Rashomon, is a psychological thriller, a crime story, a phenomenon, a trendsetter and a timeless masterpiece. It is and will continue be discussed analyzed, dissected and imitated for decades to come. It is a movie that questions the morality of humanity itself, and looks into the human soul for answers. The Japanese film would become the standard for movies, that will imitate its style in narration. Such movies would be said to have the Rashomon Effect. Rashomon would also be one of the inspirations, that led to the creation of movies, that Roger Ebert would call, Hyperlink-movies
Enough said. What does it mean, anyway. Rashomon is the name of an ancient gate, built to separate two Japanese cities. The plot begins on a stormy day, when a woodcutter and a priest sit under this gate, contemplating the happenings in a courthouse earlier that day.The woodcutter and the priest were both witnesses in a case about a gruesome murder that had been committed, a few days earlier. A commoner joins them and they recount the facts of the case.
The facts are as follows:
- The priest had testified that he saw a Samurai warrior and his wife walk into a forest earlier that day.
- The woodcutter, who wandered through the same forest, testified that he found, what appeared to be a badly mutilated corpse of a Samurai in the forest. He would also find other objects, like the Samurai’s hat and rope near the corpse. He was the first person, to report the crime.
- The Samurai’s wife sought refuge in a temple later that day.
- Tajōmaru, a feared and ruthless bandit, was brought before the court. An individual who found the feared bandit in a state of exhaustion, apprehended him, bound him with a rope, and brought him to the authorities that day.
The stories of these three characters, the Samurai, the wife and the bandit about the day’s happenings contradict each other. The dead Samurai’s version of events is made available through a medium. The stories are presented to the viewer as flashbacks. This aspect of storytelling became a trendsetter for many other movie-makers around the world.
The bandit first makes his brazen confession, with no fear of punishment. He claims that after spotting the Samurai and his wife traveling through the forest, he tricked the Samurai by claiming that he had weapons to sell and bound the Samurai securely with ropes. He then proceeded to assault the woman.
After the incident, the woman told the two men, according to the bandit, that they should duel and that she would accept the winner has her man. The bandit freed the Samurai, handed the latter a sword and a fierce sword fight ensued. The Samurai was a skilled swordsman, but the bandit prevailed and killed him. The woman who was shocked to see her husband killed before her eyes, escaped into the forest. In modern terms, the bandit was trying to project his brand, which was that he was ruthless, remorseless killer and rapist who did not value human life or dignity. The commoner who listens to the story, seems to have the bandit ‘pegged’ and claims that the bandit is weak and in effect hiding his insecurities.
Next, the woman would narrate her version of events. She would claim that after the bandit committed his dastardly deed, she accosted her husband. The Samurai simply gazed at her with disdain, as if she was responsible for what had transpired. She fainted, shocked by her husband’s reaction. When she awoke, she saw her husband lying dead, having stabbed himself, unable to bear the humiliation, he suffered. The three men discussing the events, dismiss her story as improbable, and that she was using her tears to elicit sympathy
The dead Samurai would narrate his story next, through a medium, who can channel his spirit. He would claim that after the assault, his wife asked the bandit to take her as his woman. When the bandit agreed, she asked him to kill the Samurai, as only one man who had touched her, could be alive on earth. The bandit refused to obey her and freed the Samurai. The Samurai, who felt humiliated, stabbed himself in shame. The three men agree that the Samurai was trying to project his ‘brand’ as a man of honor.
It is soon revealed, that there was a silent observer to the events in question. His version would greatly differ from the earlier versions. He would claim that neither the Samurai nor the bandit were as brave as they claimed and that the woman was not that innocent either. The witness, who initially kept this truth to himself, has his own motivations to do so.
The priest who has listened to all the narrations, feels sad that neither nobility nor morality exist in humanity. Can something happen that change his mind? The rest of the movie answers these questions.
If you thought that black and white photography was inadequate, to film nature’s beauty, Rashomon’s camera work will prove you wrong. One particular scene, where the woodcutter briskly walks through the woods is an absolute work of art. We see leaves, trees and bushes from a multitude of angles and many shades of gray, white and black. This scene is truly a treat for the eyes. The stellar cast gives a scintillating performance that enhance the quality of the movie.
The movie’s director, the legend, Akira Kurisawa who was known for other gems like Seven Samurai, Drunken Angel and Sanshiro Sugata would go on to achieve worldwide critical acclaim.
One question I asked myself is :Is Rashomon a film noir movie?
It certainly has some elements of Noir. There is a crime. There is an investigation. There is a Femme Fatal (depending on which character tells the story). The plot is certainly one of gloom. In the strict sense, the movie is not a film noir. It is a period film, set in japan which unfolds in the light of day.
Rashomon was a movie well ahead of its time, in story, cinematography and screenplay. The message it conveys is timeless. It will be cherished for years to come. It is a must see for all viewers.
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyō, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura, Minoru Chiaki
Quote:
“The demon who lived in Rashomon fled in fear on man.”
Bay Area Bloke 