Ceramics movies

However, this iconic scene has left a lasting impression on viewers, sparking an interest in pottery and its creative process. While "Ghost" may be the first film that comes to mind, there are many other cinematic gems that delve into the world of pottery and ceramics, offering unique insights and inspiring stories.

"Ghost" (1990)

This romantic fantasy film features pottery making as a central element, with the famous scene of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore shaping clay together. Beyond its iconic pottery scene, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and memorable performances. The pottery scene, set to the tune of "Unchained Melody," has become one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history, symbolizing the intimate connection between the characters and immortalizing the art of pottery in popular culture.

"The Great Pottery Throw Down" (TV Series, 2015-present)
This British reality competition series showcases potters competing in various ceramic challenges to win the title of "Top Potter." It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pottery, with contestants demonstrating their skills in shaping clay, glazing techniques, and creative designs. With judges critiquing their work and contestants facing elimination each week, the show keeps viewers engaged while highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of pottery. Whether you're a pottery enthusiast or just curious about the craft, "The Great Pottery Throw Down" is sure to entertain and inspire.

"Ugetsu monogatari", 1953

This is a historical drama directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, which is considered one of the best Japanese films. The film is based on kaidans - Japanese folk tales - by the writer Akinari Ueda.

The events of the film take place in the 16th century, during a time of war, and the potter Genjuro decides that this is the perfect opportunity to escape from his village and make some extra money. He sets off to the city to sell his wares, accompanied by his neighbor, who dreams of becoming a samurai. The families of both men doubt that the pursuit of easy money and success will bring happiness. "Quick profits earned in troubled times quickly come to an end," says one of the elders at the beginning.

"Crying Freeman", 1995

Fans of action-packed shootouts in the style of "The Matrix" and gripping plots will appreciate this film by director Christophe Gans. The main character of the movie, based on the manga Crying Freeman, is a potter named Yo Hinomura, who, if one may say so, changed professions and became an elite assassin. However, not by choice - he was kidnapped and turned into a killing machine capable of defeating even the leaders of the Yakuza.

At the same time, Yo uses his original craft as a cover: for example, he carries guns in a suitcase filled with clay. When asked during a pre-flight inspection why he has clay with him, the killer responds: "I am a potter, and a good potter only molds from his own clay."

"Hibi" (2005)
The film by Japanese director Banmei Takahashi tells the story of a family who faced tragedy - their eldest son was diagnosed with cancer. The personal drama intersects with the narrative of a craftsman's journey and his search for his place in the world. The family's mother, Kioko, practices ceramics and tries to instill a love for the craft in her children, but her son dreams of attending university.

Furthermore, Kioko has to fight for her place in a male-dominated world: she is almost denied membership in the potters' guild because there have never been women there before.

"The Color Room", 2021

Another film about a woman who decides to dedicate her life to pottery was directed by British filmmaker Claire McCarthy. The events of the film take place in the 1920s, in England. The main character of "The Color Room" is a young craftswoman named Clarissa Cliff, who works at a ceramic factory and, of course, dreams of more. She is bored with stamping out identical cups and plates, which, in her opinion, do not meet the requirements of modern people, and she tries to influence the factory owners.

This film is not only interesting for its beautiful scenes and the conventional story of success but also for the opportunity to peek behind the scenes of the industry of the past century, to find out what problems worried the owners of the factories at that time. "Where pottery workshops go - there go others. We set the standard," - one of the characters, the owner of the factory where Clarissa works, says this phrase.

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A lesson in pottery, hand-building and painting with an instructor.
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- No commitement needed
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