Kong in general.

Rey Chow's interests are myriad, and it is interesting to see how she challenges some of the vital misconceptions of structuralist thought, such the binary between "fascist" and "pacifist", "technological" and humanized". In one of her illuminating essays, particularly "The Fascists Longings in Our Midst", she makes a lucid and sparkling defence for fascism as a tendency that humanity is generally in danger of making rather than an affliction of a few blighted individuals.

This is an interesting foray into various areas of academic interest, between critical theory and cultural studies and literature from a comparative angle. It should interest undergraduate students of diverse interests and graduate students seeking to upgrade their awareness of the potential of the field of comparative literary studies.

Book Description

Here is the book that Tolkien fans have needed for half a century--a detailed, book-length chronology of J. R. R. Tolkien's complex tale. Whether you are a serious Tolkien fan or simply someone who enjoys reading the story over and over again, this is the book for you. It's the first totally new reference for The Lord of the Rings since the 1970s.

Beginning over 1400 years before the major events in Tolkien's epic, it describes, year-by-year, the amazing and imaginative background history that Tolkien created for his masterpiece. Then for the main narrative, it becomes a day-by-day reference, describing what each character does on that day and all the places where those events are described in Tolkien's writings. You can find out, for instance, what Merry and Pippin are doing as Sam perpares rabbit stew on the morning of March 7.

Probe deeper into Tolkien. See why someone as serious as Gandalf was interested in fun-loving Hobbits. Discover an exciting new plot, based on Tolkien's notes, that begins when Aragorn captures Gollum. Follow along as the Black Riders and Gandalf race for the Shire. Decide for yourself whether Sauron and the Ring have any ties to Hitler and Stalin. Explore what Tolkien believed about nature and technology.

A few facts illustrate how helpful this chronology is. Most of narrative is a deliberately confusing sea of next days and third days that leave readers as confused as the tale's main characters.The middle 60 percent of The Lord of the Rings gives the current date only once. In the narrative as a whole, the date is given only 23 times, or once for every 43 pages, and most of those come when the plot is moving slowly. That's why those who want to dig deeper and understand better what Tolkien was saying will find this book a must-have.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource.......2006-12-10

Perry has done a wonderful job in untangling the very intricate tale woven by J.R.R. Tolkien. Of particular help are the copious margin notes which reference exactly where Perry is drawing the information contained within that section of his book. The commentary made by the author is a welcomed pause for reflection on the events that are taking place and keep the book from being a mere listing of dates and events. I teach a course on J.R.R. Tolkien and have found Untangling Tolkien a valuable resource, since it covers the entire history of Middle-earth: what comes before The Hobbit and what takes place after The Lord of The Rings. Bravo Mr. Perry, I look forward to reading your other books.

Knits up the ravels.......2004-10-31

An amazing accomplishment by a dedicated Tolkien fan.

That is how I'd sum up the book Untanging Tolkien. Michael Perry has first unraveled all Tolkien's "dates" -- which can be extrapolated from phases of the moon -- and then knit them together again in a cohesive outline, presented in much greater detail than Tolkien's own timeline (found buried in Appendix A of LOTR). By incorporating information from other Tolkien writings, the author of Untangling Tolkien collates additional facts about all the characters and the circumstances surrounding the War of the Ring, folding them all into this detailed chronology. He includes material that sheds light on possible parallels between Tolkien's work and events that were contemporary, and he provides original commentary that suggests some additional motivations for Tolkien's characters. Sidebars offer references to every source for the information presented and for each conclusion the author has drawn.

I found the format, with quick-reference bulleted lists and clearly delineated sections and subheadings, well-organized and easy to use.

NOTE: I read the third printing that was published in May 2004. Apparently the author has corrected many of the errors that David Bratman objected to (below). You won't find a better overview or a more throrough treatment of time and dates in LOTR than Perry provides in this book.

A Radiograph of LotR........2003-12-27

This book is layed out as a chronological record of the events covered by Tolkein's masterpiece with prefaces that explain the calender system created by Tolkein and its conversion to our more mundane (and possibly inferior) system. The type is clear, and margin citations clear and present for every entry. It's primary utility, at which it succeeds admirably, is as a kind of radiograph of Tolkein's work that reveals its astonishing complexity more clearly and allows one to admire, and more importantly, explore the book itself more quickly, easily, and deeply.

