Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Rashomon

1950

Directed by Akira Kurosawa

In the annals of cinema history, few films have left as indelible a mark as Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon. This cinematic masterpiece, crafted in Heian-era Kyoto, unfurls a narrative as beguiling as it is profound. In the shelter of the Rashōmon city gate, a woodcutter and a priest, seeking refuge from a torrential downpour, embark on a tale of murder and moral turbulence that will haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll.

Rashomon is a cinematic labyrinth where the lines between truth and deceit blur, leaving the audience ensnared in a web of conflicting narratives. As the woodcutter and the priest share their accounts, we are thrust into the heart of a perplexing murder case. Their tales collide with that of a commoner, who adds yet another layer of complexity.

The film’s narrative brilliance lies in its examination of the frailty of human perception and memory. Each character’s testimony paints a vastly different picture of the same event, leaving us to ponder the elusive nature of truth itself. Are these accounts a testament to the inherently subjective nature of human perception? Or is there something more sinister at play?

The bandit Tajōmaru’s version of events is charged with raw intensity. His account unfolds as a savage duel for the heart and honor of a woman. The audacious act of seduction and a deadly duel bring to light the darkest facets of human desire and desperation. Yet, can we truly trust the words of a criminal? Is Tajōmaru’s account a reflection of his guilt or a mere self-serving narrative?

In a riveting twist, the wife’s testimony paints a contrasting canvas. Here, we witness the emotional turmoil that follows her assault. Her narrative is laden with tragedy and despair, highlighting the profound societal consequences of her actions. But is her version of events a tale of victimhood or a cunningly constructed facade to protect her honor?

Perhaps the most intriguing testimony comes from beyond the grave. The medium channels the samurai’s words, revealing an unexpected twist in the tale. His approval of Tajōmaru’s actions challenges our notions of honor and justice. But can a dead man truly tell the truth, or is this yet another layer of deception?

Amidst these convoluted accounts, the woodcutter emerges as the voice of reason. His assertion that all these stories are falsehoods raises a tantalizing question: is the truth even present within this labyrinth of tales? His shocking revelation about the murder weapon adds another layer of mystery, making us question everything we thought we knew.

The commoner, an outsider to the events, punctuates the narrative with his cynical perspective on human nature. His assertion that all individuals act out of self-interest forces us to confront the darker corners of our own souls. Is he the embodiment of our own cynicism, or does he hold the key to the ultimate truth?

The film’s climax, when the baby is discovered, is a beacon of hope amid the prevailing darkness. The woodcutter’s genuine intentions to raise the child reveal a flicker of humanity’s capacity for goodness. The priest’s wavering faith finds a foothold, hinting at the possibility of redemption even in the face of moral ambiguity.

Rashomon is not just a film; it’s an enigma that transcends time and culture. Kurosawa’s masterful storytelling and nuanced direction pull us into a world where truth is a slippery concept, and morality is a complex web. This cinematic treasure challenges us to grapple with our own perceptions, prejudices, and the enduring mysteries of human nature. As the clouds part, and the sun breaks through, we are left with more questions than answers, a testament to the enduring power of this timeless classic. Rashomon is a journey into the human soul, where shadows and light dance in eternal conflict.