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Join us for our weekly Sunday 1 p.m. matinee screening series with director Kenji Mizoguchi’s mesmerizing “Sansho the Bailiff,” in 2K digital projection.
SANSHO THE BAILIFF | 1954 | DIRECTOR: Kenzi Mizoguchi | WITH: Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanajagi, Kyoko Kagawaya | RUNNING TIME: 2H 4M | UNRATED contains brief violence and adult themes | PROJECTED IN 2K DCP
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 traders. 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.
“Sometimes it is difficult to say exactly why a story strikes us with such power. In the case of “Sansho the Bailiff,” it may be the unrelieved tragedy that strikes this good family for no good reason. They are not destroyed instantly, in a natural cataclysm, but separated for long years to know and experience their fates.
“That gives us time enough to know and believe the depth of Sansho’s cruelty. Some humans are born without kindness or mercy, and do with pleasure what others could not do at all.” — Roger Ebert
The screening will be introduced by Bill Cosford Cinema manager Rene Rodriguez. Tickets are $5 and available at link above. Students use code UMSTUDENT at checkout for free admission. Cane card must be shown at the door.
