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When an idealistic governor disobeys the reigning feudal lord, he is cast into exile, his wife and children left to fend for themselves and eventually wrenched apart by vicious slave drivers. Under Kenji Mizoguchi's dazzling direction, this classic Japanese story became one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, a monumental, empathetic expression of human resilience in the face of evil.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
This is one of the most beautiful and heart-breaking films I've ever seen.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend the poor quality Homevision videotape. Luckily, there's a very good quality DVD of Sansho put out by Films Sans Frontieres, which you can buy from several vendors: XploitedCinema, DVDalliance, films-sans-frontieres, etc. You will need a multi-region DVD player to watch it.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend the poor quality Homevision videotape. Luckily, there's a very good quality DVD of Sansho put out by Films Sans Frontieres, which you can buy from several vendors: XploitedCinema, DVDalliance, films-sans-frontieres, etc. You will need a multi-region DVD player to watch it.
Format:VHS Tape
There is much praise heaped upon Mizoguchi Kenji's "Sansho the Bailiff," including the box cover calling it "one of the finest films ever made." I probably wouldn't go that far, but it is an excellent movie ranking amongst the best of the genre, standing tall with Kurosawa Akira films such as "Red Beard." It is very heavy, with a strong message.
Like Kurosawa, social responsibility is a strong theme in Mizoguchi's works. In "Sansho the Bailiff," we see a blending of the social classes, as an honest aristocrat is exiled, his wife sold to a brothel and his children made slaves, all because the aristocrat believed peasants deserved happiness as well, and that the aristocratic class had responsibilities to the peasants. Mixed together, you see cruelty and mercy amongst both classes, from the tyrannical Sansho and his friendly son Taro, or the martyred slave Namiji and the cruel Zushio willing to brand another slave on the head with a hot iron.
To this there is the message of mercy. "Be hard on yourself, but merciful to others" is the mantra passed from parent to child. A sacred image of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, is a family heirloom, passed down from generations as a reminder.
As in all Mizoguchi's films, it is ultimately the women who suffer, bearing the sins of men on their capable shoulders. Mizoguchi is considered a feminist in Japan, although the standards are different and most Americans would probably not consider "Sansho the Bailiff" a feminist film.
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
I concur with other reviewers. This is one of the finest, most heartbreaking films ever made (the final scene of the mother and son on the beach, with the camera then pulling away to show their utter isolation and insignificance, is unforgettable in its intensity).
Why is there no option to ask for a DVD release? Why are none of Mizoguchi's films available on DVD (other than his 47 Ronin)?
Why is there no option to ask for a DVD release? Why are none of Mizoguchi's films available on DVD (other than his 47 Ronin)?
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4.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mizoguchi's masterpiece
This is certainly one of the greatest works in cinema history - an overwhelmingly moving story, exquisitely filmed. Read more
Published on Nov 2 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
A extraordinary masterpiece film
I saw this movie without any prior information about it and I became very impressed about all the camera work. It is really magnificent. Read more
Published on July 4 2002 by Luis Mendonca Carvalho
5.0 out of 5 stars
powerful film-making
If you are looking for light entertainment, this is not the movie to get. But if you want a film that gives a powerful portrayal of human suffering and the quest for justice, then... Read more
Published on Jun 24 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
DVD request
Second the motion to get this available in DVD.
Why is there no option for that? Most movies which are available on VHS only have a DVD link where a user can request to be... Read more
Published on Jan 29 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
DVD request
Second the motion to get this available in DVD.
Why is there no option for that? Most movies which are available on VHS only have a DVD link where a user can request to be... Read more
Published on Jan 29 2002 by KillerChihuahua
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD, please.
I've been a customer of Amazon for 6 years now, and this is my first-ever review. But I would refrain from commenting in detail on the quality of this work of art because it would... Read more
Published on Jan 22 2002 by H. Cha
5.0 out of 5 stars
visually rich!
aside from the well-crafted story what i most appreciate about this feature is the way the visuals appear as paintings in motion. Read more
Published on April 21 2000 by Dennis Sebastian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Movie of the Year, 1961
Just as a point of interest, Sansho the Bailiff (Sansho Dayu) was voted movie of the year by the Cahiers du Cinema in 1961. Read more
Published on Dec 22 1999 by Stuart Hazlewood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Greatest
The fellow from Brazil may resort to hyperbole; but if any film could cause that to happen, this would be it. Read more
Published on Sep 2 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
ONE THE BEST TEN MOVIES EVER MADE
Kenji Mizoguchi, unlike his country fellow Akira Kurosawa, did not make movies about Bushi (Warriors). His world is the world of the poor peasants, fallen women and so on. Read more
Published on Jun 22 1999
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