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Ugetsu

Name: Ugetsu
Director: Kenji Mizoguchi
Released: 1953
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1953

Director

Kenji Mizoguchi

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ugetsu is a deep exploration of how violence and greed destroy families. It goes beyond simple historical fantasy to criticize the patriarchal structures of war-torn Japan. The film’s strength lies in its focus on the hardships faced by women and peasants. By highlighting the destructive nature of male ambition, it offers a nuanced critique of power structures. Despite lacking modern identity-based representation, such as LGBTQ+ or specific disability narratives, the film provides significant depth through its critique of hierarchy.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ugetsu have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the heterosexual norms of 16th-century Japan. There are no depictions of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Ugetsu portray gender?

Good

The story challenges typical male hero roles by showing male ambition as harmful. Instead, it focuses on the strength and hardship of wives Miyagi and Ohama.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ugetsu?

Fair

The cast is ethnically uniform, reflecting the historical context of the Sengoku period. However, it provides a crucial non-Western perspective on peasant life.

How does Ugetsu represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions materialistic goals and the corrupting influence of social advancement. It uses supernatural elements to challenge views of truth and moral stability.

Does Ugetsu include disability representation?

Minimal

The story examines the psychological impact and mental strain of war. However, it does not include specific depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional male archetypes by emphasizing the destructive nature of ambition.
Highlights the resilience and struggles of wives through emotional and moral endurance.
Provides a sophisticated critique of materialist and patriarchal hierarchies.
Offers a vital non-Western perspective on historical social instability.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Does not include specific depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In 16th century Japan, peasants Genjuro and Tobei sell their earthenware pots to a group of soldiers in a nearby village, in defiance of a local sage's warning against seeking to profit from warfare. Genjuro's pursuit of both riches and the mysterious Lady Wakasa, as well as Tobei's desire to become a samurai, run the risk of destroying both themselves and their wives, Miyagi and Ohama.

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