Bushi no Ichibun (Love & Honour)

CASE STUDY

Bushi no Ichibun (Love & Honour) Japan, 2006

Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Takuya Kimura, Bando Mitsugoro, Rei Dan & Kaori Momoi
SYNOPSIS: Shinnojo Mimura, a low level samurai, lives with his pretty,
dutiful and loyal wife Kayo. He is a food-taster for a feudal lord at the
castle; Mimura dreams of opening a kendo school for boys. One day,
Mimura is poisoned by shellfish that is out of season and blinded as a
result of the toxin. Mimura is depressed when he awakens as he
realises that he cannot continue his work and will struggle to support
his wife and himself. Kayo is summoned by Mimuras family to explain
how the couple plan to survive. When Kayo mentions she knows a
chief officer at castle (Toya Shimada), Mimuras family are keen for
her to go to him and ask for assistance. Later, a message comes from
the castle informing the couple that Mimuras stipend of rice will
remain the same for the remainder of his life and that they will be
able to remain in their home. Mimuras aunt arrives later to tell
Mimura that her husband has seen Kayo consorting with a man at the teahouse he has his servant
(Tokuhei) follow her to confirm this. Kayo notices she is being followed and reveals all to her husband. She
tells how Shimada offered to help but in return wanted Kayo (there is a flashback where we see Shimada
seemingly force himself on to Kayo) and how he insisted on seeing her a further three times with the
threat of telling her husband if she refused. Mimura divorces Kayo there and then and she is told to leave
the house. Soon after, Mimura finds that the continuation of his stipend had nothing to do with Shimada
and that Shimada simply took advantage of Kayo. Mimura is outraged and is spurred into renewing his
sword skills as a blind man. To avenge Kayos dishonour, Mimura sends a message to Shimada to meet him
for a duel and warns him not to underestimate him. The two meet and fight. Mimura cuts Shimadas arm
but spares his life. Mimura then receives word that Shimada refused to tell anyone who disfigured him and
later committed suicide (as he couldnt perform his samurai duties with only one arm). Shimada dies with
nobody knowing that he deceived the Mimuras, violated Kayo and was bested by a blind man. Meanwhile,
Tokuhei tells Mimura that he has hired a kitchen girl to prepare his meals. Mimura tastes her food and
recognises his wifes cooking he calls Kayo into the house and they reconcile with an understanding that
they will start their life anew.

Messages and Values

Bushi no Ichibun seems to offer the following messages and values:

Role of the wife

The underdog overcoming adversity
Mans honour/pride
Deceit must be punished
Women as the motivators of mens actions

Characters
Thinking about the characters involved can be a good way to begin to understand any film. In Bushi no
Ichibun we have three main characters:

Shinnojo Mimura
Kayo Mimura
Toya Shimada

Shinnojo is a low-level samurai who dreams of leaving the profession and starting a
kendo school for boys. He recognises that his position as food-taster offers little to
society and wishes he could teach and make a difference. This is illustrated
perfectly in two contrasting sequences: the first sees Mimura in a wide shot,
kneeling among fellow samurai in a back room. He is boxed in and indistinguishable
from the other samurai. The second sees Mimura walking home from work the setting couldnt be more
different. He is outdoors, surrounded by nature with the sun shining on him as he interacts playfully with
some young boys on the bank. Mimura represents the everyman he is the character that male
audiences would relate to (stuck in a job they dislike and dreaming of something more). He is in a happy
marriage with Kayo this is encapsulated in the opening sequence of the film. Their roles are obvious: she
is the doting wife, happy in her duties and content with serving her husband and he fulfils the man of the
house role, being sent off to work. He is honourable and has a good heart.
Kayo represents the ideal woman. She is kind, generous and willing to sacrifice
everything to preserve her husbands honour. She takes pleasure in her duties (see
opening scene) and realises that the truth is not always an option when protecting
someone you love (this can not only be seen when she conceals Shimadas actions
but also when she lies to her husband about the fireflies not being out yet). Her
entire existence revolves around her home and husband what lies beyond her home is danger and
deceit. This is best seen when she goes to pray for her husband at the shrine and is met by the predatory
Shimada.
Shimada is the antithesis of Mimura. He is a liar who manipulates Kayo for his own
gain. Despite being a high-ranking samurai he lacks the honour and dignity that
Mimura has. Unlike Mimura, he shows no kindness or thought for others and as
such he is punished whilst Mimura and his wife are given a new start.

