Review of Rashomon (1950) by Anonymous User — 18 Nov 2008

It took me about 7 different sittings to get through what is without a doubt one of Akira Kurosawa's shortest films (and his American breakthrough), but it's not really the movie's fault. In fact, it's probably the best Kurosawa picture I've seen at this point. I know I gave Yojimbo a 4.5, but I thought this was much more entertaining.

Essentially a meditation on the human ego, Rashomon is told entirely in character's perspectives and flashbacks. It's a 88 minute "he said, she said" story. The multiple flashback narratives are done in a very un-distracting kind of way. The plot goes a bit into the hokey side, but it's saved by an excellent cast (Mifune can't do no wrong) and solid cinematography.