| This paper explores the artistic portrayal of nuclear issues (including nuclear weapons and nuclear power) in three of Japanese director Kurosawa Akira's films: Record of a Living Being (1955), Dreams (1990) and Rhapsody in August (1991), which respectively represent the fear of future nuclear attacks, the nightmare of apocalyptic nuclear power plant accidents and the lived experiences and legacies of Nagasaki hibakusha (A-bomb victims/survivors). From the 10th anniversary of the end of the Asia Pacific War to the time of Emperor Hirohito's death, these three films depict and critique the social, historical and geopolitical contexts, realities and threats of nuclear warfare and energy over nearly half a century. They not only convey Kurosawa's personal understandings, criticisms and warnings, but also express Japanese anxiety and concern over the lethality and instability of such nuclear matters. Through these "nuclear films," I examine Kurosawa's representative critical imagination, anxiety, and aspirations. |
