Ugetsu (1953)

Brimming with the vibrant colors of springtime, Ugetsu transports us into the tumultuous era of sixteenth-century Japan, a time when Lake Biwa's serene beauty is shadowed by the Japanese Civil Wars. Genjurô, a humble farmer-cum-craftsman, along with his naive neighbor, Tobei, dreams of prosperity. Tobei yearns for the honor of a samurai, while Genjurô's eyes sparkle at the prospect of wealth from his clay pottery. Their wives, Miyage and Ohama, are the voices of caution, their hearts heavy with dread of the impending onslaught by the ruthless Shibata's army. Despite the looming danger, the two families manage to evade disaster, their lives and dreams intact. Driven by ambition, Genjurô and Tobei, along with their wives and child, venture out on the treacherous river towards the bustling city, their boat brimming with pottery to trade. Their journey is marked by the encounter with another boat, a ghostly remnant of a pirate attack. Here, Genjurô makes a fateful choice, leaving his wife and son behind on the river bank, with promises of return. In the city, their risks are rewarded with wealth, but it soon becomes the catalyst for their downfall. Tobei abandons his wife, seduced by the allure of a samurai's armor and the promise of fame. Meanwhile, Genjurô finds himself ensnared by the aristocratic Lady Wakasa. Captivated by his craftsmanship, she invites him to her opulent Kutsuki House. Little do the men know, they are about to pay a hefty price for their ambitions. Genjurô and Tobei are entangled in a web of temptation, where the lines between reality and illusion blur, and they are forced to question the true cost of their desires. Ugetsu, a tale of ambition and desire, is a haunting exploration of the human spirit, where dreams can become a euphoria, a nightmare, and ultimately, a poignant lesson. The movie weaves an intricate tapestry of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Ugetsu is a drama movie featuring Machiko Kyō.

Ugetsu is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Ugetsu on Amazon Video and Apple TV.