Sunday, June 26, 2016

Ugetsu Movie Review

Ugetsu (1953)
Rent Ugetsu on Amazon Video (paid link)
Written by: Matsutarō Kawaguchi (adaptation), Hisakazu Tsuji (idea), Akinari Ueda (stories), Yoshikata Yoda (screenplay
Directed by: Kenji Mizoguchi
Starring: Masayuki Mori, Machiko Kyo, Kinuyo Tanaka
Rated: --
Watch the trailer

Plot
Stories of love, war, ambition, and family intertwine, set during Japan's civil wars.

Verdict
I love the story in Ugetsu. Two men so focused on their own goals, despite the civil war surrounding them, lose what should be the most important to them, their families. The moral tale is clear, chasing money or fame ends in ruin.
Watch it.

Review
Genjuro is a successful potter while his neighbor Tobei wants to be a samurai. They both go to a nearby town, and while Genjuro is successful selling his wares, Tobei is rejected as a samurai.
Ugetsu
Ugetsu - A strong, haunting story.

When an army raid their village, Genjuro's only concern is his kiln and making more money. Both men are focused on achieving their goals of money and fame. They leave their wives behind, claiming it's for their safety, when it's really just selfishness. Tobei helps Genjuro sell pottery and buys armor with his money. Both men experience success, but it's short lived. They realize their victories are mere illusions when they pasts confront them.

The leads both got what they want and soon realize it's unfulfilling. This is an impressive movie to be from 1953. The story doesn't feel dated, though it's very much a cautionary moral tale. Fame and fortune alone didn't corrupt these men. The problem was that their desire was so strong, their families didn't matter. It's a heartbreaking conclusion that I don't want to spoil. Neither men can undo what's been done, and they only have themselves to blame.

No comments :

Post a Comment

Blogger Widget