Marina Gibson 

Ren Peer Review 

ENGW 3314 
October 22, 2018 
 
 
Summary 
 
This essay is a review of the Wes Anderson work, Isle of Dogs, and how there is a clear 
Japanese influence that is present throughout the entirety of the film. There is a brief 
summary of the the film that helps introduce the topic to the reader then followed by a 
description of Anderson’s previous works that help showcase his unique style of filmmaking 
and directing. The second half of the essay, while still focusing on Anderson’s work, talks about 
traditional Asian influence on popular films as well the works and characteristics of Chinese 
and Japanese cultures that are the most prominent influences. 
 
Major Points 
 
The topic is very interesting and I love to see the comparison between Japanese works 
and Anderson’s side by side. I knew that there were strong influences, however seeing them 
together and having the connections explained brings on a whole new meaning. 
There are some grammatical errors throughout the paper, including missing articles 
(and, the, a, etc.) and some capitalization errors, however this doesn’t interfere with the flow of 
ideas in the paper. The paper reads well from the summary, to the further explanation and 
description of Anderson’s work, and finally showcasing how mainstream films try to do similar 
things with influence and Asian culture.  
It’d be interesting to see more information on the influences. For example, delving 
deeper into the concept of the “bento box” shot and how that came to be or talking more 
about Anderson’s particular influences. The writer mentions one influence, but it would be 
interesting to get quotes from an Anderson interview or to read more about his other 
influences and see if any of those are present in the reviewed film. 
At the bottom of the essay there is the question of adding controversial content and 
conceptual ideas. Adding controversial content may be too much for this paper seeing as how 
it’s more of a wholesome compliment towards Anderson’s work. Adding such content may 
change the overall tone of the essay and take away from light-hearted thought of influence 
without appropriation. Conceptual ideas on the other hand may be a great addition to the 
paper. It’d be interesting to read more about the history of Japanese film and art that migrated 
over to other cultures’ media and art.