TASK:
How are the other minor characters used to tell the audience more about our main characters?
(In undertaking this task it is very important to remember that film is a visual medium and may show
us features of an individual characters make-up through performance and/or carefully constructed
shots rather than simply telling us in the use of dialogue. Remember to ALWAYS be considering the four
micro-elements of cinematography, mise en scene, editing and sound).

Representation and its impact on messages and

values in the film
In this section we will be looking at how gender is represented in the film. We will also look at how time
and place have been represented and how all of this ties into the messages and values perpetuated by the
film.

Women
This film only really features two speaking female parts the role of Kayo Mimura (the protagonists wife)
and the role of Hatano-san (the protagonists interfering aunt). The way in which these two women are
represented helps to deliver the key value of the role of the wife and the message that women are often
the motivators of mens actions.

KAYO MIMURA:
Take a close look at the key scenes which feature Kayo and consider how the
four micro-elements help to construct a representation of her as an ideal
wife.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Opening sequence Kayo at home

Kayo tends to Mimura (around 20 minute mark)
Kayo lies to protect Mimuras feelings (around 35 minutes)
Kayo realises what she must sacrifice for her husband (around 51
minutes)

AS ALWAYS do not rely on narrative in your analysis. Focus on

cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene and sound.
TASK:
Part 1: Create a notes page for Hatano-san what buzz words would you use to describe her?
Part 2: Take a look at the following scenes and make notes on the representation that is constructed of
Hatano-san. How does this impact on Yamadas value of a doting wife? How and why is Hatano-san used
to contrast Kayo?
1. Hatano-sans first visit (around the 22 minute mark)
2. Hatano-sans gossip (around 1hr 3 minutes)

Men
This is a male-dominated cast perhaps reflective of Japans society that is still dominated by males in the
work place and in office (it was recently [2014] ranked 104 on the Global Gender Gap Index). The two main
male roles are complete opposites one is honourable and pure and the other corrupt and selfish. Lets
take a closer look how these two males are represented and how these construction impact on the key
messages and values of the film.

SHINNOJO MIMURA:
The importance of a mans honour and pride is an overriding theme in Bushi
no Ichibun. Lets take a closer look at the scene where Kayo reveals the
extent of her betrayal of Mimura and his reaction.
1. Kayos Betrayal (around the 1hr 17mins mark)

In this scene we see Mimuras

pride as a man challenged by his
wife revealing that she has been
with another man. She attempts
to explain why she went to
Shimada but this does nothing to
appease
Mimura
who
dramatically divorces Kayo and
casts her out. Mimura is representative of the slighted man in this scene we see stereotypical
aggression that we usually associate with masculinity. However, he also shows an emotional side as he
weeps when Kayo leaves. Investigate how this scene contributes to the messages and values of Bushi no
Ichibun by answering the following:
1. Cinematography: the lighting of this scene sees the home set in shadows. How does this help
construct the representation of a man stripped of his pride?
2. Editing: the last shot in the sequence sees the 180-degree rule broken. What might this represent
or suggest to the audience about Mimura and his predicament?
3. Cinematography: camera angles are used to give Mimura status when he talks to Kayo. What does
this suggest about mans position in relation to a womans?
4. Sound, cinematography and mise-en-scene: as Mimura casts Kayo out and is left alone, thunder
and lightning can be seen/heard outside. What is this representative of?

