Often cited by critics as one of the greatest films ever made, Kenji Mizoguchi's UGETSU includes the director's signature theme of the women oppressed while adopting a broader philosophical perspective on human affairs. Set against the backdrop of the feudal wars of 16th-century Japan, the film stars Masayuki Mori as Genjurô, a potter living with his wife, Miyagi (Kinuyo Tanaka), in a small village. Aware that pottery is in demand, he makes the hazardous journey to the city in the hope of profiting there. His farmer brother, Tobei (Eitarô Ozawa), accompanies him, eager to provide a better life for his wife, Ohama (Mitsuko Mitu), by becoming a samurai. After the success of this trip, they become even more concerned with making money. But their village is suddenly attacked, forcing the two couples to flee by boat. Genjurô and Tobei go to the city of Omizo to sell their undamaged pottery, leaving their families behind to ensure their safety. Mizoguchi's meditation on themes of greed, ambition, love, and betrayal seamlessly weaves realistic and fantastic elements into a tapestry of smooth, elaborately choreographed tracking shots and stately, ascending crane shots while revealing both the folly and the suffering of humanity.

In Kenji Mizoguchi's UGETSU, two Japanese peasants leave their families to seek fame and fortune.

Director Kenji Mizoguchi converted to Buddhism shortly before making UGETSU.

DVD Features:

Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Mono - Hindi
Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Bonus Documentary:
1. KENJI MIZOGUCHI: THE LIFE FO A FILM DIRECTOR - dir. by Kaneto Shindo
2. TWO WORLD INTERTWINED - an appreciation of UGETSU by director Masahiro Shinoda
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Audio Commentary: Tony Rayns - filmmaker/critic/festival programmer
Interviews:
1. PROCESS AND PRODUCTION, Tokuzo Tanaka - 1st AD on UGETSU
2. Kazuo Miyagawa - Cinematographer
Additional Products:
Booklets - Booklet featuring original short stories on which the film is based

Machiko Kyô: Japanese Actress
Masayuki Mori: Japanese Actor/"Ugetsu"
Sakae Ozawa: Japanese Actor/Director
Kinuyo Tanaka: Japanese Actress/Director

Kenji Mizoguchi: Japanese Director

"UGETSU MONOGATARI intertwines two ghost stories into a shiveringly beautiful masterpiece whose pictorial accomplishment never distracts from its narrative and emotional core."
"...Mizoguchi's masterpiece....[The film] displays the fluid camerawork for which Mizoguchi is known..."
"...Kenji Mizoguchi's supernatural 16th-century war story became an instant classic..."