|
Ugetsu monogatari (1954)
Poetic and haunting, like a dream which constantly threatens to become a nightmare but remains enchanting and calm. Not directed but orchestrated by Kenji Mizoguchi, this is a story about cause and effect; each action has a reaction and everything happens not in the manner of stage drama but instead with a natural urgency, and even when the story becomes harsh and incredible I believed and understood that what was done was done, that life is what it is. The story is helped by gorgeous set design, luscious costumes and serene camerawork, all of which form a kind of trinity of visual delight. The actors play their part with enthusiasm but also, again, with the mindset that there is nobody watching them and they are just going about their lives. This honest storytelling allows the supernatural drama to seem totally plausable, and consequently we notice no limitations to the tale.
__________________
|