1. Give a brief outline of the plot (action) of the film.

The film is set in feudal Japan and revolves around a murder in a forest. The plot is structured as a series of flashbacks and testimonies from different characters, each providing their own version of events surrounding the crime. The perspectives offered by the witnesses are often contradictory, creating a complex and thought-provoking narrative. The core events revolve around a bandit (Tajomaru) who claims to have raped a woman (Masako) and killed her husband (Samurai). Through a medium, the spirit of the deceased samurai also gives his account. These testimonies paint different pictures of the same incident, with each character trying to justify their actions and present themselves more favorably.

2. What are the main symbols in the film, what do they represent?

​​The forest is a symbol of the unknown and the chaotic. It represents the human subconscious and the complexities of the human mind. The shifting shadows and tangled trees within the forest mirror the complexity and contradictory nature of the characters’ testimonies. It also serves as a metaphorical space where the characters confront their innermost desires, fears, and guilt.

The ruined gate serves as a metaphor for the decay of society and the erosion of truth. It represents the collapse of the feudal order and the breakdown of moral values. The gate also serves as a physical and metaphorical threshold between truth and falsehood, emphasizing the ambiguity and unreliability of the narratives presented in the film.

The abandoned baby found by the woodcutter near the Rashomon Gate symbolizes hope, innocence, and the possibility of redemption. It contrasts with the dark and cynical nature of the adults involved in the crime, suggesting that humanity’s potential for goodness and compassion can overcome its inherent flaws.

3. What are the main philosophical questions (ideas) being raised by the film? How are these themes still relevant today?

The film challenges the notion of objective truth and highlights the subjectivity of human perception and memory. Each character’s account of the same event differs significantly, demonstrating how personal biases, motives, and emotions can shape one’s understanding of reality. This raises questions about the nature of truth itself and how we accurately understand events, both in personal experiences and broader societal contexts.

Amidst the moral complexity and human flaws, the film also offers glimpses of redemption and hope. The woodcutter’s decision to take care of the abandoned baby at the film’s end symbolizes the potential for goodness and compassion to prevail in a world tainted by dishonesty and selfishness. This theme remains relevant as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is the potential for individuals to rise above their shortcomings and act with kindness and empathy.

4. How is the structure of the film important to the telling of this story?

The structure reinforces the philosophical questions raised by the film. The narrative technique mirrors the complexity of the film’s themes, encouraging contemplation on the nature of truth, the intricacies of human behavior, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. The film creates an air of mystery and ambiguity by presenting multiple versions of the same event. The uncertainty surrounding the truth keeps the audience intrigued and engaged, fostering an atmosphere of suspense and intellectual challenge. The flashbacks and retelling of events from different perspectives draw attention to the malleability of memory, inviting the audience to contemplate the reliability of their own recollections and perceptions.

5. Who’s story did you find most trustworthy and why? 

I thought the movie’s point was that truth is relative; there is no such thing as absolute truth. Even though the woodcutter has clearly lied, he still wants to do the right thing and care for the child.

6. Consider the final scene when the Priest chooses to hand the baby over to the Woodsman. What is Kurosawa trying to say with this gesture?

​​In the final scene of “Rashomon,” when the Priest chooses to hand the baby over to the Woodsman, Akira Kurosawa uses this gesture to convey a message of hope, redemption, and the potential for goodness in a morally ambiguous world. It reminds the audience that despite the flaws of human nature, acts of kindness and compassion can still emerge, giving rise to the potential for redemption and renewal in even the darkest times.

7. Rashomon is an adaptation of a short story written by Akutagawa, consider what elements are present in the film that enhance or diminish a story like this. Are there aspects to the story that might be better served on the page, why?

The short stories allow a deeper exploration of the character’s inner thoughts and emotions through their monologues. This aspect is less prominent in the film, as the focus shifts more towards the external portrayal of events and interactions. The internal complexities of the characters may be more vividly captured in the written form. The film’s actors bring depth and nuance to the characters, allowing for a more emotional and immersive experience. The non-verbal cues, expressions, and body language add complexity to the storytelling, making it easier for the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles. The power of the written word allows for a deeper exploration of internal thoughts, precise details, and individual imagination, providing a different but equally valuable experience compared to the film adaptation.