Japenese Poetry

Japanese Poetry

My love of poetry has inspired me to introduce you to a beautiful form of poetry. I will give you a few simple rules so you can write poems in this Japanese style.  

There are many types of Japanese poetry, however, I will introduce you to only two so you can try them.

1. What is a haiku?

A haiku is a Japanese poem consisting of three lines and 17 syllables.  Each line must contain a specific number of syllables.  The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables and the third line has five syllables. The haiku is one of the most beautiful of poetic forms.

Here is an example of a poem written in "haiku" form

(5 syllables)  proud, free butterfly:
(7 syllables)  I wanted to fondle you;
(5 syllables)  bright wings ripped.
       (2)  you died.

(5) soft? skin does not age
(7) only the image darkens,
(5) bodies remember. . .

(5) body and body. . .
(7) same as always, nothing more. . .
(5) a slight pause in time. . .

(5) at dawn I picked two 
(7) flowers: at noon
             I sold one
(5) to fill my stomach. . .

What are the rules for making a haiku?

As mentioned, the haiku contains three lines. With syllables alternating 5, 7 and then 5.  Rhyming is not necessary.  Rules regarding word repetition, punctuation and capitalization are left to the writer's discretion.

Go ahead an try composing a "haiku." There many subjects to choose from:  War, Nature, Love, Politics, Music, Art, Global Warning, Relationships, whatever you are inspired by!

Thousands of haiku are composed every year, and for the most part, represent Japanese subjects such as landscapes, seasons, birds, insects, flowers, phases of the moon and other natural phenomena. Haiku offers a writer the chance to suggest a scene, a landscape or a mood that is open to interpretation. It is left to the reader to fill in the details of the painting suggested by the writer or Haiku Master.  

History of the Haiku. . .

Haiku was officially born in Japan at the beginning of the Tokugawa shogurrate (1603-1770). The haiku style grew out of the popular pastime known as Renga, in which one or more poets supplied alernating sections to short, five-lined verse known as tanka verse. The seventeenth century poet, Matsuo Basho (1644-94) elevated this form into a high literary form. Today haiku remains the most popular form of literary expression in Japan and its popularity in the West continues to grow.

II. What is Naga-uta?

 Japanese poetry form of 5, 7, 5 syllables is called a "haiku."  The form 7,7 is called a "renga" and when a "haiku"and renga are linked, the resulting form is called a "tanka." A series of "tankas" is called a "naga-uta."

Example of a "naga-uta" form poem

(5) In my former life:

(7) I blind beggar of fourteen,

(5) one day touched your life. . .

(7) You, wilier street-urchin,

(7) were fifteen, having wise eyes.

by:  Aaron Brown

I hope you have the chance to try writing in this style. It is magical!

  

  










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 Martial Art Movies
http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/12/martial-art-movies.html

The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema
http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.cp,2107/06/the-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema.html 

Japanese Anime
http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/05/japanese-anime.html

 

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Surrealism

SURREALISM in Film

Surrealism is growing in popularity during our present days of disturbing world events and upheavals in our own country.  It is an interpretation of the artists viewpoint as he creates art using his medium of choice.

I feel a good approach to studying surrealism is to study the individual artists and their bodies of work.  This way we can absorb their feelings and understand their thoughts at the time they were creating their art.

 Who is more surreal than David Lynch?

Remember Eraserhead?? (photo at top)

For years, we have tried to figure out what exactly does this movie mean?

It circulates around the viewer circles every so often and will always remain an iconic mystery.

 

David Lynch is a talented film maker known for his surreal style. "Wild at Heart"; "Blue Velvet" and "Mulholland Drive" and the TV series "Twin Peaks" are attributed to David Lynch. He came out with a new "Twin Peaks" recently.  

"Mulholland Drive" is one of his most commercial films. I have seen this film a few times and I always feel that I didn't get it! After reading Roger Ebert's review of the movie, I felt a little better." The movie is a surrealist dream-scape in the form of a Hollywood film noir, and the less sense it makes, the more we can't stop watching it." To read the full review go to this link:

http://www.rogerebert.com 

Roger Ebert commented in 1990, "There is something inside of me that resists the films of David Lynch. I am aware of it, I admit to it, but I cannot think my way around it. I sit and watch his films and am aware of his energy, his visual flair, his flashes of wit.  But as the movie rolls along, something grows inside of me -- an indignation or unwillingness, a resistance.  At the end of "Blue Velvet" and "Wild at Heart" -- I was angry as if a clever con-man had tried to put one over on me."

The Cohen Brothers have a string of first class movies done in a variety of styles. Their movies often have a surreal, dream-like quality to them such as

"O' Brother Where Art Thou" and "Barton Fink" 

 

                         "Beetle Juice" by Tim Burton

          The Nightmare Before Christmas" by Tim Burton

Tim Burton has made a career full of magical movies.

Tim Burton is from Burbank, CA.  Some of his most famous movies are:  "Pee-wee's Big Adventures"; "James and the Giant Peach"; "Beetlejuice"; "Batman"; "Edward Scissor-hands"; "Batman Returns"; "Ed Wood"; "Mars Attacks"; "Planet of the Apes"; "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"; "Alice in Wonderland"  . . . and the list goes on.

 
 

NEW SERIES "FALLING WATER". . .

Gale Ann Heard, who's well known as executive producer on AMC'S "The Walking Dead", has come out with a new show "Falling Water."  She says that this show is different for her because it is not dealing with aliens or monsters. Also does not delve into time-travel, zombies or anything like that.

It deals with something we all do which is dream.  The film follows three strangers which slowly realize that they are dreaming separate parts of a single common dream. 

The first episode aired on USA NETWORK  October 13, 2016. "Don't Tell Bill"

The second episode of the first season aired on USA Network  Saturday, Oct 15, 2016 at 9 a.m.    

"Three Half-Blind Mice" 

Surrealism is often provoking, alluring, maddening, or darkly funny.  This style is often used in Dark Comedy to mask taboo subjects that would otherwise be too harsh to swallow! (see my blog "Dark Comedy") for more on this subject.  Dream-like in its nature, you might see an inanimate object such as a clock talking to you or jumping off the wall or a table walking around or smoke coming out of someones head. If you see things like this, this movie is probably in a surreal style.

There are many art forms that use surrealism such as art, writing, music, or film. I hope to write another article on surrealism soon!  Have fun exploring surrealism film! 

 

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Other articles:    "Street Art"- "Japanese Anime" - "Dark Comedy"

References for more study:                        

                          

References:   

 AMC                  http://www.filmsite.org

IMDB                http://www.imdb.com

Roger Ebert       http://www.rogerebert.com 

 

You Tube            http://www.youtube.com

Criterion            http://www.criterion.com

Science Fiction

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Science Fiction

 Ridley Scott's "Alien" (1979) starring Sigourney Weaver was a commercial breakthough for this director. It was a science-fiction-horror film.

    Ridley Scott 

is a well-known English Director accredited with a variety of first class films. In 1982, Scott released "Blade Runner" one of my top favorite movies of all time. This movie is considered "neo-noir-dystopian-science" genre. This director has a gift of creating unique "worlds" and leading us into them with fascination. I have to watch "Blade Runner" at least once a year to get into the science fiction state of mind.

 

There is a new version "Blade Runner 2049" in theaters now! Director: Dennis Villeneuve with Roger Deakins  Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Lennie James, Jared Leto

. . . "the film picks up a few years after the first one. A peak into the possibilities of a dark, neon lit futuristic world of desensitized humans and even darker androids."

 

 

 

 

                                                             

 

                                 

                                               remember E.T.?

E.T. was a blockbuster in 1982!

 "E.T." surpassed "Star Wars" to become the highest grossing film of all time. It was considered a science-fiction-fantasy film. Then "Jurassic Park" topped it in 1993 which was another Spielberg directed film. Spielberg's career covers four decades and many genres of film including adventure and science fiction.

              Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator"

  James Cameron, a Canadian director, with many talents such as producer, screen writer, inventor, engineer, philanthropist and deep sea explorer. Cameron found his first success in the 1984 film "Terminator" a science-fiction-action film. He went on to make "Titanic" in 1997 and "Avatar" in 2009 (there is a Titanic II set to come out in 2018) 

                                                           

      The above video is a film clip of the latest "Star Wars"movie! "Star Wars" directed by George Lucas is still growing an empire 35 years later! Some fans are trying to watch all of them in one setting - having a "Star Wars" marathon. 

                                     

"The Matrix"  

(1999) Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne

                                                                                Carrie-Ann Moss in "The Matrix"                                                  

"The Matrix" is a 1999 American-Australian neo-nor science fiction film written by the Wachowskis. This movie combines science fiction, action and philosophical questions about reality. Known as the "most watched" science fiction movie, I still turn it on when it comes on TV! 

"T

"The Strain" is an impressive series about an ancient strain of vampires called "strigoi" taking over the city of New York

.  Guillermo Del Toro is the writer and producer. This laid-back, cool style of directing with exceptional lighting will lure you in. A doctor and his team work together to save humanity venturing through the underground tunnels of New York's drainage system as well as the streets on top of them. Once you begin watching this team of experts start working on a cure, you will be hooked! This is one of my favorite science fiction series. This adventure has everything! The cast includes Corey Stoll as Ephraim, Kevin Durand as Fet, and David Bradley as Abraham.

"The Strain" ran from 2014 til present. The last session airs 7/16 on FX. Check "hulu" to catch up on the seasons and to watch from the beginning.  Guillermo also directed "Pacific Rim"; "Crimson Peak"; "Pan's Labyrinth"; "Hellboy II "

Guillermo was born October 9, 1964 in Mexico. He is a director, screenwriter, producer, and novelist. He is the author of "The Strain"; "The Fall"; "The Night Eternal"; "Alfred Hitchcock"; "Trollhunters" and a few more I have not listed.

 

  

  "Paul" is one of my favorite science fiction movies. Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. These two British comic book geeks traveling across the United States - Area 51 - come across a wise-cracking alien named Paul.  Paul is played by Seth Rogan. This little fellow is a real man who dances, smokes and enjoys hanging out with the guys... you forget that he is an alien! On the road trip he reveals some special powers and insights to the travelers. Pegg and Frost wrote this as well as starred in it. It premiered in 2011.      Photos below are of "Shaun of the Dead"

 

 

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (photos above) also starred in "Shaun of the Dead" (2004) A zombie film where they neighborhood slowly turns into zombies. Too funny! And another film featuring this duo is "Hot Fuzz" (2007) now streaming on Netflix. This is a dark comedy where Pegg is a police officer transferred to a small country town.  Very clever writing and acting. 

Simon Pegg has starred more recently in "Star Trek" (2009) as "Scotty" and played along Tom Cruise in "Mission: Impossible III" and "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal."  If you see Simon Pegg in a movie, check it out! I have never been disappointed by them. 

 

 ADVENTURE AND SCIENCE FICTION. . .

Science Fiction and Adventure go together.  I noticed that the directors of the most famous science fiction movies also directed awesome adventure movies. Science fiction is actually an adventure. An adventure into unreality of the unknown either based on science or based on the imagination of the believer.  As a child, Spielberg invented an imaginary friend "E.T." upon the loss of his parents.

Thank you for visiting!   Nelda

 

For more information visit these sites:

AMC                              http://www.filmsite.org

IMBD                            http://www.imbd.com                 
You Tube                        http://www.youtube.com 

Criterion                         http://www.criterion.com

Roger Ebert                    http://www.rogerebert.com

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Alien Movies

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 Spook-EEEEE  

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Spaghetti Westerns

                                   

Spaghetti Westerns (also known as Italian westerns) is a new sub-genre of western film that emerged in the late 1960's.

SERGIO LEONE'S. . . film making style was an international box office success with the invaluable music scores of Ennio Morricone.  This team brought these films to America with Clint Eastwood establishing himself as an amazing big-screen actor with a unique style.  Photo below - "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly"

                                        

 

Clint Eastwood starred in three of Sergio Leone's westerns, "Fistful of Dollars" (1964), "For a Few Dollars More" (1965) and "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." (1966.)  

EUROPEAN WESTERNS. . .Most of these films were directed by Italians, thus, the term "spaghetti westerns" was used by Americans and internationally. These films were often international co-productions between Italy and Spain and sometimes France, Germany, Yugoslavia or the United States. As a result, many of the actors were of different nationalities speaking different languages. American actors were hired in post-production to overdub much of the dialogue. This adds to the authentic charm of the movie. Over six hundred European Westerns were made between 1960 and 1980. 

