Have you heard about the TV series Ryoma-den? A 48 episodes show depicting the life of Ryoma Sakamoto, who played a key role in the modernization of Japan (1860s). At first, we discover him as a coward child, who becomes later a goodhearted man willing to change the society. Everything is clearly explained, failing to suggest some major ideas.
So, let’s look at The Ambitious to see how Sakamoto is introduced:
• This is the first time we encounter Sakamoto. Obviously, he’s been disturbed and has to rise from the ground – as he’s turning to become a ‘central’ figure.
It says few things on the character; he’s bored, he’s pissed off (what a face!) but already embodies the idea of “change” (rising, turning). As you can see, he’s litteraly turning things upside down; his foot were on a wooden beam (the traditional society?), which disappears when Sakamoto is up.
• Who’s been disturbing this guy? Just some upper-class samurai. And usually, the rest of the society has to bow down when these guys are around. But not Sakamoto. He’s standing up in front of them (while telling “I’m Ryoma Sakamoto!”). It’s not just a gritty move, it means Sakamoto = Change (confirming the previous ideas).
In less than one minute, Ryoma Sakamoto appears to be a threat to the old society, a man crazy enough to ignore rules. Quite an efficient introduction, no need to underline everything with bad music.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a great fan of this Taiga-Drama.
Great show on the history of Japan making the change from a islated country to a open country trying to change the politics and customs.