Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese film, directed by Akira Kurosawa. It is based on two tales; In a grove, which provides for the plot and characters, Rashomon which creates the setting. The film is about a priest and a woodcutter who are standing under a gate to protect themselves from the heavy rain that is pouring. They are later joined by a commoner, they explain to him a scene they have witnessed in the forest. This article will describe the film using some questions offered by the professor.
Humans are not able to be truthful with themselves of their real nature; they cannot describe themselves without adding fictitious details so as to make them look great Criterion.com (par. 14). This film uses flashbacks that as we watch it, we assume it reflects the truth, but the flashbacks actually show each of the witnesses point of view. The flashbacks may not be true as they all try to protect themselves, or rather for their own advantage. In the film, the bandit tells of his story, that he tied the samurai to a tree and went to get his wife, tries to rape her, but she fights back. She later submits but says she has to kill them both so that she cannot live with the guilt of knowing two men are aware of her dishonor. He frees the man and a fight breaks lose, which leads to the killing of the man. This story is contrary to that of the priest and also it does not explain the source of the dagger present at the scene.
The characters in the film are the best as they use facial expressions and gestures successfully to communicate throughout the movie; this increases the acting style of the actors. The two things that we can learn from the Japanese society is the way they talk; they talk almost exactly like we do. The other thing that can be learnt is their style of fighting; it is very unique and skillful.
The film’s ending was perfect as we see the commoner who, was all along listening to everyone’s story, discovers the truth and smiles. This smile concludes the whole point of the film; that all men are selfish and they always think of themselves. However, this film should not be watched in a classroom because it depicts some form of violence and lies that may disturb most students. Furthermore, it is a silent movie which does not agree with the environment in school as there may be distraction; whereas the movie needs more concentration so as to understand the plot.
Work Cited
Akira Kurosawa on Rashomon - From the current. (2002, 02 25). Retrieved 03 05, 2014, from The Criterion Collection: http://www.criterion.com/current/post/196-akira-kurosawa-on-rashomon
