Rashomon
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“But is there anyone who's really good?”
Overview
A riveting psychological thriller that investigates the nature of truth and the meaning of justice, Rashomon is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. Four people give different accounts of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife, which director Kurosawa presents with striking imagery and an ingenious use of flashbacks. This eloquent masterwork and international sensation revolutionised film language and introduced Japanese cinema—and a commanding new star by the name of Toshiro Mifune—to the Western world.
Why See This Film
The film that spawned its own narrative device, Rashomon is no doubt one of the most influential films of all time. It was the first of what would be eight collaborations between Kurosawa and screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto, who adapted two short stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagaw to create this fascinating exploration of memory. Legendary cinematographer (and Mizoguchi regular) Kazuo Miyagawa reflects the mystery and moral turpitude with striking use of shadows, sunlight and abstract illusions, as Kurosawa's soaring camera captures moments of kinesthetic fluidity.
Required Viewing
This film screens as part of our Required Viewing series: a course of must-see masterpieces from some of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
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