According to Lent (2000), what place does animation occupy in Asian societies? How different is this across Asia?
Lent believes that the animation industry has placed a major role in the Asian media industry. The original influence of animation came from Western societies and was adapted into Asian countries. Asian anime was originally thought of in China. Early animation in Asia had a western influence, for example the smiling monkey was a replica of the American character Mickey Mouse. Even though there was a lot of influence from the U.S in the early days the Chinese wanted to add their own cultural influence. Wan Laiming (Chinese animator) said:
"In a Chinese film, one ought to have a story purely based on real Chinese traditions and stories, consistent with our sensibility and sense of humour..Also, our films must not only bring pleasure, but be educational.."
It becomes clear that very early on in the stage of animation China wanted to make sure they brought their own cultural influences and experiences towards animation. Most Chinese animation stressed morals (The Panda's Shop), promoted campaigns or exposed enimes for example the gang of four (One night in an art gallery) 1978.
Asian countries dominate the anime industry and in the late 1990s Asian animation studios entered co-production agreements with partners from America, Canada and Europe. The most famous and well known partnership was Walt Disney International, which allowed them the release of 'Princess Monouke'. This allowed Disney to bring anime into mainstream animation through out the world. However anime was not shown in all countries, it was banned in Korea and Taiwan for decades because of the fear of Japanese cultural imperialism.
The anime industry is still most dominate in China. The Chinese demonstrate a very conservative view and have full control and place restrictions on what is and isn't made. They believe anime should demonstrate morals and be educational. In comparison Japan has very little restrictions and has an open market. Both countries operate differently politically and economically, which includes different ideas on the way anime is made and the content that is shown.
Lent believes that the animation industry has placed a major role in the Asian media industry. The original influence of animation came from Western societies and was adapted into Asian countries. Asian anime was originally thought of in China. Early animation in Asia had a western influence, for example the smiling monkey was a replica of the American character Mickey Mouse. Even though there was a lot of influence from the U.S in the early days the Chinese wanted to add their own cultural influence. Wan Laiming (Chinese animator) said:
"In a Chinese film, one ought to have a story purely based on real Chinese traditions and stories, consistent with our sensibility and sense of humour..Also, our films must not only bring pleasure, but be educational.."
It becomes clear that very early on in the stage of animation China wanted to make sure they brought their own cultural influences and experiences towards animation. Most Chinese animation stressed morals (The Panda's Shop), promoted campaigns or exposed enimes for example the gang of four (One night in an art gallery) 1978.
Asian countries dominate the anime industry and in the late 1990s Asian animation studios entered co-production agreements with partners from America, Canada and Europe. The most famous and well known partnership was Walt Disney International, which allowed them the release of 'Princess Monouke'. This allowed Disney to bring anime into mainstream animation through out the world. However anime was not shown in all countries, it was banned in Korea and Taiwan for decades because of the fear of Japanese cultural imperialism.
The anime industry is still most dominate in China. The Chinese demonstrate a very conservative view and have full control and place restrictions on what is and isn't made. They believe anime should demonstrate morals and be educational. In comparison Japan has very little restrictions and has an open market. Both countries operate differently politically and economically, which includes different ideas on the way anime is made and the content that is shown.
Wow, I didn't know that Princess Mononoke was banned in Korea and Taiwan. But I guess I had/have a fair idea that they weren't on good terms with Japan, due to past war. Anime in China is exactly like the movies they make there. They're all about educating and demonstrating morals, as you said. Japan is more....I guess liberal in comparison to China's market. I liked your post, I learnt some new things!
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah - I think you have to be very careful here when distinguishing between 'animation' and 'anime'.
ReplyDeleteAnime originated in Japan, where the word also came from, NOT China.
I would also be careful about making generalisations about Chinese and Japanese films, as you need to show that you have done extra reading around this topic, especially if you are making reference to cultural and political context. Always a minefield!
Other than that, it's great to see you display enthusiasm for the topic.
You need to reference the readings you have done at the end of the post.
Yes I think I must have had a bit of confusion when looking at anime and animation. And while reading I must have mixed in both anime and animation together. But after looking at more readings I think that anime has a distinct look and feel and it always tells a story. Within each story there is always a theme. I think that by having anime come into popular culture many films have adapted different elements and become inspired by anime. For example Avatar: The Last Airbender. When you watch anime you can see how its just so different from American cartoons such as Superman or Batman. The detail that has gone into the artwork of each character and the epic story lines that anime is different from everyday animated cartoons that we commonly see on T.V
ReplyDeleteHere are my links from the first page:
Lent, J. A. (2000). Animation in Asia: appropriation, reinterpretation, and adoption or adaptation. Retrieved 21 June, 2006, from AnimeResearch.com
Cavallero, D. (2006). Introduction. The anime art of Hayao Miyazaki (pp. 5-13). London: McFarland & Company
Thanks Hannah, it's easy to confuse the two - the names are very similar! Good that you clarified, and looking forward to your next post...
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