This course studies the astonishing artistic flowering of contemporary East Asian film, focusing on selected works from directors working in China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. The course focuses on post-1997 films, though it occasionally references earlier films made by the key directors or that influenced them. By examining a range of genres, styles, and themes, the course looks at a variety of important East Asian films during this period. Discussions deal with auteurist styles/themes, industry developments in Asia that affected the kinds of films produced and distributed, and the cultural values and history embedded in these films. Some notable directors discussed: Bong Joon-Ho, Park Chan-Wook, Lee Chang-Dong, Zhang Yimou, Jia Zhangke, Ann Hui, Wong Karwai, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Hayao Miyazaki, and Edward Yang.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.