A Hundred Years of Japanese Film: A Concise History, with a Selective Guide to Videos and Dvds Book

Donald Richie is one of the foremost authorities on Japanese cinema. After serving as Curator of Film at MOMA, Richie moved to Japan, where he immersed himself in the Japanese film world, eventually producing several classic works, including books on the world-renowned directors Kurosawa and Ozu. In A Hundred Years, Richie offers a highly readable insider's look at the achievements of Japanese filmmakers. He begins in the late 1800 when the incipient industry took its inspiration from the traditional stories of Kabuki and Noh theater, and finishes with the latest award-winning dramas showcased at Cannes. In between, Richie explores the roots and uniqueness of Japan's contribution to world cinema, illuminates the careers of Japan's rising stars and celebrated directors, and offers a fascinating view of the strategies and politics of the movie studios themselves. For the movie-going reader, a selective guide in Part Two provides capsule reviews of the major Japanese films available in VHS and DVD formats, as well as those televised on standard and cable channels.Read More