IGS 173A: “Asian Gangsters” - Contemporary Crime CinemaInstructor: Avinash Singh Prerequisites: None Course Description: "Parasite's" historic Oscar victory in 2020 marked a turning point for international cinema, bringing long-overdue recognition to Asian filmmaking. However, the backlash from some quarters was immediate and fierce, with critics questioning the film's artistic value and yearning for a return to classic Hollywood productions. This reaction highlights the persistent underappreciation of Asian cinema, which is often overlooked in discussions of great filmmaking despite its rich history and cultural significance. </br></br> Asia boasts the world's largest population and diverse cultures, yet its cinematic output is frequently dismissed as secondary to European and American films. While subtitled European films are celebrated for their artistic merit, Asian films are often relegated to the fringes, described as "cutting-edge" but rarely "seminal" or "essential." This disparity is particularly striking given that Asian cinema has been producing groundbreaking works since the early 20th century, mirroring the evolution of filmmaking in Europe and the US. </br></br> Despite these obstacles, Asian directors have continued to push creative boundaries, exploring new forms and techniques to capture the complexities of their rapidly changing societies. They have navigated government censorship and cultural taboos with ingenuity, using film to chronicle the moral, social, and political challenges facing their communities. From circumventing China's strict guidelines to avoiding India's mob-driven censorship, Asian filmmakers have proven resourceful in their quest to tell authentic stories. </br></br> This course delves into contemporary crime films to explore the intricacies of modern Asian society and politics. Through the lens of film theory, cultural studies, and historical and sociological research, we will analyze how these films depict the harsh realities of contemporary Asia. As the world's largest and fastest-growing media market, Asian cinema offers a unique window into the human cost of rapid globalization and mass migration. </br></br> Our inquiry will address several key questions: How do Asian storytellers approach sensitive political and social themes, and how do they subvert genre conventions? What makes the crime genre particularly suitable for exploring these issues? How have Asian filmmakers incorporated indigenous folklore and theatrical traditions, often in bold and unconventional ways? To what extent have Western motifs been adapted and domesticated? Additionally, we will investigate how Asian films confront ideas about race, ethnicity, and gender, and whether they challenge stereotypes or perpetuate them. </br></br> By examining these questions, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of Asian self-perceptions of modernity and the role that cinema plays in shaping those perceptions. Session: Session I Day: T, W, Th Time: 1:50pm - 4:20pm Credit Hours: 4 Credits Course Format: On-Campus Course for Summer 2025 Brandeis Graduation Requirement Fulfilled: DJW, DL, SS Enrollment Limit: Course Classification: Undergraduate Level Course Course Tuition: $3,700 Course Fees: None Open to High School Students: Yes |
