Rashomon (1950) [The Criterion Collection]

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Writers: Ryûnosuke Akutagawa (stories), Akira Kurosawa (screenplay)
Stars: Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori

A riveting psychological thriller that investigates the nature of truth and the meaning of justice, Rashomon is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. Four people give different accounts of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife, which director Akira Kurosawa presents with striking imagery and an ingenious use of flashbacks. This eloquent masterwork and international sensation revolutionized film language and introduced Japanese cinema – and a commanding new star by the name of Toshiro Mifune – to the Western world.



Audio Commentary: with Japanese film historian Donald Richie

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