In a Grove

The screenplay was claimed to be comprehensible as exactly what it was. It had four testimonies that do not match. It’s about hearing and watching the same events described by all three participants in three different ways. And the twist is that all three claim to be the killer.

First of all, I embraced the essence of the film showing that it had three testimonies on the killing of the husband. It is said human nature to listen to all witnesses and determine which of the three is telling the truth.
Even if the film was in Japanese, subtitle was provided and helped understand the film. Kurosawa, the director of the film is said to be fond of silent film and modern art. The film also had minimal sets and production designs. Almost all scenes were recorded in same areas. I think the sound effects and music really gave the best effort on showing the intricate and complicated plot of the film.
The message of “In a Grove” or Rashomon is to know how to suspect even with what we think we have seen. The film shows how humans listen to different stories and how one does not easily judge or point fingers without confirming. Although, in the film, there was never a confirmation on who was the real murderer and a possible rape.

If I were to recommend this to others, they should know that this film is psychologically and morally complicated. It may be viewed to the young since the rape was not depicted onscreen, but it was still discussed. The murder is depicted realistically, without bleeding and goriness.
The one thing I loved about the film is how the writer leaves the audience to decide on who to point fingers at. Its the viewer’s decision to say whether who is the suspect. The film practically shows that lying is natural for all of us, honesty is always set aside by people in order to save themselves.