japanese new wave
est. 1956 – late 1970s
The Japanese New Wave, or “Nuberu Bagu” as it’s known in Japan, represents a pivotal period in cinema, marked by a wave of artistic experimentation and dedicated exploration of social commentaries. It unfolded when a fresh wave of young Japanese filmmakers embarked on a quest to redefine the very essence of filmmaking.
Origins of the Japanese New Wave
The Japanese New Wave had its roots in post-World War II Japan, a nation that was navigating the tumultuous waters of political, social, and cultural transformation. After the war, Japan faced the daunting task of rebuilding, both physically and ideologically. The occupation by Allied forces introduced the Japanese people to new ideas, Western influences, and a shift in societal values. It was within this complex environment that a group of young, iconoclastic filmmakers, inspired by global cinematic movements like the French New Wave and Italian Neorealism, began to emerge.
The Japanese New Wave was heavily influenced by the burgeoning youth culture of the 1960s. It portrayed the struggles, aspirations, and disillusionment of young people who found themselves at odds with the conservative values of their parents’ generation.
Characteristics of the Japanese New Wave
The Japanese New Wave embraced narrative experimentation, pushing the boundaries of storytelling. This experimentation included non-linear narratives, meta-narratives, and surrealism. Such innovative approaches challenged viewers’ expectations and encouraged them to engage with the films on a deeper intellectual and emotional level. Occasionally, it delved into elements of psychedelia and surrealism, exploring altered states of consciousness. These surreal elements added a unique dimension to the narratives.
Filmmakers confronted issues of sexuality and identity, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on screen. Iconic works like “In the Realm of the Senses” (1976) and “Funeral Parade of Roses” (1969) tackled themes of sexual liberation, gender fluidity, and the presented eroticism in a fresh and innovative manner. Through their films, filmmakers challenged societal norms not only in terms of narrative content, but also in their audacious and avant-garde visual styles.
Prominent Filmmakers and films
The Japanese New Wave boasted a lineup of maverick filmmakers who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Among them, Nagisa Oshima, often hailed as the enfant terrible of the movement, stood out with his provocative, controversial and erotic works. Oshima’s “In the Realm of the Senses” (1976) further exemplified his audacious approach to filmmaking by challenging societal taboos.
Seijun Suzuki’s visually dazzling and stylish film “Tokyo Drifter” (1966), defied conventional narrative structures and employed surreal and absurd elements. His films were not just visual feasts but also challenged the very essence of storytelling in cinema, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the movement.
Another prominent figure in this was Shohei Imamura, a director known for exploration of the darkest facets of human nature, society decay and moral erosion. He is also one of the very few directors to win two Palme d’Or awards, in 1983 for “The Ballad of Narayama” and 1997 “The Eel”.
Legacy and Influence of the Japanese New Wave
The impact of the Japanese New Wave was not confined to Japan alone, it resonated globally. Visionary filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Jim Jarmusch have acknowledged the influence that the New Wave directors had on their work. This movement’s disregard for conventions and its exploration of societal and sexual themes paved the way for a more audacious and adventurous approach to filmmaking both in the West and beyond. In essence, the Japanese New Wave was not just a film movement but a revolutionary force that redefined the boundaries of cinema, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles to this day.
Please refer to the Listed Films for the recommended works associated with the film movement.