Kinuyo Tanaka,
Kyoko Kagawa,
Eitaro Shindo,
Yoshiaki Hanayagi,
Ichiro Sugai
... see more 
Kenji Mizoguchi's masterpiece opens in 11th-century Japan with an aristocratic woman Tamaki traveling through the woods with her daughter Anju, son Zushio, and maid. Through flashbacks, we learn that ... read more
DVD Release Date: May 13, 1997
Stats: 264 reviews
A really beautiful, simple movie. Not my absolute favorite Mizoguchi but still freaking great. Brilliant acting and stunningly rich black and white cinematography. Set in the Heian period, during 11th century, well before most Japanese historical dramas.
Kenji Mizoguchi's 1954 film "Sansho the Bailiff" is positively Dickensian in it's measure of human suffering, although it is apparently an old japanese fable about the virtues of mercy and compassion. When the governor of a province refuses to crack down and execute some protest... read more
Sure it is a simple "folky" tale...and sure some of acting is a bit over the top at times (looking at you Zushio) but Mizoguchi tells (and shoots) it in a way that you can not help but enjoy.
Orson Welles once said that Kenji Mizoguchi cannot be praised enough. After viewing Sansho the Bailiff I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree.
devastating tale of a nobleman's family sold into slavery in ancient japan. beautifully filmed and full of grief
Another great movie from early Japan. This is part of the Criterian collection and I can see why. Worth near 5 stars in any collection
Really grim and depressing, but also beautifully done. It'll most likely fall into that "only need to see it once in my entire lifetime" category for me, but I'm still glad I saw it.
this film was pretty good. the story was depressing and one thing that the main character does at the end doesnt make a lot of sense, but the film was well acted and the story well told. all i kept thinking through the whole film was "wow, what a terrible way to spend a life"
[font=Century Gothic]"Sansho the Bailiff" takes place in 11th century Japan. Lord Taira is sent into exile when he defies his superior by defending his peasants from being unfairly conscripted into the army. Six years later, his wife and children are on their way to join him wh... read more
Sansho the Bailiff is a brutally heart wrenching film about a family torn apart and sold into slavery despite their wealth and family name. The film explores themes of redemption and acceptance as well as kindness and staying true to oneself and morality. Beautifully filmed with ... read more
an exceptional film, telling its complicated story in simple images, and creating order from the worst kind of moral chaos. Full Review
You are well aware at every moment that you are watching something that has been assembled with utmost precision. Full Review
Perfect.
Serious as a heart attack and so emotionally wrenching that it's almost difficult to watch. Full Review
It's a masterpiece in its simplicity of telling a compelling story and its depth of understanding the human condition. Full Review
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