Ugetsu 雨月物語 Kenji Mizoguchi A Film made during the Golden Age era of Japanese cinema. A ghost story under the genre of the Jidaigeki

Cinematography In Ugetsu Ugetsu uses some really interesting cinematography techniques. A camera movement that stands out is the various uses of lateral tracking shots, these play out like a traditional Japanese scroll painting as the audiences eyes scroll from one side to another. This technique is used to reveal information about a scene in a controlled paced way instead of just revealing everything instantly. An example of this is in the final sequence when Genjuro is at his wife’s grave and the camera tracks back. By tracking back Genjuro is made to look small and alone, however in the same movement his child is revealed to show he still has something to live for. These kind of techniques are used throughout the film, this shows that Mizoguchi believes that controlled visual exposition is of high importance.

Sound Traditional Japanese music throughout the film with no electronic music in comparison to the new wave films. The sound of flute and female vocals represent supernatural beings. For example, the wife in the end sequence and Lady Wakasa in the middle sequence Voice over of the wife, after her death, could be seen to show the acceptance of the husbands actions and her happiness of him returning.

Mise-En-Scene Very traditional Japanese peasant clothing in comparison to the kimono’s shows the power of wealth. Japanese architecture. Landscape shots in the final sequence with the rice paddy’s being connected shows the rebirth of Japan after wartime.

Narrative Multi-Strand Plot Linear Mini plot- Open Ending, Contains internal conflict between characters Multi protagonist Passive protagonist.

Representations Women- weak and unequal to men Village elder- Set out the ideologies of the film Samurai- Honorable yet materialistic Impact of war Class- status and social standing

Themes War Class Samurai Supernatural Greed Prostitution Redemption Family Japan- Everyday life Feudal Japan Selfishness Post War Guilt

M+V Good Wife Wise Mother Greed will create bad consequences Family is your greatest source of treasure War, What is it good for? The mistakes made by men results in the downfall of women

Reception Japan 1953 ‘after both men have returned chastened to their village, and are forgiven by their wives for the male weakness of blinding ambition’ - Roger Ebert

Personal Response Exquisite piece of art Resonates in the souls of it viewers Enjoyable Pretty Dope - Jorge Latter 2015