May contain spoilers!!!
I'll be honest, this is the first Japanese film I've ever seen, but I'm hungry for more, particularly those directed by Kurosawa.
Rashomon is set in Medieval Japan, (exactly when is not stated, and irrelevant), and revolves around the murder of a nobleman and the rape of his wife. The story is related by four separate people, and is being discussed by three men sheltering at Rashomon Gate from torrential rain. The stories are told by the suspect, (a bandit), the murdered mans wife, a woodcutter, (a witness to the murder), and the dead man himself through a medium. Each story is different and all have reasons for lying. During the court scenes the judge is never seen, and the witnesses are facing the audience. Therefore the viewers themselves are the judge.
Key differences are in the fight scenes between the bandit and the nobleman; in the bandit's story they stage a skilled, heroic battle, whilst the woodcutter describes a shambolic fight where both men are weak and untalented.
Who is the killer? You decide.
Key to this film is the cinematography which distinguishes the film from mainstream Hollywood movies. The fight scenes seem long and drawn out due to a mostly static camera, with none of the modern fast editing associated with Hollywood action films. This does appear to slow the film down, but I don't feel that this is to its detriment. Those who have described the film as 'too long' should note that the running time is only around 85 minutes.
This film put Japanese cinema on the world map, and deservedly so. Kurosawa is without doubt the greatest Japanese director, and is often credited with 'auteur' status. I would personally agree despite the fact that I have only seen this one film, but in the course of my studies I will see more of his work.
I really enjoyed this film for its open ending which leaves so much to individual interpretation. The ending is more optimistic, marked by the ceasation of the metaphorical rain that had set the mood of the film up to this point. Cultural differences must be overlooked, and it must also be remembered that this film is now over half a century old, as it should not be judged by its dated appearance.
I hope people enjoy this film, and look deeper than its surface. There is a lot to be found.
9/10
I'll be honest, this is the first Japanese film I've ever seen, but I'm hungry for more, particularly those directed by Kurosawa.
Rashomon is set in Medieval Japan, (exactly when is not stated, and irrelevant), and revolves around the murder of a nobleman and the rape of his wife. The story is related by four separate people, and is being discussed by three men sheltering at Rashomon Gate from torrential rain. The stories are told by the suspect, (a bandit), the murdered mans wife, a woodcutter, (a witness to the murder), and the dead man himself through a medium. Each story is different and all have reasons for lying. During the court scenes the judge is never seen, and the witnesses are facing the audience. Therefore the viewers themselves are the judge.
Key differences are in the fight scenes between the bandit and the nobleman; in the bandit's story they stage a skilled, heroic battle, whilst the woodcutter describes a shambolic fight where both men are weak and untalented.
Who is the killer? You decide.
Key to this film is the cinematography which distinguishes the film from mainstream Hollywood movies. The fight scenes seem long and drawn out due to a mostly static camera, with none of the modern fast editing associated with Hollywood action films. This does appear to slow the film down, but I don't feel that this is to its detriment. Those who have described the film as 'too long' should note that the running time is only around 85 minutes.
This film put Japanese cinema on the world map, and deservedly so. Kurosawa is without doubt the greatest Japanese director, and is often credited with 'auteur' status. I would personally agree despite the fact that I have only seen this one film, but in the course of my studies I will see more of his work.
I really enjoyed this film for its open ending which leaves so much to individual interpretation. The ending is more optimistic, marked by the ceasation of the metaphorical rain that had set the mood of the film up to this point. Cultural differences must be overlooked, and it must also be remembered that this film is now over half a century old, as it should not be judged by its dated appearance.
I hope people enjoy this film, and look deeper than its surface. There is a lot to be found.
9/10