The Final Showdown

Shimada is representative of Mimuras opposite. Here we have two male constructs that embody, on
one hand, honour, dignity, pride and mercy and on the other, deceit, cruelty and dishonour. The final
sequence in the film is reminiscent of a western and typical of most samurai films it is testosteronefuelled brutality. The two men contrast one another in the way in which they approach the fight.
Mimuras pure intention (to avenge his wronged wife) triumphs over Shimadas corrupt nature. These
two representations of men help to reinforce the message that underdogs can win if their intentions
are just and it places value on the social ideology that deceit must be punished.
Perform a close analysis of this scene that focuses on how the representation of these two male
characters reinforces the messages and values of the film.

MISE-EN-SCENE
SOUND

CINEMATOGRAPHY

EDITING

Vladamir Propps Character Theory

Another way in which we can consider representation is through Propps character theory. As you know,
Propp theorised that many narratives involved 7 broad character types who each play an integral part to
the plot. Can these character types be applied to Bushi no Ichibun?
Character Type

Name & Reasoning

Hero

Villain

Dispatcher

Donor

Helper

Princess

Place
Bushi no Ichibun is set towards the end of the Edo period in Japan. The main locations that are featured in
the film are the Mimura household, the castle where Mimura works, the Dojo where Mimura trains and
the isolated area where Shimada and Mimura meet to fight. What are these locations representative of
and how do they link into the messages and values of the film? Remember to consider the micro-elements
in your analysis (see example).
THE MIMURA HOUSEHOLD:
The Mimura household is representative of the couples
relationship. At the start of the film the set is lit with soft, natural
lighting and it is dressed simply there is nothing ornate or over
the top; everything is present to serve a purpose. This could be
indicative of the Mimuras relationship in the opening sequence
they are comfortable with each other and the roles they play in
their marriage (she is the dutiful housewife and he the working
husband). The screens are kept open allowing the viewer to see the natural surrounding of their garden and
we hear the sounds of nature pervading the home this could suggest that the relationship between man
and wife is a part of nature itself. The camera shots are often mid-shots and allow the couple to seem
encapsulated in the house as if they belong. When Mimura is blinded and Kayo betrays him, the house is
cast in shadows this is representative of the secrets between husband and wife. Nature itself reflects this
disharmony for example, the thunder and lighting as Kayo is cast out, the invasive sound of the cicadas
when Hatano-san reports of Kayos activities with another man etc The birdcage in the house is another
element of the mise-en-scene that represents the Mimura marriage. Two finches happily inhabit their cage.
When Kayo leaves, one finch dies and Mimura frees the remaining bird as a statement that it cannot exist
without the other. Upon Kayos return, Mimura declares that they will find two new finches a fresh start.
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TASK:
Analyse the remaining locations (the castle, the dojo and the showdown area). Use the Mimura
Household example as guidance.

THE CASTLE

THE DOJO

THE SHOWDOWN AREA

Essay question: What role does representation

have in communicating the messages and values
of Bushi no Ichibun?

Social, historical, political & cultural issues and

their impact on the films messages
Historical & Cultural Context
Bushi no Ichibun is set towards the end of the
Edo period (1603 1868). During this era peace
reigned and samurai were no longer in demand so
their status began to dwindle. More and more
samurai were finding themselves unemployed and
wandered the land with no purpose or master
(masterless samurai were known as ronin).
During this time, samurai who were still employed
worked for the daimyo (landowners) who were a
law unto themselves and only answerable to the
shogun (military leaders/generals).
SAMURAI
The Japanese word samurai or bushi is made up of two Chinese characters which mean warrior and
gentleman. This is important to the film Bushi no Ichibun as one of the key values celebrated in the film
is one of honour and pride. Samurai have long been associated with honour in Japanese society it is
referred to as bushido and is still valued in todays society. The samurai moral values focussed on
frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery and honour in both life and death. It was influenced by Shinto and
Zen Buddhism and this allowed the violent existence of the samurai to be tempered by wisdom and
serenity. If a samurai was shamed (e.g. a mistake, a lost fight etc), he was often expected (or even told)
to commit harakiri (the act of cutting own stomach open).
Bushi no Ichibun may be set in a period far removed from today but Japanese society still places great
importance on living without shame and not bringing shame upon your own family. This can be seen in
some recent news stories which saw Japanese celebrities publically atoning for their socially unacceptable
behaviour.

