The First Japanese Trendsetter

It is an undeniable fact that Movies have a great impact in society than any other arena. More than nuclear discoveries and other technological innovations by the japanese, a man had turned the heads of many around the world with his  movie. Post-second world war, Japan had made headlines on 1952, for different reason. It was on that time when the protogonist of this blog made a blow with his movie ‘RASHOMON’. I’m talking none other than the Akira Kurosawa.

Kurosawa’s Film career range from working as an assistant director to being a successful director who revelutioned cinema in pre digital age. Though he hadn’t made an impact with his first 2 films, ‘RASHOMON’ came as a bolt from the blue. It is an evergreen movie, which would be used as a reference to all the viscom students. Kurosawa’s unique and heart breaking approach laid out new possibilities in film making. The screenplay format of ‘RASHOMON’ still adopted by all filmakers throughout the world.

During the 1950s, when rest of the world is bored of seeing movies based on war and love, who would have imagined this kind of movie? No one would have believed that a thriller movie based on a single incident, and which only involve a 10 characters would make such an effect and would be the frame of reference for the future filmmakers.

A simple murder incident, which involves a newly married husband and wife, a robber, a judge and three witnesses forms the crux of the story. The 4 witnesses narrate a story in their own way and every version is pictorically screened in a logic, believable way. At the end of the movie, the conclusion is left to the audience. It is our ‘headache’ to arrive at the conclusion. I’m sure after seeing the three versions narrated by the witnessess, we will think which version would be true and at last we will arrive at our own version. This movie is one such rare movie which nurtures our creativity and after seeing the movie I discovered the creator in me. 

So, I strongly believe that everyone should watch this movie compulsarily. This is not only for ardent movie fans..it is for everyone.. Can anyone of us forget the plot of Harry Potter, after reading the 7 parts? We still live with Ron and hermione right? This is one such movie which will stay in your heart irrespective of the time.

I still wonder how a film made with a black and white lighting, manual editing, and stereotypic camera managed to bring out an edge of the seat, emotional, world class thriller. I like to hear from everyone who’d been indulged in ‘RASHOMON”s ultimate movie experience……………..!