In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Rashomon, we talk about themes that help us understand the film.
Cast
- Takashi Shimura – Kikori, The Woodcutter
- Minoru Chiaki – Tabi Hōshi, The Priest
- Kichijiro Ueda – The Commoner
- Toshiro Mifune – Tajōmaru, The Bandit
- Machiko Kyō – The Wife
- Masayuki Mori – The Samurai
- Noriko Honma – Miko, The Medium
- Daisuke Katō – Houben, The Policeman
- Shinobu Hashimoto – Writer
- Akira Kurosawa – Writer and director
The themes and meaning of Rashomon
The subjectivity of truth
By presenting truth as something personal, elastic, and unreliable, Rashomon effectively dismantles the concept of an objective, universal truth. The film invites the viewer to question their assumptions about truth and to recognize that truth often lies somewhere in the complex intersection of different perspectives.
Let’s review a few ways this theme functions in the film.
Using “truth” to protect ego
In Rashomon, the theme of subjective truth is deeply intertwined with the pressure to protect our self-images. The Bandit, the Wife, and the Samurai each tell a story that not only contradicts the others but also paints them in a light that aligns with their desired self-perceptions. This self-serving distortion of reality not only reveals an inherent human tendency to self-preserve, but it also reflects broader societal dynamics and expectations.
For the Bandit, his account paints him as a heroic figure, challenging the Samurai to a fair duel and winning the heart of the woman. The Wife’s narrative, on the other hand, portrays her as a pitiful and tormented figure, a victim of both the Bandit’s aggression and her husband’s scorn. The Samurai, telling his tale through the Medium, depicts himself as a tragic figure, dishonored and betrayed. These narratives, while in stark contrast to each other, all serve to uphold each character’s self-image.
The motif of ego is crucial in portraying the theme of subjective truth. Each character’s ego shapes their version of the events, warping the truth to preserve their self-image and justify their actions. The Bandit boasts of a noble duel, the Wife emphasizes her victimhood, and the Samurai portrays himself as a tragic hero – each narrative inflated by ego and self-interest. This reflection of ego’s influence on the interpretation and narration of events suggests that subjective truth is often a product of self-serving biases.
These self-serving narratives speak to a deep-seated human need for self-affirmation and a desire to be perceived favorably by others. This need can be traced back to our evolutionary roots, where being part of a group and being seen positively by its members was crucial for survival. Consequently, we are often compelled to present ourselves in ways that conform to societal norms and expectations, even if it means distorting the truth.
This tendency reflects the pervasive influence of societal expectations and pressures on our behavior and self-perception. Society, with its norms and standards, shapes how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen by others. Consequently, it can exert considerable pressure on individuals to portray themselves in certain ways, often prioritizing socially desirable traits and characteristics over authenticity.
Truth’s effect on social identity
The subjectivity of truth, as portrayed in Rashomon, speaks to broader societal dynamics that are as relevant today as they were when the film was first released. As the film illustrates, our understanding of truth is often shaped by our individual perceptions, experiences, and biases. These subjective truths end up informing not only our individual identities but also the collective identity of society.
The Rashomon city gate, dilapidated and abandoned, stands as a potent motif of societal decay and moral ambiguity, providing a core for the setting of the film and framing the exploration of subjective truth. It is under this gate that the woodcutter and the priest recount the contradictory testimonies, and where we, as the audience, grapple with the perplexing variations of truth. The gate serves as a metaphorical threshold between the “real” world and the world of subjective narratives, indicating the difficulty of discerning objective truth in a world mired in decay and deception.
Subjective truths can lead to division when different groups or individuals hold onto their version of events as the only valid interpretation. Such divisions can be seen in various societal contexts, from political discourse and cultural conflicts to historical interpretations and scientific debates. Different communities, political groups, or even nations may have conflicting narratives about the same event, each shaped by their unique experiences, beliefs, and values. These conflicting narratives can lead to misunderstanding, animosity, and even violence, further fragmenting society.
In our increasingly connected and information-saturated world, the subjectivity of truth has become even more pronounced. The proliferation of digital platforms and social media has given rise to “echo chambers,” where individuals or groups reinforce their own beliefs and perspectives, often at the exclusion of differing views. This has amplified the division caused by subjective truths, making it more challenging to reach a shared understanding or consensus.
