MovieChat Forums > Sanshô dayû Discussion > Amazing Movie, Odd Title

Amazing Movie, Odd Title

posted 18 years ago by FZ-FX
15 replies | jump to latest

First off I'd like to say that watching Sansho Dayu was one of the most powerful movie experiences I've ever had. I had seen Ugetsu and had very high expectations coming into what some say is Mizoguchi's best film, and I wasn't disapointed one bit. One thing that bugged be is the title. Throughout the whole movie I was expecting Sansho to become a major character; to eventually "see the light" and free the kids from their bondage. Of course I think his role in the film was perfect as a representation of what was wrong with humanity in that society and wouldn't change it one bit, but why is the film named after him? Am I missing some symbolism?

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] FZ-FX 18 years ago

Sad but true; after all, I wouldn't say Zushio really "trumphed" at the end, but mearly survived.

[–] FemmyV 17 years ago

I think he did a little more than survive; when Zushiô was made Governor and issued his proclamation, I thought for sure he was going to wind up the creek with his father and expected to come away from the film depressed. All in all, I think he did the smartest thing he could have done under the circumstance, enough to get a little revenge and leave a little anarchy in his wake.

[–] DaikengoX 17 years ago

According to the interview with the assistant director from the Criterion DVD, Mizoguchi wanted to focus more on the character of Sansho Dayu rather than the relationship of Zushio and Anju but the studio wanted to forus the later of the two themes. Mizoguchi wasn't happy but he took the job of directing it anyway.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Death_to_Pan_and_Scan 17 years ago

This is one of the rare times I might have to agree with a studio over the director's previous idea. While a film about Sanshou might have been interesting, I don't think it'd have the same impact as the classic film we have now which centers on Zushio and his journey.

I thought the title odd too considering the villain isn't the focus of the film.
Maybe Return of the Jedi should've simply been called Star Wars VI: The Life and Death of Emperor Palpatine.
:P

----------

If you're watching 'Fullscreen' DVDs, you aren't getting the whole picture.

[–] ancientnut 17 years ago

The best reason for the title is that the movie is based on a short story by Ogai Mori entitled Sansho the Bailiff (or Sansho the Steward). The story is reprinted in the Criterion edition booklet.

[–] mac_alain 17 years ago

Mizoguchi wasn't happy but he took the job of directing it anyway.

And no harm was done. A great film this.

Beautiful opening scene and breathtaking/stunning final scene/pan.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] sjl004 16 years ago

I didn't thnk they developed Sansho much as a baddie, seems ok to me

Whacked Tom Cruise http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2196812000100119259ULHDOv

[–] riling 16 years ago

I think movie was story of boy to grow up to be a man. But he failed and turned back to be just a boy.

He had change to build up society to be better, but he was too childish and ran it just in to the chaos.

In the end of the movie he can't be part of the real world and build it better, but he leaves is behind to be mamas boy.

Sad movie, but so much in touch with current times we live in.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Doctor_Strangelove 16 years ago

Well said, exactly how I feel.

[–] geoffrey-jackson 11 years ago

I thought the same. The trivia post explained why.

An excellent story though. Very deep.

For the record I rated it 8/10.

[–] PoppyTransfusion 9 years ago

Regardless of what was intended versus what occurred, the title has a symbolic meaning. Sansho the Bailiff was the path that Zushio was following until Anju stirred him from his moral stupor and persuaded him to escape. We see little of their father and that seems significant too; an important moral force is a mere detail in a film filled with wretchedness because of amoral and immoral behaviour. Sansho the Bailiff stands for the amorality of the society.

A bird sings and the mountain's silence deepens.