The samurai were the noble military class of ancient Japan. The samurai are believed to have existed from 10th century up until the Meiji reforms of the 19th century.
Although capable of brutal violence the samurai were also subject to a strict code of honour (Bushido), to the point of choosing ritual suicide by disembowelment in preference to disgrace. Bushido continues to influence modern Japanese society. Perhaps this explains why the samurai continue to inspire such fascination both within Japan and beyond. The samurai legend forms the basis of much great cinema. Read more…
This selection of Japanese Romance movies draws from across the broad spectrum of the genre. Covering ligthearted comedy such as Shall We Dance and Love*Com, through the provocative subject matter of Shoujyo – An Adolescent to the tragedy of Double Suicide and Lost Paradise, there’s something here to satisfy all tastes.
A middle-aged workaholic’s incredibly dull life takes a funny turn when he signs up for a ballroom dance class – just to meet the sexy dance teacher. But when he finally muscles up the nerve for lessons he winds up with a different instructor and her colorfully eccentric class of beginners! And now he’ll have to step lightly – and do some fancy footwork – if he expects to keep his new secret passion from his family and friends!
Get Shall We Dance? on DVD Read more…
Anime is animation originating in Japan. Anime, like manga (Japanese comics), is extremely popular in Japan and well known throughout the world. Distributors can release anime via television broadcasts, directly to video, or theatrically, as well as online. Both hand-drawn and computer animated anime exist. It is used in television series, films, video, video games, commercials, and internet-based releases, and represents most, if not all, genres of fiction. Read more…
J-Horror is a term used to refer to Japanese contributions to horror fiction in popular culture. J-Horror is noted for its unique thematic and conventional treatment of the horror genre in light of western treatments. J-horror tends to focus on psychological horror and tension building (anticipation), particularly involving ghosts and poltergeists, while many contain themes of folk religion such as: possession, exorcism, shamanism, precognition, and yÅkai. Read more…
