When Samurais come to the Capital
28 Nov 2012 10:17 PM GMT
For those of you who want a sneak peek into the Japanese culture, head to Lajpat Nagar. The Japan Foundation is back with two screenings. And this time, the focus is on the Samurais. To be screened are The Hidden Blade and After the Rain which take one back to the time when Samurais were all powerful.
Based on a novel by Fujisawa Shuhei, The Hidden Blade is set in the 19th century when Japan was undergoing revolutionary changes. Directed by Yamada Yoji, the story deals with the fast-degrading Samurai class in the society. The protagonist Katagiri is forced to chose between happiness and duties.
The film is set in a period of social upheaval when the Samurai class is fast declining towards the late-Tokugawa period as the Japanese society opens its doors to the West.
Seven years before the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Samurais and their families are thrown into financial turmoil as swords are replaced by guns. On the brink of extinction, the Samurais are rendered ineffective.
Katagiri sees his family lose its fortune, position and land. His longing for happiness seems out of place. Ultimately he makes a decision which sets the course for his destiny.
After the Rain delineates the story of a group of travellers stranded in a country inn. Among them is a poor Samurai — Ihei Misawa — who in order to provide food for everyone, goes into the local castle town and bets with the masters of the fencing dojos. While he is a champion in prize fighting, he is clumsy when it comes to relationships. But that is something beneath a Samurai.
When a fight breaks into the house, Ihei steps in to prevent a duel. Impressed by his skills, Shigeaki invites him back to the castle, and offers to make him fencing master. After a series of events, Shigeaki’s advisors learn of Ihei’s prize-fighting, and lhei is told he is not suitable for the position. Catch the drama.
DETAIL
At: The Japan Foundation, 5-A, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar - IV
When: 6, 15, 17 and 22 December
Timings:Â 2 pm and 6.30 pm
Phone: 26442967
Based on a novel by Fujisawa Shuhei, The Hidden Blade is set in the 19th century when Japan was undergoing revolutionary changes. Directed by Yamada Yoji, the story deals with the fast-degrading Samurai class in the society. The protagonist Katagiri is forced to chose between happiness and duties.
The film is set in a period of social upheaval when the Samurai class is fast declining towards the late-Tokugawa period as the Japanese society opens its doors to the West.
Seven years before the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Samurais and their families are thrown into financial turmoil as swords are replaced by guns. On the brink of extinction, the Samurais are rendered ineffective.
Katagiri sees his family lose its fortune, position and land. His longing for happiness seems out of place. Ultimately he makes a decision which sets the course for his destiny.
After the Rain delineates the story of a group of travellers stranded in a country inn. Among them is a poor Samurai — Ihei Misawa — who in order to provide food for everyone, goes into the local castle town and bets with the masters of the fencing dojos. While he is a champion in prize fighting, he is clumsy when it comes to relationships. But that is something beneath a Samurai.
When a fight breaks into the house, Ihei steps in to prevent a duel. Impressed by his skills, Shigeaki invites him back to the castle, and offers to make him fencing master. After a series of events, Shigeaki’s advisors learn of Ihei’s prize-fighting, and lhei is told he is not suitable for the position. Catch the drama.
DETAIL
At: The Japan Foundation, 5-A, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar - IV
When: 6, 15, 17 and 22 December
Timings:Â 2 pm and 6.30 pm
Phone: 26442967
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