282. Sansho Dayu

Sansho Dayu
Sansho The Bailiff
1954
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

In this entry of the book, the writer informed me that if I am not crying at the end of this movie, there is a hole in my soul.  Scarily enough, I did not cry, though it did make me sad.  I am not a huge crier; maybe three or four movies on the list have made me cry.  Anyway, I urge you to watch this film and take the soul test; maybe you won't fail like I did.

Japanese cinema is always rather depressing but it is so beautiful that I am always eager to watch it.  This story is no exception.  The story centers on a kind man who is sent into exile.  His wife and children then try to join him but for various reasons are separated.  Hilarity, surprisingly enough, does not ensue.

Like I said, this is a very beautiful film, albeit an intensely sad one.  I love how in Japanese movies you can have very depressing movies without seeming sentimental (here's looking at you Umberto D.).  My one complaint is that the action dragged on a bit slowly, but I suppose that was so you would become more invested in the characters, so all is forgiven.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Mizoguchi let the composer do the music alone.

The story was originally going to center on Sansho but ended up evolving into a story that followed Zushio's and Anju's characters.

266. Ugetsu Monogatari

Ugetsu Monogatari
Tales of Ugetsu
1953
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

I think if you have been reading this blog regularly, you can gather that I am a fan of Japanese cinema, mostly because I cannot shut up about it sometimes.  Okay, all the time.

That being said, this one fell a little short of my expectations.  That is not necessarily the film's fault, since my expectations are ridiculously high at this point.

This movie is about…what is this movie about?  I had a really hard time following it, to be honest.  I guess it is about two men and their wives; one of the men wants to be a samurai (who doesn't?) and the other wants to be a potter.  Or he already is a potter and just wants to be a better one?  The wives and men get separated.  While the wives are met with horrible fates, one of the men marries a ghost.

I just confused myself even more writing that paragraph.  So obviously, I find the plot a bit confounding.  Still, this film is very interesting.  First, the movie uses the supernatural like I have never seen it before.  Nowadays, if there is a movie about ghosts or phantoms, it is most likely a low budget horror film.  However, this movie used the supernatural as something entrancing and sad.

This is also one of the major films that brought attention to Japanese cinema.  So check it out, though you may require flowcharts.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Also translates to Tales of the Moon and Rain.

Referenced in 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her and Gossip Girl.

120. Zangiku Monogatari

Zangiku Monogatari
The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums
1939
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

It seems to be a universally acknowledged truth that the subtitles for this movie are awful.  I actually didn't think mine were too bad, but I don't speak Japanese so I am not exactly an expert.

Anyway, this film was a total snore.  It is two and half hours long which is pushing it even for a good movie.  The plot centers on a whiny couple who both go above and beyond to make their lives difficult.  The woman is a wet nurse who gets fired because of her love for her employer's son.  He is trying to make it as an actor and she attempts to help him.  Goodness, I am getting bored just explaining it!

This is a rare film that you won't hear too much about but the directing is supposedly sublime.  I was only mildly impressed and was pleased when the film was over.  So there!

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

No trivia on Wikipedia or IMDb.  It is just a really boring film, take my word for it.  Have I ever steered you wrong?

Can we all agree that "chrysanthemum'' is one of the worst words ever?

Random scene I saw was available on YouTube: