Why is the Japanese film industry lagging behind Korea and China?

According to the article, the Japanese live-action film industry has fallen behind the thriving animation sector and the rapid advancements in Korean and Chinese cinema, with directors calling for increased government support to bolster local production.

How did director Lee Sang-il approach adapting the novel 'Kokuho' for the big screen?

Lee revealed that the rough cut of the film was an ambitious 4.5 hours long, requiring skilled editing to bring it down to a more manageable runtime. He also discussed his preference for capturing kabuki theater performances, contrasting with the approach of legendary director Akira Kurosawa.

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Japanese Film Industry Lags Behind Korea and China, Director Pleads for More Support

Q: What did director Yamada Yoji say about the need for government support for the Japanese film industry?

Yoji expressed admiration for how the Korean government has supported its film sector for decades, and urged the Japanese government to provide more funding and resources for local live-action productions, calling it a "national problem" requiring public backing.

3 Nov

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Summary

Japanese director Yamada Yoji admires Korea's government support for film industry
Live-action Japanese films have fallen behind animation and Korean/Chinese movies
Acclaimed director Lee Sang-il's film 'Kokuho' was a 4.5-hour rough cut, requiring skilled editing

Japanese Film Industry Lags Behind Korea and China, Director Pleads for More Support

In a recent discussion at the Tokyo International Film Festival, acclaimed Japanese directors Yamada Yoji and Lee Sang-il shed light on the struggles facing the country's film industry. Yoji, known for directing the iconic 'Shogun' series, expressed admiration for how the Korean government has supported its film sector for decades, and urged the Japanese government to provide more funding and resources for local live-action productions.

Yoji noted that while Japan's animation industry has flourished, the live-action film sector has fallen behind, especially compared to the rapid advancements in Korean and Chinese cinema. He recalled that 60 years ago, when he joined the industry, Japanese films had significant momentum and produced many masterpieces, but the landscape has since shifted dramatically.