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The Atomic Bomb in Japanese Cinema

Critical Essays

Matthew Edwards editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:McFarland & Co Inc

Published:30th Jun '15

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Atomic Bomb in Japanese Cinema cover

Seventy years after the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan is still dealing with the effects of the bombings on the national psyche. From the Occupation Period to the present, Japanese cinema had offered a means of coming to terms with one of the most controversial events of the 20th century. From the monster movies Gojira (1954) and Mothra (1961) to experimental works like Go Shibata's Nn-891102 (1999), atomic bomb imagery features in all genres of Japanese film.

This collection of new essays explores the cultural aftermath of the bombings and its expression in Japanese cinema. The contributors take on a number of complex issues, including the suffering of the survivors (hibakusha), the fear of future holocausts and the danger of nuclear warfare. Exclusive interviews with Go Shibata and critically acclaimed directors Roger Spotiswoode (Hiroshima) and Steven Okazaki (White Light/Black Rain) are included.

“A valuable contribution”—Steve Okazaki, Emmy award winning director; “A fascinating and enlightening read”— Ian and Dominic Higgins, film directors; “So incredibly honored to be a part of this wonderful collection of essays that explore the extensive collection of stories about the atomic bomb in popular cinema.”—Steve Nguyen, film director; “A work of immense scholarship and devoted passion”—David Rothauser, director.

ISBN: 9780786479122

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 523g

300 pages