Cinema of the World

Review: DVD Authority
Story
In his district of control, the governor of Tango is beloved, known as a man of honor, respect, and fairness. In a world where power often goes hand in hand with corruption, he is a rare example of what a good man can do in office. He puts his people before himself, even if it means he faces dire consequences. When word comes down that he must send more men into battle, he refuses, as the farms are already understaffed. If he sends more men, it would have a terrible impact on his people and their land. While his decision is honorable, it is met with harsh punishment and he is forced into exile. Years later when his wife Tamaki (Kinoyu Tanaka) seeks to take her family and reunite the family, she has to travel a dangerous path. What seems to be kindness from a stranger turns out to be anything but, as the family is sold into slavery. A decade soon passes and the governor's son has forgotten the honor of his father, as he has become abusive and sadistic. Is there any hope left for this family to be one once again, or is there only darkness ahead for them all?

This movie is considered a masterpiece in some circles, but don't be surprised if you've never heard of Sansho the Bailiff. The film wasn't released in the United States until over a decade after its production and with no television broadcasts and a low profile home video release, it has remained quite hidden. But now Criterion has blown the lid off Sansho the Bailiff, doing the movie justice in this superb edition. Criterion has even included an eighty page booklet, which has two versions of the story that inspired the movie, which adds a lot to the presentation. As you'd expect from a beloved folktale foundation, the narrative here is strong and when combined with the well crafted visuals, the result is a film that really resonates. The emotions run high, but not because of melodrama, instead the characters are so well developed, we can't help but invest in them. I am a cynical person, but even I was hoping against hope for the resolution to be a positive one. Sansho the Bailiff is just a fantastic movie and one that holds up to multiple viewings, so I give Criterion's release a very high recommendation.





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http://www.filesonic.com/file/1457238371/Kenji Mizoguchi-Sanshô dayû (Sansho the Bailiff) (1954).idx

no pass