Sanshō Dayū (山椒大夫, Sansho the Steward or Sansho the Baliff) from Kenji Mizoguchi, based on an ancient story as told by author Mori Ōgai in his work, by the same name, from 1915, Sanshō Dayū. As it film has all the earmarks of the Mizoguchi style – a keen eye for period detail, powerful imagery, and a reliance on long takes that build the intensity and drama of the situations.

Sansho the Bailiff 山椒大夫 (1954) AVC 1080p BD50
Audio: Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Japanese LPCM 2.0
Subtitle: English

A tragedy of love, loss, and family, the story follows three aristocratic family members during the Heian era of Japan, Tamaki (Tanaka Kinuyo) and her two children Zushiō (Hanayagi Yoshiaki) and Anju (Kagawa Kyōko). Forced to flee from their husband and father when he is branded a traitor for being too kind to peasants, the three are eventually separated, Tamaki forcefully sold into prostitution and Zushiō and Anju sold into slavery for the steward Sanshō. Their lives will eventually all take different, tragic turns.

Gorgeously filmed with powerful performances all around and a slow-burning build up to its denouement, this well-loved classic is a must-have film for lovers of Japanese cinema.

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