However, acknowledging the subjectivity of truth can also have positive implications. Recognizing that our truths are shaped by our individual experiences and biases can foster empathy, open-mindedness, and a willingness to understand different perspectives. It can challenge us to critically examine our beliefs and assumptions, to seek out diverse viewpoints, and to engage in open, constructive dialogue. This awareness can be a stepping stone towards bridging societal divisions and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic society.
Rashomon leaves us with no clear, objective truth, and perhaps, therein lies the film’s enduring relevance. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality of subjective truth and its implications for individual and societal identity. It challenges us to grapple with the complexities of truth, perception, and reality, and in doing so, it offers a profound commentary on the human condition and the society we inhabit.
The role of judgment in truth
In Rashomon, the motif of judgment features prominently and plays a critical role in exploring the theme of subjective truth. It is through the lens of judgment that the characters’ differing accounts of the same event are presented and scrutinized, underscoring the complex relationship between truth, perception, and society.
The judges in the film represent societal norms and values. They stand as symbols of authority, arbiters of truth and morality. However, their judgment is colored by their own perceptions and biases, reflecting the subjectivity of truth. They are not passive observers but active participants in shaping the narrative. Their reactions and interpretations of the testimonies influence the audience’s understanding of the events, further blurring the lines between truth and falsehood.
This subjective judgment significantly impacts the characters being judged. The Bandit, the Wife, and the Samurai are compelled to present versions of the event that not only align with their self-image but also seek to manipulate the judges’ perceptions. Their narratives are shaped by the fear of societal judgment and the desire to appear favorably in the eyes of the judges. This manipulation of truth reveals a deep-seated fear of judgment and a desperate need to conform to social expectations.
From a broader perspective, the dynamic between the judges and the characters being judged paints a complex picture of society and its influence on the perception of truth. It suggests that truth is not merely a matter of objective fact but is intertwined with norms, biases, and power dynamics. It reflects a society where truth is not absolute but negotiable, subject to interpretation and manipulation.
The inability of the judges to arrive at an objective truth highlights the inherent limitations of human judgment. It reflects the complexities and ambiguities of human perception, suggesting that the quest for absolute truth may be a futile endeavor. It also points to the potential pitfalls of a society that overly relies on judgment and conformity, suppressing individual perspectives and diversity.
The complexity of human nature
The exploration of human nature is a prominent theme in Rashomon. The film delves into the darker side of humanity, illustrating how self-preservation, ego, and fear can lead individuals to distort reality and manipulate truth.
However, despite its bleak portrayal of human nature, the film also explores the theme of redemption and the possibility for goodness within people. This is particularly evident in the conclusion when the woodcutter, who has been revealed as less than trustworthy himself, decides to adopt the abandoned baby. This act of compassion provides a stark contrast to the earlier selfishness and dishonesty, suggesting that humans, despite their flaws, are capable of altruism and love.
Let’s review how Rashomon observes the dark and light sides of human nature throughout the film.
Those who protect self-interests
Rashomon offers a seemingly pessimistic view of human nature, illustrating how individuals often prioritize their self-interests, even when it means bending the truth. This aspect is evident through the testimonies of the Bandit, the Wife, and the Samurai, each manipulating their version of events to protect their reputation and identity. The film, in doing so, reveals a bleak societal reality where preserving self-image and serving self-interests often outweigh the pursuit of objective truth.
The individual testimonies exemplify how self-interest can influence our perception and narration of events. The Bandit portrays himself as a valiant warrior who bests the Samurai in a fair fight, appealing to his sense of pride and bravado. The Wife, on the other hand, casts herself as a victim of the circumstances, a woman wronged by both the Bandit and her husband. The Samurai’s testimony, relayed through the Medium, paints a picture of a noble man, heartbroken and betrayed by his wife, who chooses to end his life. Each character manipulates the narrative to serve their interests, to portray themselves in a favorable light—a stark commentary on the self-serving bias inherent in human nature.
