#386: MIZOGUCHI, Kenji: Sansho The Bailiff (1954)

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MIZOGUCHI, Kenji (Japan)
Sansho The Bailiff [1954]
Spine #386
DVD


When an idealistic governor disobeys the reigning feudal lord, he is cast into exile, his wife and children left to fend for themselves and eventually wrenched apart by vicious slave traders. Under Kenji Mizoguchi's dazzling direction, this classic Japanese story became one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, a monumental, empathetic expression of human resilience in the face of evil.

124 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in Japanese
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2007
Director/Writers


From the story Sansho Dayu as told by Ogai Mori.
Screenplay by Fuji Yahiro and Yoshikata Yoda.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eighty-four page booklet featuring an essay by Mark Le Fanu, and the stories Sansho the Steward by Mori, and An Account of the Life of the Deity of Mount Iwaki.

Commentary

By Japanese-literature professor Jeffrey Angles.

Video interviews

With critic Tadao Sato, assistant director Tokuzō Tanaka, and legendary actress Kagawa on the making of the film and its lasting importance.
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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