Member of a girl group is photographed coming out of

her apartment with a man. Her agency forbids any
dating. By means of an apology, she shaves her head and
begs for forgiveness.

Member of a hugely successful boy band is arrested for being drunk

and stripping in a park at night. His agency banned him from leaving
his house or appearing on television for three months.

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Social Context
As you know, Bushi no Ichibun is set in the Edo period but was made in 2006. In this section we will look
at Japanese society and how this may have influenced the messages and values that Yamada presents in
his film.
MARRIAGE & DIVORCE IN THE 2000s
By 2006, the divorce rate in Japan had risen a staggering 26.5% over
a ten year period. Divorce rates have shown an upward trend since
the 1960s. A peak of 290,000 was hit in 2002. In addition to this,
there has been a decline in marriages since the 1970s. There was a
slight increase in the 80s but another slump in the mid-2000s. In
2006, the BBC reported that there was an unprecedented rise in
divorce among Japanese couples married for more than 20 years

Men are typically the breadwinners and

women often quit their jobs to stay at
home once they are married. 70% of
women quit their jobs once they have
had their first child. Japanese workers
work very long hours and men can be
out of the home for much of the day and
evening. The home is seen as the
womans domain.
THE GENDER GAP
Japan is often reported as one of the major developed nations with the largest gender gap. Womens
median income is two thirds of that received by their male counterparts. There are few women in
supervisory or managerial roles
more than 90% of males make up
these job roles in Japan. Men
dominate not only the workplace but
the political landscape. Negative
attitudes to women in power have
been recently reported with a female
politician being heckled as she spoke
in parliament. The male politicians
who disagreed with her comments shouted, Why dont you get married? and Arent you able to have a
baby?
Attitudes today are starting to change with the younger generation. However, with Bushi no Ichibun, it is
obvious that this more old-fashioned view of marriage is celebrated. This may be down to the fact that the
director is male and at the time of the films release was 75 years old.

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TASK: Considering the information in the previous pages about historical, social, political and cultural
contexts how do you think the messages and values of the film are impacted? Give clear reasons.

Example: Bushi no Ichibuns messages and values

about the role of the wife appear to be influenced
by the common standards of Japanese society.
Yamada reinforces the value that women belong in
the home with the actions of Kayo. Each and every
time Kayo leaves the homestead in the film, she
encounters a problem. For example, she leaves the home to pray for her husband and runs
into Shimada who recalls his interest in her. She then visits with Mimuras relatives and is
told to ask Shimada for help. When she leaves the house again, it is to visit with Shimada
(she is raped as a result of this). Finally, when her
husband discovers this, she is cast out into the rain.
The motivation for her actions is pure and she is
ultimately rewarded by being allowed back into the
home once her husband has achieved his revenge
on Shimada. We can see this by comparing the
micro-elements in some of the scenes. For example,
during the films opening we see Kayo in her element she is framed inside the house as if
she is an extension of it and close mid-shots are used to show her happy expression as she
cleans (see opening analysis for further detail). In comparison, the scene where Kayo runs
into Shimada is tightly framed it gives the impression she is trapped. Shimada dominates
the frame making Kayo look meek in comparison. The close up shows her discomfort and is
a stark contrast to the shots of the opening sequence. With divorce rates at an all-time high
in the mid-00s, Yamada appears to be reinforcing the safety that marriage can offer. He is
literally offering a message that says that the wider world is a dangerous and predatory
place for women to inhabit and going out into this world (from the home) can be
treacherous.
Using the example above, complete the task remembering to reference specific examples.