The book also contains copious notes inline with the chronology. These vary from informative to tangential, but at worst do not detract from the book's primary function. Mr. Perry is perhaps foremost as Lewis scholar, and so C.S. Lewis, a close acquaintance and friend of Tolkein, makes a number of appearances. Also making appearances in the notes are William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill.

All in all, a unique book which will save anyone who wants to do an in depth study of LotR a lot of time.

Splendid Tolkien Reference Work.......2003-12-21

Superb, exhaustive chronology of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga. Perry does a superior job in untangling a number of thorny chronological issues in Tolkien's narrative, and he employs some fine literary detective work in reconstructing what events are happening across Middle Earth on any given date. Especially admirable is his reconstruction of how much moonlight there was during each day of Frodo and Sam's journey into Mordor.

In addition to chronology, Perry supplies a lot of background information about Tolkien's themes and sources, as well as biographical tidbits about Tolkien. For example, there are fascinating discussions of Tolkien's views of technology, freedom, and totalitarianism. Perry also discusses Tolkien's stance toward the misuse of Germanic myths by the Nazis.

This is a great resource for Tolkien-lovers everywhere.

a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia.......2003-12-21

A year-by-year, later day-by-day, chronicle of the war against Sauron from the founding of the Shire to the glorious conclusion seems at the outset like a good idea. Perry calls LOTR's Appendix B, the Tale of Years, "far from complete" but it covers the whole period: what he means is that it's not detailed enough for him. Appendix B won't tell you which day Sam cooked coney for Frodo; Perry will.

But alas, the book does not stop there. The entries are written as bullet lists like a PowerPoint presentation, and many add pointless little flowcharts such as two-generation family trees. They reduce Tolkien's magnificently complex subcreation into a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia. And each yearly or daily entry comes with its commentary, whether directly relevant, side points, broader considerations, or dogmatic essays in applicability. The unrelieved banality and inappropriateness of these must be read to be believed; as also the author's clumsy, grammatically inept style, and his smug superiority to the characters. (He frequently criticizes the good guys' "blunders," all of them more complex than he implies.)

There's actually some good chronological analysis and speculation hiding in here. But how can someone who knows his Tolkien that well say that the wizards were Valar, or that Rohan gave Isengard to Saruman (it wasn't theirs to give, and Saruman was made its warden, not a freeholder), that Boromir and Faramir had a sibling rivalry (Tolkien specifically says not), or suggest that Galadriel should have sent daily eagles to check up on the Fellowship?

These are not isolated examples: the bloopers and misconceived ideas go on and on. The whole book is like that: it has the soul of a PowerPoint presentation. I can't recommend it on any terms.

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Ramtha gives a powerful teaching by pointing to the subtle

The Power of the Will to Overcome Any Obstacle

Powerful Teaching

Gandalf's Battle on the Bridge in the Mines of Moria (Fireside)
Ramtha
Manufacturer: JZK Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Channeling | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1578731127

Book Description

Part of Ramtha's Fireside Series collection library on the topic of the Observer Effect in terms of J.R.R. Tolkien's scene of Gandalf and the Balrog from "The Lord of the Rings."

Customer Reviews:

Ramtha gives a powerful teaching by pointing to the subtle .......2005-04-10

In this Fireside Series, Ramtha is talking about the Observer and how the student can recognise it as Self by listening to the voices that are talking in his/her mind and ask the question, "Who's listening?" If one is hearing the inner dialogue then one is not the dialogue but is the one listening. This is Self as the Observer. I had to agree that until I put myself into a state of self-observation, I was not aware of this process that continually occurs. The explanation and examples show a clear picure of the process. Ramtha recommends reading JRR Tolkeins Lord of the Rings as it "tells of the wisdom of a truly great challenge--to be like Gandalf on the bridge and say "You cannot pass!" to the voices of the past and the emotions as they seek our approval by pleading their case. To be the Master of life is when we conquer the personality and become the Observer only--then we are awakened and free.
Ramtha describes the resulting biological cellular changes that occur when the master uses will to conquer the personality and how the science of quantum mechanics backs up the idea of man and woman being divine as the Observer.
I found the description of the emotions as feelings that we follow every day to be reconciled an eye-opener for me. I had never stopped to turn around and look at this process that was happening on automatic every day. This is a detailed look at the personality's modus operandi and a blueprint for transformation using personal will. It is packed with useful information and description on how we impact the atomic field to create our reality.

