Director : Akira Kurosawa
Cast : Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura

The movie which introduced Japanese cinema to the world. The movie which introduced Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune to the west - Rashomon. Based on ancient Japan where Samurai's dwelled and women had no rights, Rashomon is actually a series of flashbacks. The movie starts with a woodcutter, a priest and a commoner discussing about something unusual that happened in the court that day. The Woodcutter was summoned to the court as a witness to the dead body of a Samurai. As, the movie progresses, it is clear that an infamous bandit killed the Samurai because of the lust of his beautiful wife. This particular crime though is recalled from four different point's of view. The bandit, the Samurai's wife, the dead Samurai
himself (With the help of black magic, entering the body of another human) and the
woodcutter who was an eyewitness to the entire murder scene. All four of them present completely different perspectives of the same murder and it is left to the audience to decide whose version may be true. But this movie does not stop at being a murder and crime mystery. It also takes a closer look at the human psychology and behavior in different situations and conditions.

The plot itself is very unique and engaging . Kurosawa has made this already interesting plot into an exceptional movie with his accurate and detailed direction. The Cinematography is also of the highest order which enhances the feel of the movie. Special credit goes to all the actors who had to shoot the same scenario four times but with different mindsets, expressions and dialogues. Among the actors, a special mention should go to Toshiro Mifune (Kurosawa'a favorite actor) who ruled the screen with his animalistic rage and passion. A very enriching movie experience which left me wanting for more of the great director. In my all-time favorite movie's list straightaway .

Rating : 9/10

• Written by Prakash.
• In category Movies.
• 14 years ago.

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