Rashomon

Rashomon is a Japanese period drama. Taking place in feudal Japan it tells the story of four peoples conflicting recollections of a rape and murder.

  Director Akira Kurosawa beautifully weaves this tragic tale. The story is told through a framing device of three men talking at the city gate. These men are used as impartial observers to the events the narrative centers around. Kurosawa creates multiple unreliable narrators each with their own distinct version of the event. This allows him to imagine four separate flashbacks each directed in a different tone and style.    

Rashomon is a thrilling period drama. Kurosawa masterfully builds suspense and anticipation as you await the truth of what really happened. The film is a visceral study in subjectivity and self-truth. It shows how we’re all the heroes of our own story.

5 out of 5 stars

1950 Not Rated, 1h 28m