The Power of the Will to Overcome Any Obstacle.......2004-10-16

I do very much enjoy reading Ramtha's books from the Fireside Collection. Some of them I like better than the others and this one is one of those I really like.

All of them though have more or less the same introduction and the glossary at the end, which leaves about 50 - 60 pages of actual new material in each book.

Each book revolves around one central message, which could even be summed up in one sentence, yet being an important message, the rest of the material in the book is meaningful and may be necessary to really drive the point home. And the point of these books is not just to read it, but to live the message.

This little book is powerful, because its central message is rooted in truth about the power of the will. When you are congruenty focused upon your outcome, when you are determined to have it more than anything else in the entire world, you can have that outcome and there is no power in the world that will be able to stop you.

The book uses the metaphor from the Gandalf's Battle on the Bridge in the Mines of Moria, but it has also reminded me of the movie John Q. and it has reminded me of instances in my own life when I was determined to have specific outcome and it didn't matter if I live or die in the process, because the only thing that mattered was the specific outcome.

Based on those experiences I totally resonated with and appreciated the point that Ramtha made in this book - when you are possessed of this will, even if you lost your body in the process, you'd still go for that outcome that is so important to you and you would be unstoppable. And it is true, to the onlookers you may looked like a possessed, frightening individual because you have no fear and nothing else exists for you other than that single thing upon which the entire energy of your being is totally focused to the point that you have become your outcome.

Powerful Teaching.......2004-06-09

This powerful Ramtha teaching opens with one of the most comprehensive toasts I have ever heard. I have memorized it and recite it to myself when I'm falling asleep at night because it addresses everything I could possibly want my life to contain, making for sweet dreams during the night.

Before Ramtha uses the story of Gandalf on the bridge (from "Lord of the Rings" fame) to illustrate the difference between our Observer and our personality (God self and human self), he tells the story of the Watcher at the Gate - No, not the Watcher at Moria, but a Master who observes the comings and goings of a great city, who uses what he observes to teach him about his own life. When we observe this master's observing, it becomes an exultant story whose ending gives hope to our own learning.

Ramtha uses Galdalf's battle to demonstrate a master's use of will to overcome whatever obstacle he may face. Ram tells a lyrical story here about fear and resolve, about clarity and will. And no Ramtha teaching about will would be complete without a conclusion in biophysics - practical understanding of how you change your world when you dig in your heels.

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Mines of Moria (Middle Earth Quest, No 3)
Susan Matthews , and J. D. Ruemmler
Manufacturer: Berkley Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0425089932

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This isn't just about Moria...

Moria (The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game)
Decipher RPG
Manufacturer: Decipher Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1582369585

Customer Reviews:

This isn't just about Moria..........2004-06-05

This is also an expansion pack for dwarves. It goes into extensive and loving detail into the history, characteristics and abilities of the '7 Houses' of dwarves.

The neat part about the information they give is that you can choose to set your 'Chronicle' (as they put it) in almost any time-period of Middle Earth. In fact, they suggest that you make a multi-generational saga, where the sons and daughters (or other family members) carry on the quests and adventures. It's a neat way of making a character death more palatable (including carrying forward experience and knowledge, so the next one won't be *as* likely to croak and all your hard work won't be in vain:).

On a side note, I wish there could have been a *little* more detail about the Mines themselves, but I'm sure I can use my imagination and fill in the details. Also, I can get more ideas from other RPG sets that I own... it's not like 'dungeons' are underrepresented in roleplay games in general...

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African Safari (Wildlife World Series)
Moria Butterfield
Manufacturer: Ideals Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1571020101

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Atlas podvodnykh landshaftov IAponskogo moria
I. S Arzamastsev
Manufacturer: Nauka
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Oceanography | Oceans & Seas | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 5020033022

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Joyful Words For a Joyful Event

Short & Sweet

Baby's First Memories-A Parents Record Book

Baby's First Memories: A Parents' Record Book : The First Bible Collection
In House
Manufacturer: Reader's Digest Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

Nonfiction | New Baby | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
My First Bible | Series | Christianity | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575842246

Book Description

From newborns to grade-schoolers, The First Bible Collection includes a format perfect for every child.

Parents of tiny ones can record special moments in Baby's First Memories and preserve precious photographs in Baby's First Photo Album. Told as a personal story, the memory book has places for recording milestones, displaying photographs, and storing personal keepsakes. Parents are given many opportunities to write how their child is a "gift from God" in this inspirational book filled with Bible verses and beautiful biblical illustrations. Adding to its charm, the story ends with a letter from each parent to the child.

