The text shows how disaster movies are popular in Japan. I am analyzing its function in politics and socio-economic aspect. In my opinion, mentioning atomic bomb in movie does not only regularize the fear of the Japanese, but it is also a strategy for Japan to portray itself as a victim in the world war. The post-war movie from japan is only recording the trauma they received but ignored the war crimes they committed. Therefore, historical amnesia is shown in a lot of post-war movies in Japan. Secondly, in disaster film, the city is always deconstructed and reconstruct in a fast speed, this serve as a symbolization of rapid economic development that the city is undergoing metabolism. While some disaster movies show dystopic city or planet, they are always ending with Japanese scientist or team rescuing the other or build the utopia. The disaster films can be understood as a tool to showcase japan national power, including their economic and social development. This may provide an explanation of why disaster movie has always been popular in Japan.
Natalie, Gusawir 3035794545
Good reflection on historical amnesia and national power. I wonder if you have thought about why Japanese disaster films are so successful in terms of exporting their culture, while many other countries have similarly gone through disasters?