This course examines the transformative period of Japanese cinema during its so-called Golden Age (from late 1940s to early 1960s), a time when Japan’s traditional film studio system was at its peak, and several iconic directors, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, were making their most iconic films. We will discuss, analyse, and contextualise several of these directors’ films, as well as look at
film...
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This film studies course explores and contextualises the ‘Golden Age’ of Japanese cinema, when its film industry and studio system were at their peak, primarily in the 1950s. We will particularly focus on the three most iconic film directors of that period, Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, discussing several of their films. We will dive deeper into other great films and directors of this period, and also consider the different genres popularised during the Golden Age, from the samurai period drama to the contemporary family drama, via comedy and gothic horror. We will consider specific moments in the history of the Golden Age, such as the international impact of Kurosawa’s Rashomon, the making of Ozu’s Tokyo Story, and the beginnings of cracks in the studio system which paved the way for the Japanese New Wave. As well as giving a wide-ranging overview of this fascinating period in film history, the course will seek to equip students with the necessary socio-historical context, theoretical frameworks, and analytical tools for exploring 1950s Japanese cinema, its significance and its impact.
What will we cover?
• The socio-historical and cultural context of Japan in the post-WW2 period, as well as the specific context of the Japanese film industry and studio system • The different genres, studios, and stars that formed the ‘Golden Age’ of Japanese cinema • The films, careers, stylistic and thematic trademarks of key Golden Age directors Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi, as well as several others including Mikio Naruse, Kon Ichikawa and Masaki Kobayashi • The impact, legacy and lasting influence of this period of film history on both Japanese cinema and international cinema.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Assess a range of Japanese Golden Age films and filmmakers • Identify the recurring themes and stylistic traits of filmmakers like Kurosawa, Ozu and Mizoguchi • Situate Japanese cinema within its historical, social and industrial contexts • Evaluate the Japanese Golden Age from various critical frameworks and perspectives
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in Japanese cinema, history and culture.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Short clips from the films will be provided, as well as reading materials. The class will be structured around a combination of PowerPoint presentations, film clips and class discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Pleaselook also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Dr Jean-Baptiste de Vaulx has taught at Royal Holloway, University of London, and currently is an associate lecturer at University College London. His fields of teaching and research focus on world cinema, international film history, film festivals and cinephile film cultures. He has published articles and book chapters on varied topics including child characters in Iranian cinema, the theme of home in the films of Lucrecia Martel, the Japanese new wave director Hiroshi Teshigahara, and the history of world cinema programming on Channel Four.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema-ozu-kurosawa-and-mizoguchi1444402The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema: Ozu, Kurosawa and Mizoguchihttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/g/o/golden-age-japanese-cinema-hf356-1080.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/World film/Courses/Online courses228511771580210017311228511771580<p>This course examines the transformative period of Japanese cinema during its so-called Golden Age (from late 1940s to early 1960s), a time when Japan’s traditional film studio system was at its peak, and several iconic directors, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, were making their most iconic films. We will discuss, analyse, and contextualise several of these directors’ films, as well as look at films by other directors of that period, such as Mikio Naruse and Masaki Kobayashi, and more. We will consider the socio-political and film industry contexts which shaped the films, including the cultural meanings behind the samurai genre, the post-war Occupation of Japan by Allied Forces, and the international impact of Japanese cinema on global filmmaking.</p>353060148The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema: Ozu, Kurosawa and Mizoguchi239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/g/o/golden-age-japanese-cinema-hf356-1080_2.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHF356239239The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema: Ozu, Kurosawa and Mizoguchi239155239Jean-Baptiste de Vaulxthe-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema-ozu-kurosawa-and-mizoguchi/hf356-2627<p>This course examines the transformative period of Japanese cinema during its so-called Golden Age (from late 1940s to early 1960s), a time when Japan’s traditional film studio system was at its peak, and several iconic directors, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, were making their most iconic films. We will discuss, analyse, and contextualise several of these directors’ films, as well as look at films by other directors of that period, such as Mikio Naruse and Masaki Kobayashi, and more. We will consider the socio-political and film industry contexts which shaped the films, including the cultural meanings behind the samurai genre, the post-war Occupation of Japan by Allied Forces, and the international impact of Japanese cinema on global filmmaking.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-15 00:00:00This film studies course explores and contextualises the ‘Golden Age’ of Japanese cinema, when its film industry and studio system were at their peak, primarily in the 1950s. We will particularly focus on the three most iconic film directors of that period, Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, discussing several of their films. We will dive deeper into other great films and directors of this period, and also consider the different genres popularised during the Golden Age, from the samurai period drama to the contemporary family drama, via comedy and gothic horror. We will consider specific moments in the history of the Golden Age, such as the international impact of Kurosawa’s Rashomon, the making of Ozu’s Tokyo Story, and the beginnings of cracks in the studio system which paved the way for the Japanese New Wave. As well as giving a wide-ranging overview of this fascinating period in film history, the course will seek to equip students with the necessary socio-historical context, theoretical frameworks, and analytical tools for exploring 1950s Japanese cinema, its significance and its impact.