Dimensions (inches): 9 x 9 3/4

Customer Reviews:

Joyful Words For a Joyful Event.......2002-07-21

This is a wonderful baby book. There are wonderful scripture verses on the pages that match wonderfully with the event that its talking about. I love it and I pray that one day my son looks back at this beautiful book and realizes that love that was put in it. Truly wonderful book.

Short & Sweet.......2002-01-12

I bought this book for my third son. I thought the illustrations and messages where nice. This book includes many God related themes that you will not find in other books. I thought this book was a bit on the short side;I brought seven year books for my other boys. Also the other baby books I brought were in binder format. I like this format a lot better as you can take out the pages to write or rearrange, plus you can add your own pages. I would recommend that format over the book format this one has. This book is mainly nice if you do not have much time and just want a short and sweet baby book with the emphasis on God.

Baby's First Memories-A Parents Record Book.......2000-08-08

This book is no ordinary baby book. It truly encourages you to focus on what God has made special about your child, how unique and special your child is. The book is made well with nice paper and all the necessary room for the very proud mommy's who write lots. It has room for photos, prayers for your child and goes through the first 5 years.I've given it as gifts (with the matching first year calendar)and alway heard rave reveiws-higly recommended!!!

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Balty. Liudi iantarnogo moria.
Gimbutas Maria
Manufacturer: Tsentrpoligraf (M.)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 5952413595

Contes norvégiens : Le Château de Soria Moria

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Contes norvégiens : Le Château de Soria Moria
Nils Ahl , and Mette Ivers
Manufacturer: L'Ecole des loisirs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2211066607

Cronica De Una Anorexia: Diario De Moria

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Cronica De Una Anorexia: Diario De Moria
Moria Muller
Manufacturer: Juventud
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

If AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT can do it, you can do it too ...

Are you trying AutoCAD for the first time? Upgrading from an earlier version? Switching from another CAD software? Everything you need to know is right here. If you're new to AutoCAD, the Quick Start chapter gets you drawing right away. If you're experienced, go right to the new features of 2006. Each of the book's eight sections focuses on a key element of this complex, powerful program, making it easy to find what you need now and down the road.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
* Learn the basics of using commands, specifying coordinates, and setting up a drawing
* Draw and edit in 2D with all of AutoCAD's objects, including the new dynamic blocks
* Create and present 3D drawings
* Set standards, organize with sheet sets, share data between applications, and put your drawings on the Internet
* Customize commands, menus, toolbars, linetypes, hatches, and fonts
* Create scripts, or venture into programming with AutoLISP(r) and VBA

Bonus CD-ROM!

Loaded with extra-value items, including
* A trial version of AutoCAD 2006 software
* More than 130 real-world drawings and files integrated with the exercises
* Stacks of software to enhance and streamline your work
* A searchable PDF version of the book

Customer Reviews:

Best book for reference.......2007-03-04

I've been using AutoCAD for years and everytime they come out with a new version, I buy this book to refer to to find out how to do the things the new version does. I buy this book to get to the odd and unusual commands that AutoCAD always seems to come up with and I use the dummies books for a quick reference.

AutoCAD Text.......2007-02-03

Was delivered very quickly. Brand new with everything in tact. Completely satisfied with the purchase.

Satisfies architect's needs.......2007-01-04

I find what I need. I am a senior project manager / architect who uses the latest CAD every day.
If you're new to CAD, buy David Frey's "No experience required", you'll learn with pleasure, fast, and more than most of your co-workers'll ever know. Otherwise, buy Finkelstein.

Easier Autocad.......2006-10-16

I have four Autocad books. This one is far and away the best of the bunch. It is comprehensive, and most important to me, it is easy to understand. My computer went through a major system crash which took just about all my programs with it. I had to reinstall Autocad Lt. and then reconfigure a bunch of my personal customizations. I could not have done it without this book. Whenever I have a question about Autocad this is the first reference I reach for.

Review.......2006-02-21

The book is extensive. However, if you are looking to learn 3D max, you'd better look for something else! This book is a reference guide more than anything else.

Autocad 2006 and Autocad LT 2006 Bible With Cdrom

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Autocad 2006 and Autocad LT 2006 Bible With Cdrom
Ellen Finkelstein
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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