Heres a reminder of the films messages and values:

Role of the wife

The underdog overcoming adversity
Mans honour/pride
Deceit must be punished
Women as the motivators of mens actions

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The role of narrative in communicating the

messages and values in the film
In this section we will look a little more closely at the narrative structure of Bushi no Ichibun and how this
contributes to the communication of the films messages and values.
First of all, lets take a look at some narrative theory: Tsvetan Todorovs stages of narrative. Todorov
theorised that many stories went through five distinct stages of narrative. These stages were: equilibrium
followed by a disruption caused by an event or person; then realisation that a disruption has occurred; an
attempt to repair the damage caused by the disruption; and finally, restoration of equilibrium. Does Bushi
no Ichibun adhere to this narrative structure?
NARRATIVE STAGE
Equilibrium

MOMENT IN BUSHI NO ICHIBUN

Disruption

Realisation

Attempt to repair

Restoration

POINTS TO CONSIDER
How does the application of these stages to the film help highlight the theme of the underdog
overcoming adversity? Think about how the order of events helps to establish Mimura as the underdog
and what impact this has on the resolution.
Why does the film use a flashback to reveal how Shimada took advantage of Kayo?
Choose a scene to analyse in more detail to support one of the points made above (e.g. you may analyse
the ending of the film to highlight the sense of reward Mimura and Kayo experience). As ever, focus on the
micro-elements of the scene.

Binary Opposition Claude Levi Strauss

Another way in which we might look at the narrative is by addressing the elements which move the plot
along. Ultimately, the driving force of the story is a battle between the honourable (Mimura) and the
dishonourable (Shimada). Mimura and Shimada are opposing forces the hero and villain of the piece
(according to Propps definition). Strauss argued that all texts include binary oppositions as a way to
reinforce a society or cultures ideologies.
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TASK: Look at the binary oppositions found in the narrative of Bushi no Ichibun and comment on how
their inclusion helps to communicate the messages and values of the film.

TRUTH VS LIES
Example: The binary opposites of truth and lies exist in the film. We witness the deceit of Shimada (he lies
to Kayo about talking with the Shogun about getting Mimuras stipend maintained) and truth can be
witnessed in Mimuras honest reaction to news that his wife has been taken advantage of by a nobleman.
This can be seen even further when Mimura sends Tokuhei to give Shimada the message that he wishes to
fight him. He tells Tokuhei to warn Shimada not to underestimate him. This shows a level of integrity from
Mimura something which is not seen with Shimada (e.g. when he arrives at the showdown location he
doesnt announce himself so he can listen to Mimura and Tokuhei and then during the fight he tries to trick
Mimura by attacking from above). One of the values that the film explores is the social ideology that deceit
should be punished and honesty rewarded. Nothing encapsulates this better than the resolution of the film
Shimada is beaten by a blind man and cannot live with the shame so kills himself whilst Mimura finds that
his honour is restored with the defeat of Shimada and he can once again welcome Kayo back into the family
home. TO DEVELOP THIS FURTHER, YOU COULD LOOK AT THE LIES THAT KAYO TELLS AND HOW THE
INTENTIONS DIFFER/OPPOSE SHIMADAS.
Close analysis: Shimadas deceit is one
of driving points of the plot as the
antagonist he stands in the way of the
protagonists goals. In the flashback
sequence there is a focus on how
Shimadas deceit impacts Kayo it
shows his deceit as something damaging and micro-elements of the scene create a sense of pity for Kayo. In
the opening of the flashback sequence (image 1) Yamada uses a wide high angle shot and Kayo is framed in
the bottom right hand corner. This shot choice makes Shimadas house much more imposing and
threatening. Her costume is pale and helps create a sense of purity and innocence (despite the fact she is
there without her husbands knowledge). Cutting to the interior, there is once again a focus on the impact
Shimadas deceit has on others. When he grabs Kayo, the camera lingers on a close up of her face and his
hand grasping her shoulder there is no reverse-shot onto Shimada and this allows the audience to
experience and empathise with Kayos distress.