<p>This course examines the transformative period of Japanese cinema during its so-called Golden Age (from late 1940s to early 1960s), a time when Japan’s traditional film studio system was at its peak, and several iconic directors, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, were making their most iconic films. We will discuss, analyse, and contextualise several of these directors’ films, as well as look at films by other directors of that period, such as Mikio Naruse and Masaki Kobayashi, and more. We will consider the socio-political and film industry contexts which shaped the films, including the cultural meanings behind the samurai genre, the post-war Occupation of Japan by Allied Forces, and the international impact of Japanese cinema on global filmmaking.</p>• The socio-historical and cultural context of Japan in the post-WW2 period, as well as the specific context of the Japanese film industry and studio system<br>• The different genres, studios, and stars that formed the ‘Golden Age’ of Japanese cinema<br>• The films, careers, stylistic and thematic trademarks of key Golden Age directors Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi, as well as several others including Mikio Naruse, Kon Ichikawa and Masaki Kobayashi<br>• The impact, legacy and lasting influence of this period of film history on both Japanese cinema and international cinema.<p>• Assess a range of Japanese Golden Age films and filmmakers<br>• Identify the recurring themes and stylistic traits of filmmakers like Kurosawa, Ozu and Mizoguchi<br>• Situate Japanese cinema within its historical, social and industrial contexts<br>• Evaluate the Japanese Golden Age from various critical frameworks and perspectives<br></p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in Japanese cinema, history and culture.<p>Short clips from the films will be provided, as well as reading materials. The class will be structured around a combination of PowerPoint presentations, film clips and class discussions.</p>The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.<p>Pleaselook also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesWorld filmvirtual239239155HF356NONETue15/09/26 - 03/11/2618:30 - 20:3018:3020:308 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineJean-Baptiste de VaulxBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00EveningSep 2026Culture, history & humanities239239The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema: Ozu, Kurosawa and Mizoguchithe-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema-ozu-kurosawa-and-mizoguchi/hf356-2627<p>This course examines the transformative period of Japanese cinema during its so-called Golden Age (from late 1940s to early 1960s), a time when Japan’s traditional film studio system was at its peak, and several iconic directors, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, were making their most iconic films. We will discuss, analyse, and contextualise several of these directors’ films, as well as look at films by other directors of that period, such as Mikio Naruse and Masaki Kobayashi, and more. We will consider the socio-political and film industry contexts which shaped the films, including the cultural meanings behind the samurai genre, the post-war Occupation of Japan by Allied Forces, and the international impact of Japanese cinema on global filmmaking.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-15 00:00:00This film studies course explores and contextualises the ‘Golden Age’ of Japanese cinema, when its film industry and studio system were at their peak, primarily in the 1950s. We will particularly focus on the three most iconic film directors of that period, Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, discussing several of their films. We will dive deeper into other great films and directors of this period, and also consider the different genres popularised during the Golden Age, from the samurai period drama to the contemporary family drama, via comedy and gothic horror. We will consider specific moments in the history of the Golden Age, such as the international impact of Kurosawa’s Rashomon, the making of Ozu’s Tokyo Story, and the beginnings of cracks in the studio system which paved the way for the Japanese New Wave. As well as giving a wide-ranging overview of this fascinating period in film history, the course will seek to equip students with the necessary socio-historical context, theoretical frameworks, and analytical tools for exploring 1950s Japanese cinema, its significance and its impact.<p>This course examines the transformative period of Japanese cinema during its so-called Golden Age (from late 1940s to early 1960s), a time when Japan’s traditional film studio system was at its peak, and several iconic directors, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Mizoguchi, were making their most iconic films. We will discuss, analyse, and contextualise several of these directors’ films, as well as look at films by other directors of that period, such as Mikio Naruse and Masaki Kobayashi, and more. We will consider the socio-political and film industry contexts which shaped the films, including the cultural meanings behind the samurai genre, the post-war Occupation of Japan by Allied Forces, and the international impact of Japanese cinema on global filmmaking.</p>• The socio-historical and cultural context of Japan in the post-WW2 period, as well as the specific context of the Japanese film industry and studio system<br>• The different genres, studios, and stars that formed the ‘Golden Age’ of Japanese cinema<br>• The films, careers, stylistic and thematic trademarks of key Golden Age directors Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi, as well as several others including Mikio Naruse, Kon Ichikawa and Masaki Kobayashi<br>• The impact, legacy and lasting influence of this period of film history on both Japanese cinema and international cinema.<p>• Assess a range of Japanese Golden Age films and filmmakers<br>• Identify the recurring themes and stylistic traits of filmmakers like Kurosawa, Ozu and Mizoguchi<br>• Situate Japanese cinema within its historical, social and industrial contexts<br>• Evaluate the Japanese Golden Age from various critical frameworks and perspectives<br></p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in Japanese cinema, history and culture.<p>Short clips from the films will be provided, as well as reading materials. The class will be structured around a combination of PowerPoint presentations, film clips and class discussions.</p>The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.<p>Pleaselook also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesWorld filmconfigurable
21001580World filmhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/film-studies/world-film1/2/285/1177/1580/21001/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/World film
