Sansho the Bailiff (1954)

In the harsh landscape of 11th-century Japan, a noble governor, lauded for his compassion and unwavering advocacy for the rights of his destitute subjects, is banished to a remote province by a merciless feudal lord. Left in the wake of this cruel twist of fate are his devoted wife, Tamaki, and their innocent children, Zushio and Anju. Unprepared yet determined, they find themselves thrust into a desperate quest to reunite their fractured family. But the path to reunion is riddled with tribulations. As they traverse the unforgiving terrains, a heartrending misfortune strikes; Tamaki is torn from her children, leaving Zushio and Anju to face the world's cruelty alone. Their journey of hope transforms into an ordeal of survival as they find themselves under the oppressive reign of the ruthless bailiff, Sansho, where they must navigate a reality that threatens to shatter their noble dreams. Sansho the Bailiff is a poignant tale of resilience and the indomitable human spirit, a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice amid suffering and oppression. Can the strength of familial bonds and the resilience of the human spirit triumph over life's most formidable obstacles? Will the children ever escape the clutches of their tormentor and reunite with their parents? This deeply moving narrative explores these questions, leaving viewers to grapple with the stark realities of life, love, and the enduring power of hope.

Sansho the Bailiff is a drama movie featuring Kinuyo Tanaka.

Sansho the Bailiff is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Sansho the Bailiff on Amazon Video and Apple TV.