Sansho the Bailiff
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi • 1954 • Japan
Starring Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanayagi, Kyoko Kagawa
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.
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Sansho the Bailiff
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi • 1954 • Japan
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 Japa...
Extras
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Ari Aster on SANSHO THE BAILIFF
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SANSHO THE BAILIFF Commentary
Recorded in 2007, this commentary features Japanese literature scholar Jeffrey Angles discussing the sources for and cultural elements of Kenji Mizoguchi’s cinematic adaptation SANSHO THE BAILIFF.
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Kyoko Kagawa on SANSHO THE BAILIFF
Legendary actress Kyoko Kagawa’s career spans more than fifty years and features work with some of Japan’s greatest directors, including Akira Kurosawa (HIGH AND LOW), Mikio Naruse (MOTHER), and Yasujiro Ozu (TOKYO STORY). In this interview recorded in 2007, she recalls her experiences making SAN...
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Tokuzo Tanaka on SANSHO THE BAILIFF
Tokuzo Tanaka was first assistant director on SANSHO THE BAILIFF, and in this 2007 interview, he offers a complex portrait of Kenji Mizoguchi, outlines the methods employed by the filmmaking team, and remembers the director’s surprising feelings about the film.
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Tadao Sato on SANSHO THE BAILIFF
Recorded in 2007, this appreciation of SANSHO THE BAILIFF features film critic and historian Tadao Sato illuminating the film’s themes, discussing its technical excellence, and celebrating its director, Kenji Mizoguchi.
