Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

A Study on Japanese Healing Films from Visual, Sound, and Narrative Aspects

Tianshu ZhuUniversity of British Columbia*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Nowadays, people are increasingly dependent on the media to meet their needs. Healing movie is a kind of film which aims to make the audiences’ emotions be positively affected and to feel satisfied. Previous studies on the birthplace of healing culture, Japan and Japanese healing films have found some formal and thematic characteristics of Japanese healing films. Based on the previous studies, this paper, after an observation and analysis of 50 Japanese healing films, looks at three aspects of filmmaking: visual design, sound design, and plot narrative, summarized the features of Japanese healing films in the production technology that serve to achieve the purpose of healing people’s mood. The results also found recurring thematic elements that have been discussed in previous studies, such as nature worship, simplicity, and innocence. Importantly, this research analyzed through the focus on visual, sound, and narrative aspects that the Japanese healing filmmakers prioritize the preservation of the portrayal of life's simplicity and beauty. They consciously steer away from depicting tragedy, turmoil, and complex societal issues in their films. That is, they are on the one hand trying to restore reality, showing that almost unadorned beauty, while avoiding realistic cruelty.

Keywords: healing films; visual; sound; narrative
Published: December 7, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/19/20231258
Volume: CHR Vol.19
pp. 262-269
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