This is one that I had heard a lot about during my theatre school days, but I never got around to watching.

Just a few thoughts as I reflect on the movie:

-What happened to dialogue where every single character was a philosopher? I know it’s not realistic, but how refreshing that even these bandits under a broken temple gate are all reflecting on the nature of man

-The score! And the notable ABSENCE of the score during the fourth retelling of the story made the fight actually hysterical

-We need more dead men to testify via mediums in court

-I haven’t seen any other Kurosawa films but this guy clearly knows how to frame a face. The faces of these people are the whole film and they make it extraordinary

-I think Tajomura took the laugh from the woman. Assuming the fourth retelling is the most accurate (which the narrative admits it also lies), the great bandit didn’t laugh like he did in the court scene.

-The baby at the end: a perpetual symbol of humanity’s second chance at living an honest, selfless life? Not quite sure what to do with the ending, which is something I love in all narratives.

I’ve been watching a lot of Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks movies because of my kid, so I was grateful to watch a film of real magnitude with RASHOMON. What are y’all’s thoughts on the film? How has it made an impact on you?