What is a killing line?
What kind of people are supposed to kill?
Have you ever wondered about killings like this?
This article explains the history, techniques, and importance to the actor of killing.
Killing techniques are fascinating and profound, and can be learned not only by aspiring actors, but also by the general public at a swordsmanship class.
We will introduce you to the fascinating charms of the killing techniques that never cease to fascinate people.
What is a kill box?
Tate is a term used to refer to the fighting movements and stand-up routines performed by actors.
It is mainly used in action scenes in dramas, movies, and stage performances.
The emphasis is on how beautiful and fast the fight scene is, and how it conveys to the audience the power and realism of the fight scene.
Killing is not a fighting technique, but rather a form of acting that is captivating, and requires an affinity with the opponent’s movements.
How to read a kill line
The word “kill” is read as “tate.
The use of the word “kill” in the Chinese characters may seem jarring when looking at the characters alone, but the purpose is not really to attack the opponent, and it is not a fighting act.
Killing is an act, a drama, a movie, or a stage production.
あくまでも観客に、魅せるための演技の技術です。一般的には「たて」と読まれることが多いのですが、「さつじん」と読んでも間違いではありません。
It is said that the name “tate” came from the Kabuki word “tachimancy,” which is believed to be the origin of the killing style. It is said that what was initially called “tate” from “standing around” changed to “tate” at some point.
Another theory says that it was so called because of the use of the “tachi” sword.
Killing techniques originated from Kabuki stand-up routines.
Killing techniques are popular in various dramas, movies, and stage performances as powerful scenes, but their origins are believed to lie in the “stand-up fighting” of kabuki, a traditional Japanese theater form.
Kabuki stand-up is a combat scene in which multiple performers slash and punch each other. By setting the graphic scenes to music while standing around, Kabuki expresses the elegance of a traditional art form while at the same time demonstrating the intensity of the movements.
Kabuki stand-up is not staged as a violent fight scene, but a way of expressing beauty and the emotions of the fringes at the same time as being intense. It is believed that the killing style originated from this standing around.
Killing can be seen on TV, film and stage.
Killing is a common performance seen in TV, movies, and stage productions.
Especially in Japanese period dramas, it is fair to say that sword fighting is an indispensable element. The techniques of sword fighting, honed by famous actors, are excellent, and their splendid performances are powerful and realistic.
For example, the movies “Seven Samurai” and “Zatoichi” are famous for their battle scenes. Many other period drama masterpieces also include spectacular sword fighting scenes.
While sword fighting is one of the climaxes of period dramas, battle scenes without the use of tools have been incorporated in many dramas, movies, and stage performances. In modern dramas, killing techniques are sometimes used in fights and other combat scenes.
また、子供向けの戦隊ヒーローもののドラマや舞台でも、ヒーローと悪役の戦闘シーンで殺陣を見ることができます。見る人を興奮させて引きつける殺陣は演技をする俳優にとっても、自身の見せ場となり、観客・演者双方にとって重要な場面です。
What exactly is a killing spree?
Killing is not just a scene in which a fight is performed.
This is the scene where the actors have to work with each other to show the audience how realistic the battle scenes are.
Although there are some scenes in which several performers fight in a battle, they do not move in a haphazard manner; all the movements are calculated and scheduled. And there are several rules and techniques involved in the killing game.
For example, all movements are carefully calculated in advance by combining detailed elements such as the timing of crossing swords, the direction of the body, how to move the body, how to dodge, and positioning with an awareness of the audience and camera’s point of view.
Rules of Killing
It is believed that there are three rules for the killing process
According to Mr. Shinsaku Tokumaru, who is active as a swordsmith, the rules of swordsmanship are
・声かけ
・振り上げ斜め45度
・寸止め
The first one is “koeikake,” which is to signal with a voice before making the motion of swinging down the cutting sword.
Of course, they are not using real blades, but they need to let the opponent know in advance because there will be pain if they hit him and there is a possibility of injury if he is unlucky. If you think back, you always hear a voice before swinging a sword in the cutting scene of a period drama. That is both a dialogue and a call to action.
Next is “swing up at an angle of 45 degrees,” because if you do not swing up at a predetermined angle, you will hit people around you. By standardizing the angle of swing, accidents are prevented.
The last “sun stop” is also a technique of not hitting the opponent to avoid injury, and there is also a reason for the sun stop to prevent the tachi for performance from being broken.
Killing is performed by the attacker and the defender, who discuss their movements in advance. Also, the way the weapons are wielded, the timing, and the speed of the movements are all calculated.
This meticulous planning creates thrilling and powerful scenes of standing around while avoiding danger. The act is cleverly performed to make it look like you are hitting your opponent but not actually injuring him.
There’s also a profession of killers.
The term “killers,” which appeared briefly earlier, may not be familiar to you.
A kageishi is a professional who choreographs and performs in the art of killing. They choreograph not only battle scenes using swords, but also fist fights and other combat scenes using a variety of weapons.
また、演技の場となるセットを最大限に活かした迫力あるアクションシーンをよりリアルに見せるため演者の動きをすべて計算して組み立てます。そのシーンごとに演者も道具もセットも異なるため、殺陣は唯一無二の重要なシーンです。
The experience and skill of the killers have a great impact on the overall quality of the production.
Killing is for fascination.
The most important element of a killing match is to “charm” the audience.
