Akira Kurosawa

Question 1

Akira Kurosawa’s background?

Answer 1

A total film artist: writer, director and editor
(1910-1998), born in the family of Samurai background
The only question: “How man can find happiness with others”
Main themes: “man’s struggle for fulfillment and self improvement”; the illusion of reality that disguise truths
Subjects: mankind in different costumes

Question 2

Key elements in Akira Kurosawa’s films?

Answer 2

Emphasis on deeply humanistic theme;
Large degree of influence from American westerns (landscapes, black and white characters)
Most “western” Japanese filmmaker
Willingness to overacting to achieve dramatic effects
Highly mobile, fluid camera movement;
High contrast lighting
Slow pace

Question 3

Akira Kurosawa

Answer 3

Rashomon 1950, Ikiru 1952, Seven Samurai 1954, Ran 1985

Question 4

Kenji Mizoguchi

Answer 4

Osaka Elegy 1936, Ugetsu 1953

Question 5

Yasujiro Ozu

Answer 5

Tokyo Story 1953