Nearly ten years ago Christina Klein noted that "we are seeing a partial erosion of the boundaries that once separated Hollywood from local Asian film industries, and a consequent intertwining of industries on both sides of the Pacific." At present, the same can be said in relation to the integration of both film industries. In the past few years alone we have seen a number of successful films be released that incorporate both Hollywood and Asian styles.
After the United States, China has the second biggest movie market. So naturally Hollywood's increase in casting more Asian actors is none too surprising. To bring in more revenue American blockbuster films are even being set in China. Some big studios are going one step further and are actually shooting different versions of their movies for Chinese audiences.
"The Wolverine" recently clawed its way to the box office, starring Australia's own, Hugh Jackman, and Japanese newcomer Tao Okamoto. Tao plays "Mariko Yashida", who is Logan's love interest in the film. Rila Fukushima, also a Japanese actress co-stars in the film as "Yukio", she is a mutant and embodies total badassness. To give you a little idea of how amazing Rila is in the movie, I will include a short video below. Seriously, watch it now! I'll wait til you're done.
Yukio in "The Wolverine"
I bet you want to watch the entire movie now. Stay with me a little longer though! Klein (2004, p.360) notes that "Hollywood today is fascinated with martial arts to an extent unseen since the heyday of Bruce Lee in the early 1970's." This is still very much the case today. For instance the bug budget franchise "G.I. Joe" released "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" earlier this year, and the trailer for it featured a ridiculous cliff-side martial arts battle showcasing the unbelievable skills of world-class martial artists Byung-hun Lee, Ray Park and Elodie Yung. That scene alone had me jumping out of my seat in excitement. "Martial arts fight scenes have become a ubiquitous feature in action films across the genre map" Klein (2004, p.361), which is a result of the "latest phase of globalisation."
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
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| How I felt about G.I. Joe: Retaliation |
Reference:
Klein, Christina 2004, 'Martial arts and globalization of US and Asian film industries', Comparative America Studies, vol.2, pp. 360-384.
The Wolverine - Yukio Featurette 2013, YouTube Video, Retrieved 22 September 2013, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r6KnVt15mE>
G.I. Joe: Retaliation - Official Clip - "Cliffside Battle" 2013, YouTube Video, Retrieved 22 September 2013, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoIhOF6vcQY>
Hey Amy!
ReplyDeleteYour succinct discussion this week clearly outlines the Asianization of Hollywood. I would not have thought to use Wolverine as an example and I had not noticed the extent of Tao Okamoto's talent. You videos are a great way to demonstrate just how powerful Asianisation is becoming. Your uses of Klein’s quotes to support your discussion are very relevant. Again, the inclusions of G.I Joes trailers really lured me in and made me aware of the relationships it has to Asianization. Your blog setup up is professional but intriguing, great work.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI like the facts you have included like that China is the second biggest movie market. The videos are used well as they add another dimension to your post while simultaneously giving the reader extra information. I really like how you include the reader, like by saying "I'll wait till you're done". I think it would have been even better if you could have added a short conclusion to some up your post. Otherwise, I think you did a really good job.
Katelyn
Hey Amy,
ReplyDeleteI love your style of writing - it's quirky, funny and interesting. I particularly liked your little pun about Wolverine 'clawing' it's way to the box office. I think all of your examples were really well used and your theoretical references great. I always fine it interesting how you can watch a film 20 times and then once you start studying a certain topic and re-watch the movie you see it in a whole new light. That will be me watching Wolverine and G.I Joe!
Overall I think you did a great job at explaining the affluence of Hollywoodization and Asianization.
-Andrea
If you seek Amy,
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you found such a relevant example of Hollywoodisation, Asianisation and Globalisation in 'The Wolverine.' It really is a perfect example, Martial Arts, American Culture, Asian actors, Australian actors, Japan setting, Canada setting. If only it were a good movie it would be perfect.
I like how you broke up your text with pictures and videos. I know you asked me to watch the video, but I didn't, sorry.
Amy, this post was really insightful and great to read. I loved how much personality you put into it- I can really tell how much you enjoy the movies and genres you're talking about. Your inclusion of a video, photo and several scholarly sources really strengthened your post and showed that you understood what you were talking about. However, I noticed that your blog didn't contain any hyperlinks, so perhaps that could have made it even better. Overall, a really great post that I loved reading!
ReplyDeleteHey Amy, I liked this piece. I enjoyed the videos, they gave a good representation of the skills that so many Asian actors are famous for. I think you could have delved into a bit more detail. For instance, when you mention “some big studios” perhaps you could mention which ones, and give thoughts into their past successes/failures. You gave some very humorous opinions throughout and I would like to read more. Will definitely be watching those movies now!
ReplyDelete