Ugetsu
 

I just bought the Criterion DVD of "Ugetsu" ("Ugetsu Monogatari") by the sublime (& possibly sublimated) master Kenji Mizoguchi. Disc 1 is the movie itself, cleaned up & ready to roll; & Disc 2 is a doc on KM called "The Life of a Film Director." Plus they threw in a nice booklet sort of thing with an essay by Phillip Lopate & three short stories that influenced "Ugetsu."

After you are done watching "Riding Giants," rent this puppy & you will be in heaven.

I don't want to hear a single negative word about Mizoguchi in this forum, or I'll get very dangerous.

Who can say anything negative about Mizoguchi? He's the poet of a complex violent, truthful Japan potrayed through the shades and strengths of tradition and his way of talking about women in his society is breathtaking and so honest. "Ugetsu Monogatari" is a great one, but I still prefer "Saikaku Ichidai Onna".

Romy

I hope no one. I seek to validate the Great Man. Do you have Criterion discs for your region?

There are some Mizoguchi on dvd for Region 2, but not Criterion, I think, at least I've never seen them for this lost part of the world. Luckily I hacked my dvd player to make it region free to see LIB. :D. It seems Criterion produces a gem after another.

Romy

Romy, if I could get you some free Criterions for viewing, I would. Can you rent them?

I'm waiting for "Tales of Hoffmann" due November 22.

romy, nobody else has praised Mizoguchi with us. My heart has sunk, like the engulfed cathedral.

Thanks I appreciate it. :) As far as I know it's not possible to rent them here, but I'm making a list, and sooner or later I'll get them all. :nod:

Would you let us know how is it? I'm very curious about the extras on that.

He just needs to be seen more to find new fans. There aren't many chances to see his movies here, unless in festivals, or essai cinemas, I imagine it's the same in US.

Romy

I have only seen "Akasen chitai" ("Street of Shame"), which might have been his last film. I am sorry to say that I don't think I have seen any of the others - I thought I had seen "Ugetsu" in high shcool, but looking at the description, I am not sure. I just looked at the incredibly long list on IMDB, so I think I will add some to my Netflix list.