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Rashomon (1950)
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There is no Absolute Truth
Look at any trial. Attorneys for both sides present their version of the truth. Witnesses line up on either team and "testify" as to the "truth." How can there be so many versions of the truth? Truth may be in the eye of the beholder, but 99 times out of 100, it's not the real truth.
"Roshomon," by the incredible Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa ("The Seven Samurai,"), deals with three people stranded at Roshomon during an intense rain storm. They are: a woodcutter (Takashi Shimura), a priest (Minoru Chiaki), and a nomad (Kichijiro Ueda). The woodcutter is ravaged due to a murder trial he witnessed, and proceeds to tell them everything that occurred for the duration of the storm.
We hear four versions of a murder and we are left to believe that none of the versions are correct. The truth really lies in a composite of the four; but what pieces should be left out? Of course, there is some really great samurai action throughout.
This movie never explains what happens. This film presents us the facts, but allows the viewer to debate over it.
It is no wonder to why it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. "Rashomon" is after all a fable of man's inability to tell the truth, and one of those films which you discuss and rack through your mind over and over again, looking for the truth.
I know the ultra right will be upset with me, but this film is a perfect illustration that all truth is relative. There are no absolutes.
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 | Lisa
Mar 29, 2007 5:19 PM
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| Love it, love it, love it. |
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