 

Sergio in action!

A NEW STYLE EMERGES. . . as I viewed "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" my first "spaghetti western" I immediately saw a dramatic difference in this western style from the old American westerns that I grew up with. The director's panoramic shots and elaborate set designs drew me in.  The whole film looked like a work of art that should be framed. As the film progressed and I got to know the characters, I find out that this beautiful desert landscape is one where only the smart and tough survive. Each character is a "loner" and out for himself.  The desolate, rugged and often cruel survival in the West is driven home by the story and the dialogue (as well as the quiet absence of dialogue.) I never knew til the end which "loner" was the best survivor.

                                  "Desperado" (1995)

 

  WESTERNS REINVENTED. . . 

Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino brought "spaghetti westerns" back.  Their styles are not just a throwback but a reinvention of these westerns.  Robert Rodriguez has a trilogy of Mexican films: "El Mariachi," "Desperado," and "Once  Upon a Time in Mexico." Quentin Tarantino directed "Django Unchained," "Kill Bill" and "Inglourious Basterds." 

"Django Unchained" with Christoph Waltz and Jamie Fox (2012)

 

                                                                    

   "Kill Bill" by Tarantino (2003)

 

 

 

 

SPAGHETTI WESTERNS. . . have left their mark on popular culture, strongly influencing numerous films as well as music.  The band "Metallica" has used Ennio Morricone's composition, "The Ecstasy's of Gold" from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" to open several of their concerts.  The Australian band "The Tango Salon" combines elements of Tango music with influences from spaghetti westerns.

Quentin Tarantino Lists His 20 Favorite Spaghetti Westerns:

1. “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” (Sergio Leone, 1966)

2. “For a Few Dollars More” (Sergio Leone, 1965)

3. “Django” (Sergio Corbucci, 1966)

4. “The Mercenary” (Sergio Corbucci, 1966)

5. “Once Upon a Time in the West” (Sergio Leone, 1968)

6. “A Fistful of Dollars” (Sergio Leone, 1964)

7. “Day of Anger” (Tonino Valerii, 1967)

8. “Death Rides a Horse” (Giulio Petroni, 1967)

9. “Navajo Joe” (Sergio Corbucci,1966)

10. “The Return of Ringo” (Duccio Tessar, 1965)

11. “The Big Gundown” (Sergio Sollima, 1966)

12. “A Pistol for Ringo” (Duccio Tessari, 1965)

13. “The Dirty Outlaws” (Franco Rossetti, 1967)

14. “The Great Silence” (Sergio Corbucci, 1968)

15. “The Grand Duel” (Giancarlo Santi, 1972)

16. “Shoot the Living, Pray for the Dead” (Giuseppe Vari, 1971)

17. “Tepepa” (Giulio Petroni, 1968)

18. “The Ugly Ones” (Eugenio Martin, 1966)

19. “Viva Django!” (Ferdinando Baldi, 1967)

20. “Machine Gun Killers” (Paolo Bianchini, 1968)

 

I enjoyed sharing this information with you. You will not be disappointed if you dig a little deeper into this spaghetti western movement. . . its roots, and its influences. 

 

Here are a few very good sites to research for more info:

AMC         http://www.filmsite.org    

IMDB       http://www.imdb.com    

YouTube    http://www.youtube.com   

Roger Ebert        http://www.rogerebert.com 

Criterion            http://www.criterion.com

P.S. You might be interested in these film blogs here on  blogger. Just click the title from blog list at the bottom-- they are automatically linked.

Dark Comedy

French New Wave

Japanese Anime

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Dark Comedy

                                     

Black Comedy in Film

A black comedy is a comic work that makes light of serious, disturbing, or taboo subject matter." Black comedy was earlier called "gallows humor." This type of comedy is often controversial because of its subject matter. 

A Satire. . .

is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices especially in the areas of politics and topical issues.

Dark Comedy film comments on society's hang-ups and phobias; these are often social and political commentaries. The comments could be in the form of a play, a novel, literature, or film. 

