East Asian Cinema David Carter 9781904048688 [USED COPY]

Film directors from East Asia frequently win top prizes at international film festivals, but in the West little is known about them nor about the cultures that produced them.

It is not all martial arts, flying warriors, historical pageants and tea ceremonies. China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and North and South Korea went through periods of great political turmoil and rapid modernisation in the 20th century. The films of these countries reflect these changes and the conflicts between modern lifestyles and traditional values. In some cases it is capitalism versus communism, in others materialism versus spiritual concerns.

This book provides an ideal reference work on all the major directors, with details of their films and checklists for the films of each country, useful for both ardent fan and serious student alike. It explores the common cultural heritage of the countries and their mutual influence. The films of China, Japan and Korea, for example, reflect their shared Buddhist and Confucian heritage. The films of China and North Korea are conditioned by Communist ideology. Early Korean cinema was dominated by the effects of Japanese colonial domination, and the Japanese cinema greatly influenced that of Taiwan.

About the Author
Dr. David Carter taught at several UK universities and Yonsei University, Seoul. He published on psychoanalysis, literature, drama, film history and applied linguistics, and was also a freelance writer and journalist. He had more than 30 years experience with amateur drama, as actor, director and for many years as chairman of a leading group in the South of England. He wrote Creative Essentials on Plays... and how to produce them and The Art of Acting, Pocket Essentials on Georges Simenon and Literary Theory, and Kamera Books on East Asian Cinema and The Western.

Reviews
Recommended for anyone interested in Asian films but also, more generally, for any film culture enthusiast. Very well researched and documented, this volume is one of the best on the subject, reads well throughout and is also a great value for GBP9.99 -- Thomas Podvin * HKCinemagic.com *



Book Information
ISBN 9781904048688
Author David Carter
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Kamera Books
Publisher Oldcastle Books Ltd