zoom_in Click to enlarge

Ugetsu

▲ ▼

description Ugetsu Overview

Ugetsu, released in 1953, is a Japanese film adapting Ueda Akinari’s tales. The narrative blends historical drama with supernatural elements, featuring characters involved in stories like “The House in the Thicket” and “The Lust of the White Serpent.” It utilizes jidaigeki conventions to explore themes within the framework of ghost stories.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

info Ugetsu Specifications

Country	Japan
Year	1953

help Ugetsu FAQ

Who directed the 1953 film Ugetsu?

Ugetsu was directed by the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi. Released in 1953, it is widely considered to be one of his greatest cinematic achievements. Mizoguchi was known for his masterful use of long takes and subtle, sweeping camera movements.

What stories is the movie Ugetsu based on?

The film's narrative is adapted from two supernatural tales found in Ueda Akinari's 1776 book, "Ugetsu Monogatari" (Tales of Moonlight and Rain). These specific stories are "The Lust of the White Serpent" and "The House in the Thicket." The film seamlessly blends these ghost stories with a historical backdrop of 16th-century civil wars.

Did Ugetsu win any major international film awards?

Yes, Ugetsu won the Silver Lion for Best Direction at the 1953 Venice Film Festival. This prestigious award was shared with Moulin Rouge director John Huston. The recognition at Venice helped introduce Japanese cinema to a massive global audience.

What is the meaning of the title "Ugetsu"?

The title translates literally to "Tales of a Pale and Mysterious Moon After the Rain." It perfectly reflects the film's melancholic and ethereal atmosphere, blending harsh earthly realities with ghostly apparitions. The moon imagery is frequently used throughout the film to highlight the supernatural elements.

swap_horiz

Looking for Ugetsu alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward