ID number: 115909035096355957
Permalink: http://escapist5.blogspot.com/2006/09/four-samurai.htmlThe Four Samurai: Teru Teru Bouzu's Adventure is the English title for 四人の侍：照る照る坊主の旅 (Yonnin no samurai: Teru teru bouzu no tabi). Released on 11 October 1576, what is left today is just a short trailer of the so-called "earliest film in the world". This claim, however is greatly disputed because according to historical records, the earliest motion picture ever produced is not until 300 years later, around the 1860s.
The film is set in the Warring States period of Japan (戦国時代, sengoku jidai, 1493-1573), which is roughly during the period when the film was produced. There are certain parts in the trailer that generated controversial issues and has a great impact on the Japanese history.
In the early part of the trailer, a photo of a Japanese castle is shown. Sceptical experts claim that it is no other than the Matsumoto Castle itself. If the hypothesis is proven to be true, then, the castle must have been completed before 1576, as opposed to the common belief that it wasn't completed until 1953.
Upon closer scrutiny, one may find that the design of the kimono worn by the samurai's in the trailer aren't exactly like those that we see nowadays - the actors draped the kimono over their shoulder like a cape instead of wearing them and fastening it on the waist with an obi. And it seems that long pants (most probably jeans) were common long before the Meiji Era.
Another most mind-boggling characteristic about the trailer is the English subtitle. As we know, English, though hailed as an international language, is not even common in modern Japan. How, then, could the English subtitle appear in a trailer made 430 years ago?
The debate still goes on between sceptics and believers. If the claims about this trailer can be proven, many things we thought we know about ancient Japan has to be reinvestigated:
The film is set in the Warring States period of Japan (戦国時代, sengoku jidai, 1493-1573), which is roughly during the period when the film was produced. There are certain parts in the trailer that generated controversial issues and has a great impact on the Japanese history.
In the early part of the trailer, a photo of a Japanese castle is shown. Sceptical experts claim that it is no other than the Matsumoto Castle itself. If the hypothesis is proven to be true, then, the castle must have been completed before 1576, as opposed to the common belief that it wasn't completed until 1953.
Upon closer scrutiny, one may find that the design of the kimono worn by the samurai's in the trailer aren't exactly like those that we see nowadays - the actors draped the kimono over their shoulder like a cape instead of wearing them and fastening it on the waist with an obi. And it seems that long pants (most probably jeans) were common long before the Meiji Era.
Another most mind-boggling characteristic about the trailer is the English subtitle. As we know, English, though hailed as an international language, is not even common in modern Japan. How, then, could the English subtitle appear in a trailer made 430 years ago?
The debate still goes on between sceptics and believers. If the claims about this trailer can be proven, many things we thought we know about ancient Japan has to be reinvestigated:
- The technology for producing motion pictures was invented by the Japanese in the 16th century
- Matsumoto Castle was built before 1576, the year the film was produced
- Japanese samurai's in the 16th century used to wear jeans probably because of its greater mobility compared to traditional kimono
- English was probably spoken as a second language during the Warring Sates period
Of course, it is easier to believe that the masterpiece is a clever imitation done by some genius out there who has nothing better to do than to fool gullible folks. But whether it is true or not, watch and decide for yourself.
This trailer is uploaded to You Tube recently by a user who goes by the nickname "Kryptos". Some claim that it is but something even a primary school kid can make using simple programmes such as Windows Movie Maker, and therefore is most probably a fake. The debate rages on.
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