MAN VS WOMAN
HERO/GOOD VS VILLAIN/EVIL
LOWER CLASS VS UPPER CLASS
HONOUR VS DISHONOUR

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The role of genre in communicating the

messages and values in the film
Bushi no Ichibun, in English terms, is a samurai film. The samurai genre has long been prevalent in
Japanese film and television it was particularly popular in the 1970s with an insurgence of ongoing TV
series centred around the samurai way of life. In Japanese terms, Bushi no Ichibun would be considered a
Chanbara film (sword fighting). Chanbara is a sub-genre of jidaigeki films (period dramas). In this
section we will be investigating the conventions of this genre and the role that genre plays in terms of
communicating the key messages and values of the film.
Japan after the Second World War was a country in flux. It had not only been utterly defeated by Allied
forces, but it had a new constitution written and imposed upon it by foreigners as well. Every principle by
which the Japanese had lived their lives was now subject to revision or disposal. During this time the
chanbara film flourished. Chambara became one of the central vehicles by which Japan would re-examine
its culture and values in light of a new post-war, post-imperial role. Ironically, it would accomplish this by
looking backwards into its own past in order to move forward into the future.

Conventions of a chambara film

An encounter between swordsmen frequently serves as the climax

Warriors fighting against the odds
Underdogs overcoming oppression/adversity
Sword fights
Historical setting
Often include stories of revenge
One of the plots driving forces tends to be a battle between good and evil

Examples of these conventions in chambara films:

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Why do directors continue to use genre?

Genre is the most effective way to appeal to an audiences expectations. In terms of a samurai film,
Japanese audiences will be very familiar with the generic conventions of plot and character. This familiarity
allows the film to communicate a lot of information about characters, themes and in a very short space of
time.
Task: Identify the conventions that are present within Bushi no Ichibun. Note down
a scene or sequence from the film which demonstrates those conventions.

Convention
Battle between
good and evil

Scene or sequence: How has the convention been used to discuss or comment on
social/cultural issues?
This is most obviously demonstrated in the final battle sequence between Mimura and Shimada. However, it is also seen in the
exchanges between Shimada and Kayo. Kayos intentions are pure and come from the love for her husband whilst Shimada is
driven by his own greed and salacious desires. The preferred reading of Shimadas desire for a married woman is that it is wicked
and should be punished this reflects the values of todays society in Japan. Shimadas villainy demonstrates no bounds we see
no redeeming qualities in this character even in his defeat, he is cowardly and takes his own life not sharing how or why he was
bested. This two-dimensional evil villain is typical of the genre the audience will be familiar with the part he plays in the story
and will be expecting him to get his comeuppance. When he does, it confirms to the audience that their beliefs are correct and
justified. The ideology that bad people are punished and good people are rewarded is reflected on the screen and leaves the
audience feeling content and (to an extent) comforted.

Underdog
overcoming
adversity

Warrior fighting
against the odds

Historical setting

Revenge

Climatic battle

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Genre Theory
Theorist Steve Neale stated that genres are instances of repetition and difference and that difference is
absolutely essential to the economy of genre. He also argued that audiences could derive pleasure from
repetition and difference (e.g. pleasure could be taken from recognizing a manipulation of genre
conventions).
We have looked at the instances of repetition in the film, but what differences exist in Bushi no
Ichibun and what messages and values do you think these differences communicate?
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Messages, values and ideology: audience

reception
Impact of Bushi no Ichibun on national audiences
Bushi no Ichibun was released in Japan in 2006. It opened to favorable reviews and performed well at the Japanese
box office. In addition to this, it was nominated in every major category in the Awards of the Japanese Academy
(Japans Oscars) and won best supporting actor, best cinematography and best lighting. Samurai films have always
been a popular genre in Japan and it seems that combination of a Japanese idol in a romantic period drama won
over Japanese audiences nationwide.
In this section we will firstly be looking at how the film may have been read by Japanese audiences before moving
on to investigating how the films reading may have differed for an international audience.

Audience Theory
Blumler & Katz Uses and Gratifications Model
Lasswell theorized that the reason audiences consumed media texts was because they served a purpose. Blumler &
Katz built on this theory and categorized these uses and gratifications. These categories were entertainment,
escapism, social interaction, personal identity and information. Using the space below, note down the main uses and
gratifications of Bushi no Ichibun. Provide examples to support your points.

