In a time of unceasing turmoil, as sixteenth-century Japan is ravaged by marauding bands of warriors, the ambitious and hard-working potter, Genjuro, and his aspiring samurai brother, Tobei, risk a dangerous trip to the bustling city to sell their wares, seeking quick profit. The two 16th century Japanese peasants venture from their homes in pursuit of dreams, resulting in fateful consequences. As Tobei abandons his wife to buy a samurai outfit and seek fame and fortune, while Genjuro becomes involved with a ghost woman.
The classic film ambition, family, and war that established Migozuchi's reputation outside of Japan. A marvellous mix of drama, comedy, action and supernatural events with nifty camera movement . Based on two stories by the 18th century writer Akinara Ueda (often described as the japanese Guy de Maupassant), dealing with two peasants in pursuit of dreams and encounter little more than their own hapless folly and a bit of the supernatural. Gorgeous cinematography in black and white, inspired by nihonga (traditional Japanese painting) and woodblock prints. ¨Ugetsu¨ was one of a handful of Japanese films to sweep up awards at European festivals in the early 50s. Its reputation as one of Migozuchi's finest works and a landmark of the Japanese art cinema has remained undented ever since. The filmmaker's unique stablishment of atmosphere by means of long shot, long takes, sublimely graceful and unobtrusives camera movement, is everywhere evident in his treatment of the legend of a potter who leaves his family to market his wares during the ravages of a civil war, and is taken in and seduced by a ghost princess.
This ravishingly composed, evocatively made motion picture was competently directed by Kenji Migozuchi. He is said to be the first major feminist film-maker, his films frequently reveal women's positions in Japanese society, he includes long takes, often held for the duration of the scene. Migozuchi is cited Marcel L'Herbier, Josef von Sternberg, William Wyler and John Ford as his influence. Migozuchi is one of the rare directors who has helmed over 100 films, including the following: ¨Street of shame, Princess Yang Kwei Fei, Shin Heike Monogatari, The crucified lovers, Sansho the bailiff, A Geisha, Life of Oharu, Utamaro and his five women, Ronin part 1 and 2, The story of the late Chrysanthemum, Osaka elegy, and Sisters of the Gion¨. Rating Ugetsu: 7.5/10. Better than average, well worth watching. The film will appeal to Japanese classic fans.
