William M. Tsutsui in his book chapter called “Oh No, There Goes Tokyo” discussed the relationship between apocalyptic films and Japanese history. It investigated the postwar history of Japan and found out the fantasy of annihilation in popular culture is indeed reflecting Japan’s vulnerable history of man-made and natural disasters. Examples such as the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War 2. This history was expressed by different filmmakers and animation makers. Another point the author quoted from Susan Sontag that has mentioned is the reasons why imagination of disaster can be such a popular mainstream in film creation. It is because fantasy in such a traumatic topic is indeed normalizing what is psychologically unbearable and neutralizing such pain thus beautifying the world. I found this point is understandable and relatable since a fantasy film can express many thoughts and ideas which cannot be done in reality.
Fong Wing Sze 3035837701
Appreciate your reflection on the effect of apocalyptic films. What are some fantasy films that strike you emotionally? How do they inform you about real-life events?