In the societal context of the film, the characters are compelled to craft narratives that safeguard their positions. Their testimonies not only serve as their defense but also as a means to project an image acceptable to their societal norms. The Bandit’s tale underscores his masculinity and bravado, the Wife’s her innocence and victimhood, and the Samurai’s his honor. It implies a societal system that pressures its members to act out of self-interest, fostering an environment where truth becomes negotiable and perception manipulable.
The forest in Rashomon stands as a potent motif symbolizing this tangled web of self-interest and subjective truth. It is within the forest that the crime occurs and the truths diverge. The forest, dense and labyrinthine, mirrors the convoluted nature of human intent, perception, and narrative. The characters’ journey into the forest signifies their descent into deception, their pathways obscured by their self-interests, just as the forest paths are shrouded in darkness and shadows. It serves as a backdrop for the characters’ moral conflicts and their individual quests to uphold their self-image.
The forest’s chaotic, wild nature can be seen as a reflection of society’s pressures and its complex moral landscape. Just as the characters struggle to navigate the forest, they also grapple with societal expectations and norms. It underscores the harsh reality of survival, where preservation of self often comes at the expense of truth and morality.
Those who lie and steal
The commoner’s actions in Rashomon provide a vital lens through which the film explores the theme of human nature, offering a seemingly pessimistic view of humanity’s inherent tendencies. This character, who does not partake in the central events of the film but serves as an observer, reflects the societal norms and behaviors that shape and influence individual actions.
The commoner attempts to steal the amulet—a very important motif in Rashomon—from the abandoned baby near the end of the film. He justifies this by arguing that everyone lies and steals to survive, reflecting his view of the world as a place where self-interest and survival come before ethics and empathy. His action symbolizes a grim outlook on humanity, where people are driven by self-serving motives and the need to survive, even at the expense of others.
This view is deeply pessimistic, suggesting that when faced with challenging circumstances, individuals may resort to morally dubious actions. The commoner’s actions highlight the potential for selfishness inherent in human nature. It suggests that, given the right circumstances, anyone could disregard ethical considerations for personal gain.
His attempt to steal the amulet also draws attention to society’s role in shaping human behavior. His assertion that “everyone lies and steals to survive” indicates that he views these behaviors as not just acceptable but necessary within his societal context. This perspective suggests that society, or at least the society the commoner experiences, has normalized self-interest and survival over ethical behavior. In this way, the commoner represents those parts of society where self-preservation overshadows moral actions.
Those who protect
Despite its often grim exploration of truth and human nature, Rashomon embraces redemption as one of its central themes. After a narrative filled with deception, self-interest, and moral ambiguity, the film concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that redemption is possible even in a world mired in moral decay.
The motif of redemption is encapsulated in the final scenes of the film, where the woodcutter, despite his earlier deceit, decides to take the abandoned baby under his care. This decision marks a turning point in his character arc and represents a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness. His act of kindness signals a break from the self-interest that pervades the characters’ testimonies, demonstrating the potential for goodness within humanity.
The amulet that comes with the baby plays a significant role in this theme of redemption. As a religious artifact, it symbolizes faith and hope. It also serves as a token of the woodcutter’s commitment to the path of righteousness, a tangible emblem of his promise to protect the child. In accepting the amulet and the child, the woodcutter embarks on a path of moral redemption, suggesting that it’s never too late to turn towards goodness.
This theme of redemption is further emphasized by the contrast between the Rashomon gate and the forest. The city gate, dilapidated and desolate, symbolizes a society in moral decline. On the other hand, the forest, despite its chaos and disorientation, becomes a place of revelation and transformation. It’s in the forest that the central event unfolds, pushing the characters into moral turmoil. Yet, it’s also in this wilderness that redemption becomes possible, hinting at the idea of growth and transformation even in the most unlikely circumstances.
The theme of redemption offers a counterpoint to the film’s grim portrayal of human nature and the subjectivity of truth. It infuses the narrative with a sense of optimism, reminding the audience that, despite our flaws and fallibility, human beings possess the capacity for compassion and change. This complex interplay of moral decay and redemption makes Rashomon a deeply human film, one that prompts the audience to contemplate the complexities of human nature, truth, and morality.
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