rail & train in japanese cinema

[Brett Johnson]

Don't forget "Tampopo" in which many of the shots are framed to feature
trains and train tracks or expressways in the background of the shot (the
house where the dying woman is asked to make "one more dinner" for example
is rattled by a train every 30 seconds or so, etc).

The key transitory moments in "Eki" (Mid 70s starring Takakura Ken) take
place in train stations or on train platforms.

The key "character" in Maboroshi dies (kills himself) by walking in front
of a train.

Such moments are almost endless.



At 09:07 AM 1/7/00 +0900, you wrote:
>Trains are of course an important part of Otoko wa tsurai yo -series -
>Tora-san has traveled virtually through all Japan in the series, and always
>with train. And they are never Shinkansen. 
>
>Your example of detective moviue with timetables and connections are a key
>role in the solution brings in mind a couple of the Tuesday Suspense Dramas
>on TV , which have had this kind of mystery solutions. 
>
>eija
>
>At 02:58 PM 1/6/00 +0900, you wrote:
>>Hi guys!
>>
>>can somebody recommend me  academic publication on the role of trains and
>>railroads in japanese cinema? I am particularly interested by :
>>
>>- the representation of trains in Anime movies (high tech objects or
>>nostalgic representation)
>>
>>- examples of 'detective movies'  in which Train timetables and connexions
>>between trains play a key role in the solution of the investigation (I
>>remember reading a novel called "tokyo express', by Guy stanley, on that
>>theme).
>>
>>
>>Also,  if somebody can suggest me an essay on the theme of trains in cinema
>>(not only Japan).
>>
>>thank you very much in advance.
>>
>>Luc BEAL.
>>
>>
>>PS : I cannot recall the name of the japanese movie (is it :"the tatooed
>>woman"?) where a young woman travelsevery month during one year  by long
>>distance train to have her body tatooed. Does anyone know which movie it
>>can be?
>>
>>tks
>>
>>
>>
>>
>