Latest news with #AkiraKurosawa
Epoch Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘Stray Dog:' Lost Guns and Lost Souls in Postwar Tokyo
NR | 2h 2m | Drama, Mystery, Thriller | 1949 Before Akira Kurosawa's name became shorthand for sweeping epics and stoic swordsmen, there was 'Stray Dog,' a film that doesn't stride into frame so much as sweat its way there. Made in the aftermath of World War II, 'Stray Dog' unfolds in the defeated Japanese capital of Tokyo, pulsing with overwhelming heat, rampant hunger, and futile desperation. This isn't the Japan of romantic nostalgia or mythic past; it's one still healing its wounds.
Hypebeast
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
UNDERCOVER and WTAPS Reunite for New "ONE ON ONE" Capsule
In 2022,Jun Takahashi'sUNDERCOVERandTetsu Nishiyama'sWTAPSreunited after more than two decades with a'ONE ON ONE' collaboration, which included two drops of clean co-branded cuts. Now, thanks to the link-up's success, the two labels are running it back again with another round of 'ONE ON ONE' designs. The line includes graphic T-shirts printed with the '〇△た' flag and cinematic stills fromSeven Samurai, the 1954 film directed by Akira Kurosawa. Cotton broadcloth shirts and adjustable shorts boast all-over prints inspired by the movie's flag, while caps and drawstring bags see the two imprints' motifs converge alongside lettering that reads, 'UNDERCOVER + WTAPS = ONE ON ONE.' Notably, this is not the first time that UNDERCOVER has put out designs inspired by Kurosawa's film. For Fall/Winter 2016, Takahashicollaborated with Supremeon a series of T-shirts boasting scenes from the movie overlayed with Supreme's logo. Take a first look at the latest UNDERCOVER x WTAPS 'ONE ON ONE' collection in the gallery above, ahead of its release viaUNDERCOVER's webstoreon August 2.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Horror master Kiyoshi Kurosawa to bring eerie storytelling to his first samurai film
Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known as a master of horror films set within the neurotic realism of the modern day, will bring his signature edge-of-your-seat storytelling to a genre he has never tackled before: the samurai movie. 'I do want to do it once, and it looks like it might be really happening, although things are still uncertain. I may finally be able to make my samurai film,' he told The Associated Press, noting he couldn't give much detail just yet. His upcoming samurai film will not have sword-fight scenes or action-packed outdoor shots that characterize the genre, known as 'jidaigeki.' Instead, it will be the same creepy quiet narrative of Kurosawa movies, where the action takes place almost claustrophobically, in this case, in a castle that just happens to be set in the samurai era. That concept alone is enough to pique a movie lover's interest. The horror master was just honored at this year's Japan Cuts film festival in New York. The festival presented him the Cut Above award, international recognition that follows the Silver Lion at the 2020 Venice Film Festival for 'Wife of a Spy,' centered around a troubled married couple during World War II. Kurosawa, who is not related to 'Seven Samurai' and 'Rashomon,' director Akira Kurosawa, said period pieces are difficult to make due to the extraordinary costs of sets, props and costuming. He also made it clear he isn't interested in directing science fiction, but rather pursues realism. However, he readily acknowledged that his films are all made up, in fact, 'a lie.' 'Maybe this is my weakness, or my characteristic; I want to tell my stories in a setting of a very real modern-day society, yet I want to entertain," he said. "And so it's a contradiction that I aim for every time," 'You create a lie, like a horrific character (in a realistic framework),' he said. Kurosawa, who has managed to produce a film a year over his 40-year career, invests a lot of time researching the setting and backdrop of his films, including much reading, to make it as realistic as possible. In his most recent thriller, 'Cloud,' a man who is down on his luck, portrayed by Masaki Suda, makes dubious profits by reselling items he finds online at far higher prices. It starts harmless enough, except, as the plot thickens, the protagonist is confronted by victims out for revenge. Kurosawa is not one to hold back on violence, often gory and extreme but beautifully shot, sometimes almost comical in its bizarreness. 'Cure,' a 1997 film about a police detective investigating a series of gruesome murders, starring Koji Yakusho, uses continuous shots purposely without cuts to bring out the varied emotions, and the coldness of the characters, sometimes changing viscerally within the same scene, to explore madness. Despite his insistence on realism, Kurosawa, who counts Alfred Hitchcock among his influences, doesn't rule out the addition of tiny unreal elements for that perfectly subtle and eerie effect. But his movies are never happy-go-lucky, he said. 'Everything being happy is not possible if you start with the realism of modern-day Japan,' said Kurosawa. Kurosawa believes that while filmmaking is usually a giant confusing project where multiple players must work together, producers worrying about the box office and actors concerned about their roles, it is ultimately about dealing with what feels right to your deepest self. 'In the end, it all boils down to: I understand there are many opinions, but we must choose what is right. What does being right mean? To figure that out is the creator's job,' he said. ___
