Spot the Reference

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Spot the Reference; Cultural Influences in Japanese Media
Topic Started: Nov 6 2009, 04:53 AM (83 Views)
Maréchal des logis Daedalus	Nov 6 2009, 04:53 AM Post #1
Sub-tropical Tree Posing as a Man Posts: 236 Group: Members Member #2,061 Joined: Jun 8, 2006	A few years ago, I began to notice the way in which Japanese video-games and animation have titles or ideas inspired by films and other popular culture from outside the island, mainly from the United States though. As a person with too much time to spare, this should be fun. > "Full Metal Alchemist"(2001), Full Metal Jacket(1987) Although this series is nothing like the American film by Stanley Kubrick, being in the genres of "Science-fantasy" and "Steampunk" rather than drama of the Vietnam Conflict, the combination of these two words, "full" and "metal", is so obviously not a coincidence, I am surprised to see no jokes made of it. There is sense in this when realizing the popularity of that film in Japan. > "Full Metal Panic"(1998), Full Metal Jacket(1987) Well what do you know? There are two widely known pieces of Japanese media which borrow partly from that particular title. This one, however, does share similar themes to the film, guns, militaristic things etcetera. There are even a few homages to this American cinematic presentation scattered about the series, and with the creators seeming to fit the profile of military "otaku", there is ease in understanding they were admirers of the film. > Metal Gear(1987), Escape From New York(1981) The word, metal, appears to be popular in Japan. The influence here is mostly in the design of the characters, Snake being from the protagonist of the film by John Carpenter, Snake Plissken, sharing others similarities, with Big Boss inspired by the character, United States Police Force Commissioner Bob Hauk. There is also another reference regarding the cover of the video-game: "The illustration is in fact a reproduction of a picture of the character Kyle Reese from the 1984 film The Terminator, played by actor Michael Biehn." > "Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory"(1991), Top Gun(1986) This one is more obscure, and the influences of American cinema are not as apparent, but the whole animated series drips with delicious style of the nineteen-eighties in a way vaguely reminiscent of Top Gun in character design and their roles, Ensign Kou Uraki replacing Tom Cruise. Just observe the characters, Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood(played by Kelly McGillis) and Nina Purpleton(hilarious surname). If anyone has more cultural references to note in Japanese entertainment, I would love to see them, for I have left out many significant ones. Edited by Maréchal des logis Daedalus, Nov 6 2009, 04:56 AM.
	DAAAAAAH "He has an ego. When you take a picture of yourself in the mirror showing your nipple, that says something."


vjoe	Nov 6 2009, 01:03 PM Post #2
Fat and Fabulous Posts: 420 Group: Members Member #307 Joined: Jun 10, 2004	Oh god, are you the kid in this video? ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DabhbpZG6_E



TheSwedishElf	Nov 7 2009, 02:05 AM Post #3
Not really Swedish, not really an elf. Posts: 130 Group: Members Member #3,160 Joined: Jun 14, 2008	Maréchal des logis Daedalus Nov 6 2009, 04:53 AM > "Full Metal Alchemist"(2001), Full Metal Jacket(1987) Although this series is nothing like the American film by Stanley Kubrick, being in the genres of "Science-fantasy" and "Steampunk" rather than drama of the Vietnam Conflict, the combination of these two words, "full" and "metal", is so obviously not a coincidence, I am surprised to see no jokes made of it. There is sense in this when realizing the popularity of that film in Japan. That's a big stretch. It's "Fullmetal Alchemist". Fullmetal is one word. It's a real albeit uncommon phrase meaning the same as stubborn confidence while also referring to Ed's arm and leg. And as you pointed out, the series has nothing whatsoever to do with FMJ. Then you have to remember that in Japan the series' name is just Alchemist of Steel. Edited by TheSwedishElf, Nov 7 2009, 02:08 AM.



Froot-Loup	Nov 8 2009, 03:39 AM Post #4
Fat and Fabulous Posts: 108 Group: Members Member #4,621 Joined: Aug 12, 2009	Oh god, are you the kid in this video? ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DabhbpZG6_E Edited by Froot-Loup, Nov 8 2009, 03:41 AM.
	~~~~ I AM SOPHISTICATE <Pakona>so what's going on today? <Loup-Renard>Not much, you <Pakona>not much either. <Pakona>it's like we're twins or some shit.


vjoe	Nov 8 2009, 02:58 PM Post #5
Fat and Fabulous Posts: 420 Group: Members Member #307 Joined: Jun 10, 2004	Froot-Loup, why'd you copypasta what I just said? Edited by vjoe, Nov 8 2009, 02:58 PM.



RoboticFresca	Nov 8 2009, 06:14 PM Post #6
Bobble Bobble Bobble Posts: 1,228 Group: Members Member #3,625 Joined: Nov 20, 2008	Cultures copy from other cultures. Generations now copy from generations past. People like the same stuff. It's what makes the world go 'round. Although it does bug me when an artists remakes a song of an old artists. Same lyrics and all. It just irks me.
	MetroidBob says: Haven't I said anything quotable?


Maréchal des logis Daedalus	Nov 8 2009, 09:38 PM Post #7
Sub-tropical Tree Posing as a Man Posts: 236 Group: Members Member #2,061 Joined: Jun 8, 2006	vjoe Nov 6 2009, 01:03 PM Oh god, are you the kid in this video? ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DabhbpZG6_E Yes. Now quit trying to harvest my tears and at least humor me here for entertainment. Edited by Maréchal des logis Daedalus, Nov 8 2009, 09:40 PM.
	DAAAAAAH "He has an ego. When you take a picture of yourself in the mirror showing your nipple, that says something."


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