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Consider the following:

Why might samurai films be such a popular genre in Japan?

Why do audiences find enjoyment in period dramas?

In 2006, why might Bushi no Ichibuns move from the typical violent samurai film to a more
romantic and morally sound film have been welcomed by audiences?

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Stuart Halls Reception Theory

Stuart Hall argued that a media text requires the audience to oppose or negotiate with that text. He saw
the audience as being anything but passive because each member of any audience comes with their own
unique experiences and opinions. Hall said that there is generally a dominant reading that producers want
to create a message ideology. In Bushi no Ichibun, it is evident that Yamada has encoded the film with
specific messages and values and has created what Hall refers to as a preferred reading.
Can you think of specific scenes/sequences in the film which demonstrate this preferred reading?

Hall suggests that we receive the ideological messages in media texts differently according to our own
personal experiences. We might agree with a preferred reading or we may come up with a negotiated
reading where our own cultural life experiences bring a different interpretation to a media text. We could
go even further and completely reject the preferred reading and create an oppositional reading which
challenges the message being given to us.
Considering the research we undertook on Japanese society and culture, how do you think Japanese
audiences may have responded to the film? You may find it beneficial to pick one of the key messages
and values and a supporting scene to support your response.

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Impact of Bushi no Ichibun on international audiences

Bushi no Ichibun was released by distributer Funimation to a limited number of screens in the US in
2007. It grossed $16,326 at the US box office. In addition to this, the film was part of the official selection
at the Moscow International Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival and the Hawaii
International Film Festival. The film was also given a limited release in the UK in 2008. At the premiere, the
audience was given the chance to attend a Q&A session with director, Yamada.
Here are some reviews from the UK and US:
Feudal honour is challenged by love with overwhelming consequences. Even die hard Zatoichi-ites will
admire the deftness of Yamada's masterly direction. Empire Magazine
The movie has only one sword fight, and it consists of only three or four swings of the blade, but don't
let that dissuade you. You won't be bored. - Film Critic Site
A very satisfying tale that emphasizes one of the genre's key themes: The deepest wound a samurai
may suffer does not come from any blade. Globe and Mail
Intricate, artfully constructed and utterly assured, Love And Honour is essential viewing for anyone
who has seen Yamada's earlier samurai films. If you haven't, don't miss the chance to see what is a
finely- tuned example of the genre. Rotten Tomatoes
What do these reviews tell us about the international expectations of Japanese Cinema and more
specifically, Samurai Cinema?
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World Cinema and National Cinema

World Cinema

A term used to describe films and film industries from non-English speaking countries

National Cinema

A term used to describe films associated with a specific country

As you know, Bushi no Ichibun is a Japanese produced film in the Japanese language. In our country, this
categorizes the film as World Cinema. However, as the film is also of the Samurai genre, it would also be
considered National Cinema (as Samurai film is synonymous with Japan).

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National Cinema is a significant factor in the contribution of a national identity for both home and foreign
audiences. National Cinema focuses upon cultural and social issues of the country in which it was made.
These films are then shown around the world offering foreign audiences (possibly) their only look at a
society they might never otherwise view. As a result, film has a significant impact on how we see foreign
cultures. Can you think of any personal examples of this?

Bushi no Ichibun the real Japan?

As a member of a foreign audience, consider how Japan and the Japanese culture is represented in Bushi
no Ichibun. Answer the following:

What identity is created for Japan through this film?

How is this identity created? (micro-elements)

What impressions do you have of Japanese culture after watching this film?

How was this impression of the culture created through the micro-elements of the film?

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Style & theme and its impact on messages and

values
The key themes covered in Bushi no Ichibun are: love; betrayal & redemption; honour and
conflict.
Using the table below, outline some key scenes which feature any of these themes and include some
analysis of how the micro-elements help to convey these themes. An example has been included.

