The definitive list of Japanese Cyberpunk films! From Akira to Tetsuo: The Iron Man

Summary

This video explores the underground Japanese cyberpunk film genre, providing a curated list of must-see films that encapsulate the style’s evolution. The creator shares insights into influential films such as 'Crazy Thunder Road', 'Burst City', 'Blade Runner', and 'Tetsuo: The Iron Man', while highlighting their role in shaping the genre’s punk, sci-fi aesthetic. The list aims to guide viewers through the foundational works of cyberpunk cinema, offering a starting point for those new to the genre, and sparking an appreciation for its unique, raw cinematic style.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The speaker is passionate about cyberpunk films and has written an essay about underground cyberpunk films from Japan.
• 🎬 Instead of an analytical essay, the speaker aims to create a guide to must-see films in the cyberpunk genre, focusing on essential works.
• 📅 The timeline starts in 1980 with Sogo Ishii's *Crazy Thunder Road*, which, while more punk than cyberpunk, influenced the genre's development.
• ⚡ *Burst City* (1982) by Sogo Ishii is highlighted as a foundational film that shaped the formal style of cyberpunk cinema.
• 🌆 Ridley Scott's *Blade Runner* (1982) is noted for introducing the neon, tech-noir aesthetic that influenced Japanese cyberpunk films.
• 📖 The manga *Akira* (1982) and its later film adaptation are considered pivotal for blending punk and sci-fi in a Japanese setting, making it a cornerstone of the genre.
• 🎞️ *Death Powder* (1986) by Shigeru Izumiya is recognized as the first true underground cyberpunk film in Japan.
• 🤖 *Tetsuo: The Iron Man* (1989) is regarded as the definitive film of the genre, blending DIY filmmaking with aggressive, intense sci-fi elements.
• 🌀 In the 1990s, *Rubber’s Lover* by Shozin Fukui pushed the boundaries of cyberpunk, creating an extreme version of the genre.
• 🔄 *Anatomy of Extinction* represents a shift in the genre towards body horror and bio-transhumanism, signaling the end of the cyberpunk's peak years.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the essay discussed in the video?

The essay focuses on underground cyberpunk films from Japan, offering a guide to must-see films within the genre.

Why does the creator include 'Crazy Thunder Road' in their list, despite not being a full cyberpunk film?

'Crazy Thunder Road' is included because it has a huge influence on later key cyberpunk films, thematically and stylistically, and it helped develop the kinetic camera work later used in the genre.

What is the significance of 'Blade Runner' to the development of Japanese underground cyberpunk films?

'Blade Runner' is pivotal for introducing the neon Tokyo aesthetic and blending tech noir with a globalized future vision, influencing works like 'Akira' and contributing to the visual style of the cyberpunk genre.

How does the video describe the relationship between 'Akira' and earlier punk films by Sogo Ishii?

'Akira' builds on the punk style of Ishii's films, such as 'Crazy Thunder Road,' and blends it with the futuristic visions of 'Blade Runner,' creating a definitive cyberpunk work rooted in Japanese culture.

What is the role of 'Death Powder' in the underground cyberpunk movement?

'Death Powder,' directed by Shigeru Izumiya in 1986, is considered the first true underground cyberpunk film, blending the punk style with science fiction despite budget limitations, marking a turning point for the genre.

Why is 'Tetsuo: The Iron Man' considered the defining film of the Japanese cyberpunk genre?

'Tetsuo: The Iron Man' is regarded as the peak of the genre due to its aggressive, DIY filmmaking style, blending punk, science fiction, and intense body horror elements. It fully captures the essence of Japanese cyberpunk.

What role does 'Rubber's Lover' play in the cyberpunk genre, according to the video?

'Rubber's Lover,' directed by Shozin Fukui, is seen as pushing the cyberpunk genre to its extreme, pairing well with 'Tetsuo' and marking the last significant film in the peak of the genre before its style began to shift.

How does the genre evolve after the peak years, as mentioned in the video?

After the peak years, the genre begins to shift towards bio-transhumanism and body horror, as seen in films like 'Anatomy of Extinction,' which focuses more on biological transformations than technological futures.

Why does the creator omit certain short films and experimental works from their list?

The creator omits certain short films and experimental works because they feel these are not essential for understanding the core elements of the genre and prefer to focus on more influential, full-length films.

What is the overall goal of the video, as stated by the creator?

The goal of the video is to provide a condensed list of key underground Japanese cyberpunk films that give viewers a foundational understanding of the genre, making it easier to explore further if they become interested.