Native Japanese Thoughts on American made Japanese Movies.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by JayT

They seem to do that all the time, like they're under the impression that all Asians are the same

I guess I need to repeat myself on several threads, but even the Chinese actresses that played geishas are bigger sellers in Japan than Japanese actresses. This is the reality. So you American and European purists need to understand the marketing of international films over Western and Eastern markets.

Welcome to Modern International Film-making 101: 2009.

[TalnSG]

Originally Posted by Artvampire

The "last" Samurai was a white guy. That concept is such a slap in the face right?

The main character being white is not an insult. The character is supposed to be a American who failed in the Army and went to Japan as a mercenary.

But having him even vaguely referred or even compared favorably to as a samurai seemed demeaning to samurai legacy. Yes, the samurai were mercenaries of a sort, but they were also their own subculture and not mere opportunists.

[noodle]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

I especially enjoy when they have Chinese actors playing Japanese characters.

A lot of people have commented on this... but does it really matter? I think it's shocking that people don't realise that they're implying that an actor/actress should only play roles where the character is from their country! If that's not what you guys are implying, then you obviously have double standards because I'm sure you don't complain when an American plays and Englishman, or a Canadian plays a Frenchman and so on and so forth!

[Columbine]

Originally Posted by TalnSG

The main character being white is not an insult. The character is supposed to be a American who failed in the Army and went to Japan as a mercenary.

But having him even vaguely referred or even compared favorably to as a samurai seemed demeaning to samurai legacy. Yes, the samurai were mercenaries of a sort, but they were also their own subculture and not mere opportunists.

See, this confuses me a little as I always thought the title "The Last Samurai" was in reference to Ken Watanabe's character, Katsumoto, not Nathen Algren and more besides, I never thought of the word 'Samurai' in the title as being singular.

Maybe that's just me...

[TalnSG]

Originally Posted by Columbine

See, this confuses me a little as I always thought the title "The Last Samurai" was in reference to Ken Watanabe's character, Katsumoto, not Nathen Algren and more besides, I never thought of the word 'Samurai' in the title as being singular.

Maybe that's just me...

Whereas I always regarded it as referring to both of characters - Cruise and Watanabe. Otherwise there would have been more film footage without Cruise.

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by MasaruShin

Movies such as: The Last Samurai, Kill Bill, Memoirs of a Geisha, etc. I have many Japanese friends who live here, all of which despise the American made Japanese movies. They feel as if they insult their culture, and I do somewhat agree when they explain the native culture so exponentially. I was inquiring on the thoughts of the native Japanese here, who may shed further light into it. My Japanese friends(all of which are 100% native Japanese that moved here), also hate anime.

When you consider what an epic failure Japanese make to imitate Western culture and proprieties, it becomes more understandable.

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by Artvampire

I'm guilty of being unaware of the facial differences between Chinese and Japanese. I watch a lot of Asian film, but because of so much role reversal I still can't tell the difference.

It's as subtle as telling the difference between an American Golden Retiever and a European one. Or the difference between a Scott and a German, or such.

You have to look closely for a long time, but then you'll only see it if you were smart to begin with.

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by Artvampire

The "last" Samurai was a white guy. That concept is such a slap in the face right?

If they take it as an insult, it's up to them.

Actually, a lot of Japanese traditions today live on (especially in martial arts) through foreigners more so than the Japanese.

I thought it was a bad idea, too, before I saw the movie. After watching it, I thought it was a fair story.

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by TalnSG

As for Memoirs, I understand both sides of the issue and find it regrettable that a suitable Japanese actress was not found to play such a culturally specific role.

Is it important?

Really?

I don't think any eyebrows were raised when an Anglo-Saxon American man got to play the role of a Greek Champion, Archilies, in the movie, Troy.

Thus, why should we complain about this? She was a SE Asian. Only freaks can tell the difference.

[noodle]

Originally Posted by Columbine

See, this confuses me a little as I always thought the title "The Last Samurai" was in reference to Ken Watanabe's character, Katsumoto, not Nathen Algren and more besides, I never thought of the word 'Samurai' in the title as being singular.

Maybe that's just me...

I took it as though it was talking about Algren simply because at the end, when he speaks to the emporer, he said he would gladly end his life if the emporer thought of him as the enemy. This is obviously a reference to Katsumoto saying it previously to highlight that the samurai were there to serve the emperor!