In the case of a stage performance, the act is performed with the audience in mind; in the case of a drama or movie, the act is performed with the camera in mind. Killing is not simply a realistic combat reenactment; it is a performance in which beautiful movements and coolness are precisely calculated.
その場面の臨場感を高めるという意味合いもありますし、演者の魅力をより引き立てるという役割も果たします。殺陣は激しいアクションとスピード感が魅力ですが、演者の感情表現やストーリーとの一体感も極めて重要です。
The actor is acting in the role while performing calculated kill moves.Killing is truly something that “fascinates” the audience.It is meticulously calculated and crafted to create scenes that move the audience.
Do you need to kill to perform?
Killing is not always necessary for all actors.
At least there is no rule that says that if you can’t kill, you can never be an actor.
ですが、時代劇やアクション作品を目指す俳優にとっては非常に重要で、実質上、なくてはならないものと言っても過言ではないでしょう。
It is true that if you are skilled in the art of killing, you will have a wider range of roles. If you are good at killing, you may sometimes be assigned important scenes. In action films, period dramas, and stage productions, skills in the killing style add to your value as an actor.
Killing is a skill you need to know if you want to be an actor.
俳優を目指す人にとって、殺陣は演技の技法の一つとして知っておくべきものです。また、殺陣のトレーニングをして基本的な技術を習得することは自分の武器のひとつになります。
Especially in period dramas and action films, it can make the difference between an actor with no experience in killing techniques and an actor with no experience in killing techniques. Training in kill scenes also helps to develop the concentration and spontaneity necessary for the entire performance. Since killings require harmony with other performers, the skill of adapting to your partner will help you in your acting.
There are various situations that require killing.
Killing is a common scene in period dramas and action movies, but it is actually not the only scene in which killing is required.
恋愛作品やファンタジー作品でも、ストーリーの中で殺陣のシーンが挿入されているケースがあります。緊張感を高めるためにアクション映画さながらの激しい戦闘シーンとなっているケースも珍しくありません。
Furthermore, in order to convey realistic intensity to the audience on stage, the art of sword fighting is very important. In these scenes, actors are expected to make the entire stage more attractive through the use of sword fights. In addition, since the fight is often inserted at the climax of the story, it is also a showcase for the actor.
Required for action actors?
If you want to become an action actor working in period dramas or action movies, killing techniques are a must. What is needed in action scenes is not martial arts skills, but powerful killing techniques and acting skills that draw in the audience.
Therefore, as you learn and gain experience in the art of killing, you will be able to perform more complex killings. Not only will you be able to play a variety of roles, but you can also expect to increase the length and frequency of your appearances.
This is directly related to expanding your career as an action actor. It is also important to have the skill to perform action scenes in a way that is powerful and realistic, yet safe. Through the killing techniques, students can learn the fundamentals of such acting skills.
What do you do in a killing class?
殺陣を学ぶための教室があるのをご存じですか?
The program is open to aspiring actors as well as the general public.
In the Killing Fighter class, students can learn the techniques of killing techniques step by step, from the basics to the advanced.
Courses for aspiring actors
The course is designed for aspiring actors, and instruction is designed to prepare students for acting in period dramas, movies, and TV dramas. The curriculum is designed to enable students to acquire practical skills in the art of sword fighting under the direct supervision of professional sword fight masters.
Emphasis is placed on scene-specific movements and timing, allowing students to hone skills that will be useful on the actual stage, in movies and dramas. Students are trained not only to simply perform the prescribed movements of a killing style, but also to be able to perform those movements while acting.
Courses for the general public
Courses for the general public focus on having fun and exercising while learning the basic techniques of sword fighting.
The purpose is to have fun and move the body, not to perform or show off. The exercise component is more about relieving stress from daily life and relieving lack of exercise.
There are classes for adults as well as some classes that offer courses for children.
Can killing be a self-defense technique?
Because of its use in combat scenes, one might expect it to be effective as a self-defense technique. It is sometimes expected to be effective as a self-defense technique.
However, killings are different from actual self-defense techniques that can be used because they are not self-defense or martial arts, but “enchanting” techniques and one of the most advanced acting techniques. Self-defense is a way to protect oneself in case of an emergency, such as passive defense, escape, and minimal attacks on the opponent, whereas in kill-jumping, everything is a calculated movement.
Therefore, it is not the case that being able to perform a sword fight is the same as being able to use it as a self-defense technique. It is important to keep in mind that the nature of a killing line is different from the nature of a self-defense technique.
summary
Killing is an acting technique designed to “charm” the audience.
It is widely used on stage, in movies and dramas. It is said that the origins of the killing technique lie in the “stand-up” style of kabuki, and it has become an indispensable element in modern action productions, including period dramas.
The action scenes in which the killings are assembled by professionals known as “killers” are scenes that bring out the charm of the work as well as the charm of the actors who are acting in it.
Killing techniques are therefore an important element for actors and aspiring actors. Improving your killing techniques will broaden your range as an actor and is very important in learning to act.
Killing classes also exist, and not only aspiring actors but also the general public can learn while having fun.
カメラとピアノが趣味のライターです。某有名バンドの大ファンで遠征がてら観光するのが好き…地方の工芸品や歴史にも興味があります。
自宅ではゴールデンレトリバーとインコ、猫に囲まれてコーヒーを片手に執筆しています。様々な角度から日本の魅力をお伝えします。