In the disaster films of Japan, there are always some different perspectives which could be found. Donald Richie has pointed out that the way disasters are depicted in these films is influenced by reality or geography and he further confirmed this view; and “the truth of this observation is graphically illustrated in a land yearly ravaged by typhoons, a country where the very earth quakes daily.” An earthquake or tsunami that ruins homes in broad areas and sends entire cities into terror is a recurring scene in disaster films. Following that, the reconstruction following the destruction must be mentioned. As a result, the relationship between the destruction and reconstruction of the city demands our whole attention. The process of reconstruction, in my opinion, must be followed by destruction. In the process of reconstruction, a city might improve or rebirth. Lessons and experiences from the past can be learned during the process. Destruction is not the same as failure; it is a process of hard effort that leads to a path of becoming stronger.
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You referenced several points made in the reading. What then, do you think are the emotions evoked by disaster films which portray cycles of destruction and construction as rebirth and improvement?