A Study of the Visual Aesthetics of Japanese Director Iwai Shunji’s Films

Abstract

Born in the 1960s, Iwai Shunji is a Japanese writer and director. His works are rich in romance, but the stories he tells are often characterized by a Japanese aesthetic of material sadness and a sense of contrast. This paper examines the visual aesthetics of Iwai Shunji’s films. By studying it, readers will be able to gain a more detailed understanding of Iwai Shunji’s aesthetic style and how he skillfully uses color and light in his films. This paper will examine four films, Love Letter, Swallowtail Butterfly, All About Lily Chou-chou, and Hana & Alice, with specific reference to hue and saturation, use of light, and film style. In these four films, warm and cool colors can reflect the contrast between memories and reality, present story conflicts and portray characters. The soft light effect can fit the beautiful and romantic theme of the film and enhance the credibility of the story. The film sense and overexposure can enhance the sense of unreality and age.