Review of Rashomon (1950) by Stephen R — 09 Jul 2009

While Akira Kurosawa had made many great films before Rashomon, many critics would argue it was his first true masterpiece. The film has had a large influence on more recent pictures like Courage Under Fire and Hero.

The film is a big jigsaw puzzle as we try to figure what happened in the woods. What we know is that a man (Masayuki Mori) is dead, his wife (Machiko Kyo) goes missing for three days, and the bandit (Toshiro Mifuno) is involved. The story is told from all three perspectives (the dead guy through a medium), and someone who found the body and then later claims he saw what transpired. There are similarities in the stories though, the woman and the bandit had sex (but most say she was raped), at one point the woman was crying, and the husband was tied up.

Like most great Asian movies, the film is beautifully shot, even though I admit not to being the biggest fan of black and white. The acting is quite good throughout, though sometimes over the top and melodramatic, which is the biggest problem with this movie. If Rashomon came out today the film would be blasted for its over the top moments (bad crying, fake laughter, the 2nd swordfight), but most critics are willing to turn a blind eye because the film is a classic.

Nonetheless, aside from that complaint, the film is perfect. The film has a good score, it not overlong, and is poignant at the end. It could certainly be said I have a black and white and subtitle phobia, but the film is so good I overcame that problem quickly. If you're smart enough to find Rashomon and give it a chance,you will too.