What is the role of family in Barefoot Gen? – How does Gen’s father define real courage? – What role does manhood/masculinity play in Barefoot Gen? – What is the role of women in Barefoot Gen? – To you, what is the most striking part of the way the atomic bomb’s detonation is portrayed? – How are the injured and the dead depicted and treated?

QUESTION

The assignment is to watch the film Barefoot Gen, an anime film depicting the true story of a young survivor of the atomic attack on Hiroshima. The film can be found on this Blackboard page and on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqDQd1wkDj0.

You may earn up to 35 points by completing a review of the film.

Paper Requirements

Requirements Are:

– The paper must fill a minimum of 3 pages. It is okay to write over 3 pages.

– Each question is worth 3 points.

– 5 points are assigned to following formatting guidelines.

– The paper must be typed.

– The paper must be double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman Font with 1″ margins

– The review must take up the entire 3 pages. Any text other than your name that does not consist of the review will be deducted from your point total.

– All reviews must be written in complete sentence, paragraph form.

– All outside sources used on the Movie Review must be cited.

– Students may not work together on the movie review.

– All reviews must answer all of the guiding questions.

– All papers must be submitted through Blackboard using Safe Assign by 11:59pm, 05/11/2020.

– Late assignments will not be accepted.

Questions

– What is the role of family in Barefoot Gen?

– How does Gen’s father define real courage?

– What role does manhood/masculinity play in Barefoot Gen?

– What is the role of women in Barefoot Gen?

– To you, what is the most striking part of the way the atomic bomb’s detonation is portrayed?

– How are the injured and the dead depicted and treated?

– How do Gen and the Japanese react to Japanese defeat and surrender?

– Describe the role and importance of community after the dropping of the bomb.

– Barefoot Gen is based on true experiences of a young survivor of Hiroshima. Based on the film, what do you think are Gen’s most important memories of the bombing? Why?

– What is your personal experience in watching this movie? In other words, what is the most important thing you have taken away from the film? Why?

ANSWER

Reflections on Barefoot Gen: A Heartrending Tale of Courage and Resilience

Introduction

Barefoot Gen is a powerful anime film that vividly depicts the true story of a young survivor of the atomic attack on Hiroshima. This review aims to delve into the film’s profound themes and explore the impact it leaves on its audience. Through a thought-provoking analysis, this review will provide insights into the role of family, definitions of courage, the portrayal of masculinity and femininity, the devastation of the atomic bomb, reactions to defeat and surrender, the significance of community, Gen’s memories of the bombing, and personal reflections.

Role of Family

In Barefoot Gen, family plays a central role, serving as a pillar of support and strength for the protagonist, Gen. Gen’s family represents a source of love, resilience, and solidarity amid the horrors of war. Despite facing dire circumstances, the film portrays how the unconditional love and sacrifices made by Gen’s family contribute to his ability to endure and find hope amidst the devastation.

Father’s Definition of Real Courage

Gen’s father, despite his pacifist beliefs, defines real courage as the willingness to stand up against injustice and oppression. He emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to blind obedience or being swayed by the popular narrative. Real courage, as depicted in the film, involves questioning authority and acting with integrity, even in the face of adversity.

Role of Manhood/Masculinity

Barefoot Gen explores traditional notions of manhood and masculinity within the context of war. It portrays the pressure on male characters to display physical strength and protect their families. However, it also challenges these stereotypes by depicting vulnerability and emotional depth in male characters. The film suggests that true strength lies not only in physical prowess but also in the ability to exhibit empathy, compassion, and resilience.

Role of Women

Women in Barefoot Gen are portrayed as pillars of strength and resilience in their own right. They actively contribute to the survival and well-being of their families and communities (The Essentials: Barefoot Gen – Association for Asian Studies, 2023). Whether it is Gen’s mother providing emotional support or his sister demonstrating bravery, the film showcases the essential role of women in the face of adversity.

Portrayal of the Atomic Bomb’s Detonation

The depiction of the atomic bomb’s detonation in Barefoot Gen is deeply haunting and impactful. The animation vividly portrays the immense destruction, chaos, and loss of life caused by the bomb. It conveys the horror and devastation in a raw and unflinching manner, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer’s conscience.

Treatment of the Injured and the Dead

Barefoot Gen does not shy away from portraying the gruesome reality of the injured and the dead. The film showcases the graphic aftermath of the bomb, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll it takes on the survivors. It serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of war and highlights the urgent need for peace and empathy.

Reactions to Defeat and Surrender

Gen and the Japanese people’s reactions to Japanese defeat and surrender are depicted with a mix of shock, disillusionment, and despair. The film captures the immense sense of loss and the shattered dreams of a nation. It also reveals the resilience and determination of individuals to rebuild their lives and find hope amidst the ruins.

Role and Importance of Community

After the dropping of the bomb, the role of community becomes paramount in Barefoot Gen. The film showcases how collective efforts, mutual support, and solidarity among survivors are vital for survival and healing (Knowles, 2011). The community serves as a source of strength, hope, and resilience, emphasizing the significance of coming together during times of adversity.

Gen’s Most Important Memories of the Bombing

Based on the film, Gen’s most important memories of the bombing are rooted in the profound losses he experiences. The death of his loved ones and the indescribable suffering he witnesses serve as haunting memories that shape his perspective on war and fuel his determination to strive for a better future. These memories become a catalyst for his resilience, inspiring him to advocate for peace and reject the cycle of violence.

Personal Experience and Takeaway

Watching Barefoot Gen is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience. The film confronts the audience with the harsh realities of war, forcing us to contemplate the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, empathy, and understanding in our world.

The most significant takeaway from the film is the unwavering human spirit and the resilience of the human soul in the face of unimaginable horrors. It reinforces the importance of compassion, unity, and the pursuit of peace (Cdr, 2023). Barefoot Gen reminds us of our shared responsibility to prevent such tragedies from recurring and to create a world where love and understanding prevail over violence and hatred.

Conclusion

Barefoot Gen is a poignant and impactful film that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers. Through its portrayal of family, courage, masculinity and femininity, the devastation of the atomic bomb, reactions to defeat, and the significance of community, the film offers profound insights into the human condition. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the necessity of empathy, resilience, and peace in our world. Barefoot Gen challenges us to reflect on our own role in creating a better future, where the horrors of the past remain lessons rather than repeated tragedies.

References

Cdr. (2023). Animation Reviews: Barefoot Gen. Character Design References. https://characterdesignreferences.com/reviews-1/barefoot-gen 

Knowles, A. (2011). Resilience among Japanese atomic bomb survivors. International Nursing Review, 58(1), 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-7657.2010.00855.x

The Essentials: Barefoot Gen – Association for Asian Studies. (2023, May 24). Association for Asian Studies. https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/the-essentials-barefoot-gen/