Love

Betrayal & redemption

Honour

Conflict

The theme of conflict can be seen most literally in the final battle sequence. Two men with very different
morals and values come together to fight Mimura represents the social value of goodness & justness whilst
Shimada is the embodiment of societys idea of unacceptable behavior. Cinematography is used to
demonstrate this conflict of characters specifically the camera work. As the two characters prepare to fight,
a deep long shot is used. Shimada is framed to the left and positioned far back whilst Mimura is more centrally
framed and closer to the camera. This could represent the idea that goodness prevails evil. It could also
suggest that evil invades and infects as Shimada slowly sneaks into the shot the viewer can see his approach
as Mimura stands with his back to him, unaware. The camera slowly arcs around Mimura, he fills the screen
and Shimada is blocked out altogether. Again, this could be interpreted as good overcoming evil and
promoting the ideology of positive values dominating society. The camera lingers on close ups of Mimura face
as he hears the lies Shimada feeds him there are few close ups used on Shimada. This allows the audience to
empathize more with our protagonist and (in terms of conflict) we register the inner turmoil he is undergoing
as he listens to Shimadas deceit.

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Style
Style can refer to a variety of elements in cinema. It covers cinematography, sound, mise-en-scene
(including lighting), dialogue etc
We have seen some clips from Yamadas previous works and can definitely see that he favours themes of
underdogs overcoming adversity (Twilight Samurai and the Otoko wa Tsurai Yo series of films). He also
favours a certain cinematic style when it comes to the micro-elements of his films. In this section, we will
investigate this style and think about how the messages and values of Bushi no Ichibun are
communicated through it.

Visual Style in Japanese Cinema David Bordwell Article (1995)

Bordwells findings suggest that Japanese cinema has its own unique and distinctive style. Lets consider
whether or not Yamadas film is of this style.
APERTURE FRAMING (when actual frames are used in the composition of the shot) most typically, an
establishing shot will tuck a character into one cell of that gridwork characteristic of the Japanese
housethe spectator apprehends the overall composition as a visual design as well as a transmitter of
story information.

As you can see from the stills above, Yamada has used aperture framing for the characters of Mimura and
Kayo when they are at home. This is seen further with the framing of the birds in their cage. Here, aperture
framing is used to create a sense of safety and belonging. Husband and wife and snugly tucked into the
beams and doorways of their marital home this most definitely fits in with Yamadas positive view of
married life.
JAPANESENESS
Old Japan is more exotic than Westernized Japan is to Westerners Masachi Nagata (1955). Bordwells
article explores how many Japanese films in the post-war era often featured aspects of the Japanese
culture The idea that Japaneseness could be packaged was perhaps more evident in the post-war era,
when geisha and cherry blossoms already seemed anachronistic in an aggressive industrial economy. If
we look closely at Yamadas film we can see that this style has been adhered to.

Obviously, with Bushi no Ichibun being a period drama it is inevitable that certain traditions of Japan will
feature prominently. However, Yamada includes some distinctly Japanese visuals a shrine, a Shinto grave
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site and manicured/landscaped public areas. This films visual styling celebrates the beauty of Japan. To
emphasize this further, a series of low wide shots are used to make the most of the traditional setting.

Yamadas Style
Mise-en-scene: Nature
There is a definite nature theme that runs through the visuals (and sounds) of this film. Yamada uses
pathetic fallacy throughout the narrative to provide another emotional layer for the viewer. Looking at the
film text, analyse how the use of nature supports the key messages and values offered by the film.
Remember to reference micro-elements in your analysis.
Start of film: Spring

News of blindness (35mins): gusts of wind

Mimuras visit to the castle (1hr approx.): Summer

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Kayos betrayal (1hr 24): Storm

Mimuras challenge (1hr 34): Autumn

Sound: Music
Yamadas style of sound for Bushi no Ichibun is similar to his previous film Twilight Samurai the
soundtrack is minimalistic and traditional (Japanese drums/taiko, shamisen and bamboo flutes). In what
ways is non-diegetic music used to highlight the films key messages and values? Remember to refer to
specific examples in your responses.

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