Dr. Strangelove

Stanley Kubrick's 1964 "Dr. Strangelove" is one of the best-known mainstream examples of dark comedy. The subject of the film is the cold war or nuclear war and the possibility of annihilation of life on Earth. This very serious subject is made into a comedy. Peter Sellers is a mild-mannered US president, Merkin M Muffley, and the creepy ex-Nazi scientist, Dr. Strangelove. He plays three different characters! (The Doctor, The President, and Private Muffley)

                                           "Dr. Strangelove"

This is the End

"This is the End" (2013) takes a dark comedy approach to the period of time after the annihilation of humanity. The film follows a group of actors (all playing versions of themselves) as they encounter demons, monsters, and psychotic cannibals after the "rapture" talked about in the bible. This movie was a success commercially and with critics. 

FARGO

"Fargo" is a 1996 dark comedy that takes place in the snow country. Frances McDermott plays a pregnant police chief whose has to take care of a murder. In real life, she is married to one of the Cohen brothers who wrote and directed the movie.

                                Peter Stormare and Steve Buscemi in "Fargo" 

                                     Frances McDermott in "Fargo"

The Cohen brothers are well known for their awesome dark comedy films. I have seen most of them including, "O' Brother Where Art Thou" starring George Cloony and John Torturro. One of my favorites! A story of three escaped convicts and their encounters on their escape trail. Filled with twists and turns, there is never a dull moment! Great blue grass music too! 

"Bad Santa"

is a 2003 film about a drunken, foul-mouthed professional thief who doubles as a department store Santa. Billy Bob Thornton stars in this movie. A great movie with a sequel coming out this coming out this year. After all these years, Bad Santa II with Billy Bob Thornton returning as Bad Santa!

War of the Roses

"War of the Roses" is a 1989 film starring Michael Douglas and Cathleen Turner. It is about a married couple who are rich and hate each other. It funny and quite brutal the way they fight! You will find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering who is going to win the fight!

Birdman

"Birdman" is a 2014 character driven film by Alejandro G. Inarritu. Michael Keaton plays an actor who can't get over the influence of his superhero role and wants to regain his acting reputation as a serious actor. This movie captures the egotistical nature of Hollywood actors; how they will go to any lengths to make things appear real. This was a critically acclaimed film and won the Academy Ward for "Best Picture." 

 

The Cable Guy

 "HELLO! The cable guy is here" - Remember this one? "The Cable Guy" (1996) was directed by Ben Stiller and starred Jim Carrey. Jim Carrey is the maladjusted, lonely cable man who torments Matthew Broderick. This is a satire on TV and cable and gives an example of someone who was raised by the TV. Jim Carry is the psychotic, obsessive product of our society. I really like this movie! But it might be too frightening for some people. Carrey pushes the envelope with this character! So think about it before you share  it - lol!

The critics did not like this new character Carrey was playing and criticized the film heavily. Despite this, it was a huge box office success! Grossing $102 million worldwide.

 

 

Heathers

This is an American Black comedy (released March 31, 1989) written by Daniel Waters and directed by Michael Zehman. It stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Sharon Doherty. The film portrays four teenage girls - three of whom are named "Heather" who are all in a clique at an Ohio High School. It is a social commentary about high school. This cult film has received many awards even though it was not a box office hit. In 2017 work has begun on a new television production of "Heathers."

 

TRAINSPOTTING

This movie is about heroin addiction in Scotland. July 14, 2016 was the 20th anniversary for this film. Ewan McGregor became famous after this movie. There is now a "Trainspotting II." The same actors came together for this film after 20 years! Be sure and add these to your movie watching list!

There are many more great dark comedies and I hope this introduction to them will encourage you to be brave and watch some of them! Warning though -- watch these alone before you introduce to your girlfriend, mom, or best friend. Some of these may be too intense for some viewers!  I can see a PDF file coming on dark comedy! Too many to cover! Nelda

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 Other blogs are:  French New Wave, The Golden Age of Italian Cinema, Japanese Anime,  Click on the blog link list at the bottom the page and the link will connect you to the one you are interested in -

         

For further study:

AMC                  http://www.filmsite.com 

IMDB                http://www.imdb.com

Roger Ebert      http://www.rogerebert.com

You Tube           http://www.youtube.com

Criterion          http://www.criterion.com