It's been over a decade since I've seen Rashomon, so I don't remember it well. But, one thing I've noticed about Kurosawa's films is that, although they may seem a little cliche nowadays, that's because tons of directors have been influenced by him and his works. But, even though there is usually a feeling of "we've seen this before", they're still super engaging. Seven Samurai, for example, is probably the fastest three hours you'll ever spend with a movie. It feels like it's half that. Circling back to Rashomon, it was really well done. You never really knew who to believe.
this post was submitted on 24 Jun 2023
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Yeah the problem with pioneers is that everyone copies them. Even still, I found Rashomon engaging on its own merits. It even felt kind of like a silent film at times despite all the dialogue and music--probably because of how it studied its faces. Not entirely sure my wife did, but she doesn't nerd out like me.
Seven Samurai and The Hidden Fortress are on my list for next to watch. I know Hidden Fortress influenced Star wars, so I'm excited for how many things feel old hat.
Listening to the four accountings in Rashomon made me feel like a reporter. There were convergences and divergences, but clearly they were responding to a real event. There's a story going on, and yet everyone is also all liars. I loved it.
Another fun comparison is to watch Seven Samurai, then watch The Magnificent Seven.
Oooh! I'll have to do that!
I adore Rashomon. It was the first time an unreliable narrator really clicked and made sense to me.
For more on Kurosawa's editing genius I liked Ever Frame a Painting's video on him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doaQC-S8de8