Sanshô dayû (1954)

 

In medieval Japan, a compassionate governor is sent into exile. His wife and children try to join him, but are separated, and the children grow up amid suffering and oppression.

Harrowing drama on a epic scale is told with skilled direction and beautiful cinematography.

Halliwell***: "A tough tale of oppression and injustice, sacrifice and redemption, told simply but with great skill, the beauty of its images alleviating some of the narrative's harshness, but not its power."

Maltin****: "Epic, poetic drama...Haunting, with stunning direction and cinematography..."