If I had watched Ninja Scroll a few years ago, or really just outside of the context of this class, I probably wouldn't have been nearly as intrigued by it as our discussions have led me to be, though that's not to say I would have enjoyed watching it any less. The movie is visceral, graphic, and incredibly sexy; anyone seeking to take even a most superficial enjoyment from the film will be greatly pleased. On the other hand, the movie is also chock full of symbolism, folklore, and interesting notes on both modern and historic Japanese culture. I was particularly interested in the point Professor McCay made about Ninja Scroll's kind of celebration of female sexuality, as it's an interesting blend of both the more superficial and truly meaningful qualities of the movie. While I would like to analyze this point, I'd also like to take a look at the film's overall use of sexuality and aesthetics between genders.
It's no secret that Ninja Scroll features some very powerful female characters. Benisato, Zakuro, and Kagero, while having hugely disparate means and allegiances, are equally beautiful and lethal. It's also worth noting that they operate within predominantly male groups as equals. These women are presented as being just as strong as (and sometimes stronger) than the men they fight alongside. This gender equality and female empowerment is a very Japanese hallmark; it's representative of a society which tends not to draw such clear and unnecessary distinctions between sexes. And while I'm on the subject....
Yurimaru
(...and in respect to his long hair, soft-spokenness, fashionability, and generally non-traditional masculinity, Utsutsu, too.) I don't remember who said it, but I recall someone in class yesterday summing up Yurimaru by saying, "He's beautiful." This is an absolutely textbook example of the whole concept of bishōnen (which explains my song choice for this blog.) Just as the women have a masculine quality in their strength, some of the men have feminine qualities in their beauty. I feel like this whole ideology would be completely lost on the average American viewer. Our society leans much more in favor of damsels in distress, and strong, stereotypically male protagonists. To the average viewer, Jubei may seem to fit this role perfectly...
...but, this would be disregarding his critical dependence upon Kagero. Between poisoning Tessai, wedging her tanto into a bamboo tree, and being the very cure to the poison that guarantees to kill Jubei, Kagero saves Jubei just as often as he saves her, another emphasis of their equality. It's not as if she's some tag-along broad who's always in need of rescuing à la Bond girls or Lois Lane.
Though some people may find the overt sexuality in Ninja Scroll to be a bit unnecessary, I feel they're not looking into it deeply enough. Personally, I find it to be a very relevant commentary on Japanese culture and the sometimes absurdity of gender distinction.
Your title cracked me up... seriously, and I had to comment on this just because of it. It's interesting that you brought up gender equality instead of talking about strength in female sexuality alone. Taking into account that Kagero is pretty much Jubei's equal when it comes to fighting skill, it gives there relationship a special element- he respects her for that reason and sees her as an equal and as someone of importance, not simply a woman.
Your title cracked me up... seriously, and I had to comment on this just because of it. It's interesting that you brought up gender equality instead of talking about strength in female sexuality alone. Taking into account that Kagero is pretty much Jubei's equal when it comes to fighting skill, it gives there relationship a special element- he respects her for that reason and sees her as an equal and as someone of importance, not simply a woman.
ReplyDelete