Ugetsu 1953
Kenji Mizoguchi's *Ugetsu (1953)* weaves a haunting tale set in 16th-century Japan, where the pursuit of ambition collides with supernatural forces.
Director: Kenji Mizoguchi
Cast
Machiko Kyō
Lady Wakasa
Mitsuko Mito
Ohama
Kinuyo Tanaka
Miyagi
Masayuki Mori
Genjurô
Eitarō Ozawa
Tôbei
Sugisaku Aoyama
Old Priest
Mitsusaburō Ramon
Captain of Tamba Soldiers
Ryōsuke Kagawa
Village Master
Kichijirō Ueda
Shop Owner
Shōzō Nanbu
Shintô Priest
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ugetsu (1953) about?
*Ugetsu* follows two brothers-in-law in feudal Japan who abandon their peaceful lives for wealth and glory, only to face supernatural consequences. Genjuro, a potter, becomes obsessed with a mysterious noblewoman, while Tobei chases the life of a samurai, testing the limits of fate and morality. Their choices unravel the lives of their families in this visually stunning and thematically rich film.
Who directed Ugetsu?
The film was directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, a master of Japanese cinema known for his visually poetic and socially conscious storytelling.
Who stars in Ugetsu?
The film features Machiko Kyō as Lady Wakasa, Masayuki Mori as Genjuro, and Kinuyo Tanaka as Miyagi, with Mitsuko Mito and Eitarō Ozawa rounding out the principal cast.
Is Ugetsu (1953) worth watching?
Absolutely—*Ugetsu* is a cinematic treasure that blends fantasy, drama, and mystery into a mesmerizing experience. Mizoguchi's direction and the film's haunting atmosphere make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema. Its themes of ambition and consequence resonate deeply, ensuring its place as a timeless classic.
How long is Ugetsu?
The runtime of *Ugetsu* is 96 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Ugetsu (1953) — Kenji Mizoguchi's Haunting Fantasy-Drama Classic
Kenji Mizoguchi's *Ugetsu (1953)* weaves a haunting tale set in 16th-century Japan, where the pursuit of ambition collides with supernatural forces. Genjuro, a potter lured by the promise of wealth, and his brother-in-law Tobei, hungry for glory as a samurai, leave their wives behind to chase fleeting dreams. Their journeys unfold against a backdrop of war-torn villages and ghostly allure, as Genjuro encounters the enigmatic Lady Wakasa, testing the boundaries between desire and destruction. With lyrical visuals and profound themes of greed, fate, and the fragility of human connections, Mizoguchi crafts a masterpiece that lingers long after the final frame. Starring Machiko Kyō and Masayuki Mori, this fantasy-drama-mystery blends spiritual intrigue with raw emotional stakes, making it a timeless exploration of ambition's shadowy side.
A meditation on the cost of ambition, *Ugetsu* unfolds like a cautionary fable, where prosperity and power come at a price. The film's atmospheric tension—heightened by its eerie encounters and stark contrasts between earthly desires and otherworldly temptations—creates an unforgettable cinematic experience. As Genjuro and Tobei chase their dreams, their families face the consequences, revealing the delicate balance between dreams and reality in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
