Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi and written by Matsutarô Kawaguchi and Yoshikata Yoda, in 16th century Japan, peasants Genjuro and Tobei sell their earthenware pots to a group of soldiers in a nearby village, in defiance of a local sage’s warning against seeking to profit from warfare. Genjuro’s pursuit of both riches and the mysterious Lady Wakasa, as well as Tobei’s desire to become a samurai, run the risk of destroying both themselves and their wives, Miyagi and Ohama. Starring: Mitsuko Mito, Kinuyo Tanaka, Masayuki Mori, Eitarō Ozawa, Machiko Kyō, Kikue Mōri and Sugisaku Aoyama.
The opening of Ugetsu tells you absolutely everything you need to know about the style and tone that Kenji Mizoguchi is going for. He immediately brings in this big energy, the film has a bustling fervour and creates this surreal quality right off the bat. Something that serves Ugetsu well throughout, because Mizoguchi builds a balance in his atmosphere which blends the supernatural with the utterly grounded and harrowing. It’s a strange mix but his direction truly embraces the harsh reality while turning it into an adventure, and it’s an impressive achievement to do justice to both.
Considering that Ugetsu was made in the 1950s, it’s really interesting to see how it becomes a tale of how hardships often fall upon women. They are at the mercy of their husbands’ greed and desire, sending them astray while the wives are left to struggle as they continue to forge ahead. It’s almost difficult to believe that these women could be so resilient and yet you can be sure there’s many during that time in Japan that went through even worse. Matsutarô Kawaguchi and Yoshikata Yoda create a story that has a haunted quality in many different ways. It holds a deep sadness which digs its way into your subconscious, only to really hit hardest when the film reaches its end.
Part of why Mizoguchi can create such a unique balance is the quality of the performances. The amount of personality and energy that this leading quartet bring to Ugetsu is excellent. Masayuki Mori and Eitarō Ozawa bring notes of chaos and eyes bigger than their stomachs. However, behind their bravado and desire is a surprising vulnerability and love for their wives in spite of their flaws. Mitsuko Mito and Kinuyo Tanaka portray those wives with remarkable strength and commitment. Miyagi and Ohama are exceptional women, and their sacrifices are both the backbone of their families and of this story, giving such wonderful weight to its emotions. Adding in a bigger note of mystery is Machiko Kyō, her performance as Lady Wakasa is quietly maniacal yet has a curious brokenness to it.
Ugetsu is unexpectedly heart-breaking, it subtly layers its emotions into this surreal adventure. Kenji Mizoguchi creates an unusual blend of tones to really move through the highs and lows of this story. It’s filled with energy and never holds back which can feel strange at times but it’s very purposeful. The performances are superb, the atmosphere is enthralling and even for a film that’s been around for over seventy years, it’s a unique experience.
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