1954 | Japan | Fiction

Sanshô dayû (Sansho the Bailiff)

  • Japanese 124 mins
  • Director | Kenji Mizoguchi
  • Writer | Fuji Yahiro. Yoshikata Yoda
  • Producer | Masaichi Nagata

STATUS: Released

This film is currently not available.   

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.

Mercy Slavery Family Oppression Redemption
Film Organizations
The Criterion Collection
DISTRIBUTION