This movie is dated in some respects. It drags the state of some character's emotions in an overlong and thus dulling fashion. On the other hand, what it does say is really well formed and provocative.
My final opinion is that the dagger thief walked away knowing he had at least a fresh meal in his arms. Everybody in this film is rotten. Including the priest, whose spiritual journey is damaged enough to be seeking for a way to justify the delusional self-righteousness of mankind.
The self-importance of Japan's "honor" system is one that thankfully takes a bit of a thrashing in some of Kurosawa's films, this being one of them.
All in all, a great film. If it had twenty minutes shaved off.. shortening some of the elongated melodramatic performances and action pieces, as well as a breaking up the repetitive character transitions.. I'd be 5 starring it easy.

There is no reliable point of view at all. What an interesting idea for a movie. It of course reminded me of Faulkner and As I Lay Dying.....I think if i were to believe any one story it might have been the Husbands but since it was through a medium you can't trust that either.
Fantastic film that explores not only the nature of truth but the nature of morality. This is a real film with real relevant content.

My theory is that each character had guilt that was overshadowed by pride...the root to all sin is selfishness...

a very artful presentation of the human condition. this movie won't appeal to everyone, in particular those who favor fast paced action.it takes time to develop and gives the the viewer the opportunity to immerse into the scenery and set pieces.

4.5 stars. One of my favorite Kurasawa's, actually the movie that introduced me to his work. Several characters (including the wife and the bandit) relate how they experienced the rape and murder of a couple by a bandit after the deed has been done. This is a study of character and how people perceive situations, usually as they want to see them. How guilt, lust, anger, fear, confusion, and honor manipulate our memories.This is not a quickly plotted movie, but a slow examination of character. It's also shockingly well filmed, so beautiful you may find yourself watching the placement of shadows and light the way you study the balance within a great painting. The cast is Kurosawa's usual cast of master character actors--and the brilliant Mifune of course. Highly, highly recommended. As in Kurasawa's early films there is a bit of melodrama (particularly from the actress who plays the wife and Mifune can chew the scenery at any moment) which dates it, but on the whole this is an incredible movie which begs you to watch it multiple times to unravel the 'truth.'

This is deservedly called one of the great classic movies. It is a must-see. A devastatingly brutal comment on differing human perspectives.

For the kind of movie it is, it's very good.