Rashomon : by Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa is considered to be one of the most revered filmmakers of all-time , 1950 flick , Rashomon is one such treasure.

The film revolves around an apparent murder and rape of a woman as narrated by 4 different witnesses which includes

-'the woman' ,

-'the bandit' ,

- 'the dead samurai' ,

- 'the woodcutter'.

The stories are mutually contradicting and is left for the audience to determine which one is infallible.

The woodcutter on a rainy day begins recounting the accounts of the witnesses , its a flashback within flashback.

All 4 stories seem plausible and at the end , I was bemused & benumbed from every possible argument stated by the three act tragedy!

Akira , the director brings to light the morality in today's milieu in the end credits and makes me sit up to the expression

'It's a selfish selfish world we live in' ....

The performances by the actors is exemplary in each version & you don't feel disconnected from the characterization in the face of Japanese turf.

The technical aspects leaves you spellbound for instance :

• Symbolic Lighting Usage
• Multiple Camera Angles
• Contrasting Shots

This film is one of many ... Take a bow to a masterclass 'technician' !

Rating : 5.0 / 5.0