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
This Japanese philosophy teaches us that the slow and steady really does win the race
Have you ever noticed how some things just seem to unfold in a natural rhythm—whether it's a great story, a powerful speech, or even a simple conversation? In Japanese culture, this idea is captured by the principle of Jo-Ha-Kyu (序破急), a concept that describes how events should gradually build up momentum and end with impact. This timeless approach is used in traditional, martial arts, business, and modern entertainment. But more than that, it's a pattern we can apply to our lives. At its core, Jo-Ha-Kyu is about progression—starting slow, building up energy, and finishing strong. The phrase itself can be broken down into three stages: Jo (序): The introduction—things begin slowly, setting the stage and creating a foundation. Ha (破): The break—momentum picks up, changes occur, and tension builds. Kyu (急): The climax—everything comes together in a fast-paced, intense resolution. This pattern isn't just a theory—you can observe it in nature, music, storytelling, and even human interaction. It reflects the way things naturally evolve over time. 1. Traditional Japanese arts In classical Noh theater, performances follow this structure: a slow, atmospheric beginning (Jo), a rising conflict (Ha), and a dramatic finish (Kyu). Similarly, the tea ceremony follows a peaceful opening, a moment of engagement, and a satisfying conclusion. 2. Martial arts and movement If you watch a Kendo or Aikido match, you'll notice a similar pattern: fighters begin cautiously, waiting and observing (Jo). Then, the pace quickens as attacks and defenses flow (Ha), before reaching an explosive, decisive strike (Kyu). Even sumo wrestling follows this rhythm, with its elaborate pre-match rituals leading to a sudden burst of action. 3. Business and productivity Even in the corporate world, this principle applies. In Japanese business culture, projects are carefully planned (Jo), tested and adjusted (Ha), and finally launched or executed at full speed (Kyu). Companies like Toyota use this philosophy in their production processes, ensuring efficiency and smooth execution. 4. Storytelling, film, and entertainment Great movies, books, and even anime follow the Jo-Ha-Kyu structure. Think of a film like Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa—there's a slow buildup as the heroes gather (Jo), the tension rises as conflicts emerge (Ha), and everything culminates in a high-energy battle (Kyu). Even video games use this idea, with early levels being simple, the middle growing more challenging, and the final stage delivering an intense climax. Understanding Jo-Ha-Kyu isn't just valuable for art or business—it's something you can apply to your daily routine: Whether you're writing a book, preparing a presentation, or simply planning your day, embracing this flow can make your efforts more effective and engaging. Once you start noticing it, you'll see this pattern everywhere—from nature to entertainment, work to personal growth. If you apply it yourself, you might find that things start falling into place more naturally than ever before.
Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Ghost of Yotei gameplay revealed, coming to PS5 on October 2: Watch it here
Sony has officially revealed Ghost of Yotei, a new samurai action-adventure game exclusive to the PlayStation 5. The game will launch worldwide on October 2, and is being developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the team behind the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima. This standalone sequel brings a new character, story, and setting, but retains the cinematic combat and open-world gameplay fans loved in the original. During a dedicated showcase event, Sony gave a first look at the upcoming title's gameplay, visuals, and story direction. What's the game about? Ghost of Yotei follows Atsu, a ronin (a samurai without a master) who sets out on a mission to hunt down six outlaws responsible for her family's death. The story draws inspiration from Japanese folklore, especially the legend of the onryo, a vengeful spirit — a role Atsu grows into as the plot unfolds. Set in Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) during the year 1603, the game offers an open-world experience that encourages exploration at your own pace. Players will be able to focus on different gameplay aspects depending on what they enjoy most, whether that's stealth, combat, or story progression. Key features and visual styles Combat in Ghost of Yotei is designed to feel like a classic samurai film. The developers say the goal is to replicate the tension and precision of swordfighting, supported by rich visuals and atmospheric environments. This time, you'll also have a wolf companion that fights alongside you. The game includes multiple cinematic visual modes: Kurosawa Mode: Black-and-white filter inspired by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Miike Mode: Intense, close-up, and bloody action, named after director Takashi Miike. Watanabe Mode: A laid-back, lo-fi look inspired by Shinichirō Watanabe, known for Samurai Champloo. There's also an expanded photo mode, giving players tools to capture and share the game's detailed environments and action sequences. Special edition PS5 and limited accessories Alongside the game, Sony will launch a limited-edition PS5 console and accessories themed around Ghost of Yotei. Details on pricing and availability are expected closer to the launch date. Ghost of Yotei: Gameplay
