Ugetsu

Ugetsu (1953)

Runtime: 96 minutes

Directed by: Kenji Mizoguchi

Starring: Masayuki Mori, Michiko Kyo, Kinuyo Tanaka, Mitsuko Mito, Eitaro Ozawa

From: Daiei

This was my introduction to Criterion 24/7. To clarify, the Criterion Channel just created on their platform a streaming channel of their movies. Like the three channels in the Shudder app, the viewer doesn’t know what films will be playing next. Unlike the Shudder app, the channel does not identify the movie playing—instead you have to literally visit an incredibly basic website which tells you the movie. Utterly baffling, not to mention counter-productive for a number of reasons. Regardless, yesterday evening I saw that they played Parker Posey’s Party Girl and the movie before this was Cronos, so there’s variety. I left the channel on as Cronos was deep in the final act. After the credits ended and this film began, it made sense for me to finally see this highly-regarded picture.

The film: in 16th century Japan, two dumb men prove how foolish they are. Both have wives and one, a child in addition. In the turmoil of civil war, one goes to the city due to greed & wanting to sell his pottery while the other wishes to be a samurai despite possessing no qualities or talents for such a role. Both men find success (at least at first) while bad things happen to the women, including yes, sexual assault; as this was a parable, there are lessons for them to learn.

Before last night I did not know much of Kenji Mizoguchi; via research, I now realize he was seen by an elder statesman in Japanese cinema (including by Kurosawa)--he did a swell job with Ugetsu between the sweeping camera movements and the long takes. Credit should go to cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa… and also the musical contributions of Fumio Hayasaka. Mr. Hayasaka created a sometimes haunting and sometimes peculiar but always quality score that fit the footage.

Why the score possesses haunting moments won’t be revealed here. The movie is a parable which may seem simple on the surface but there’s plenty of depth if you ponder the events in your mind. Not only was I happen to talk of a new feature on one of the streaming services I consistently have subscribed to for a few years now, but talk about great World Cinema. As I've noticed they have also played The Color of Pomegranates & Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, the channel will have strong variety... which makes me happy.