---
title: "Rashomon"
year: 1950
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/rashomon-1950"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 548
imdb_id: "tt0042876"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 88
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 2545
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Rashomon (1950) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/rashomon-1950

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

"Rashomon" is a film that explores the concept of truth through multiple perspectives. The story revolves around a pivotal event involving a man, his wife, and a group of individuals who witnessed or were involved in the incident. Four people recount their versions of the events that transpired. These accounts differ significantly from one another, highlighting the subjective nature of truth. The film presents a complex and nuanced exploration of human perception and the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Through its unique narrative structure, "Rashomon" challenges the audience to consider the various interpretations of the same events, raising questions about the accuracy of the truth. The film's use of multiple perspectives creates a thought-provoking and visually striking cinematic experience.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A murder, a rape, and four conflicting testimonies."

### Why Watch
- Innovative multiple‑perspective storytelling
- Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Akira Kurosawa
- Influential work that shaped modern cinema

### Caveats & Content Note
- Narrative demands close attention to untangle differing accounts
- Tone & Suitability: Features mature themes of murder and sexual violence, suited for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: psychological, mystery, thoughtful, introspective

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Kanopy, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go, BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, Now TV Cinema, BFI Player Apple TV Channel | Plex | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Criterion Channel | Crave | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Plex | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Akira Kurosawa
- **Networks / Studios**: Daiei Film

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Toshirō Mifune** as *Tajômaru*
- **Machiko Kyō** as *Masako*
- **Takashi Shimura** as *Woodcutter*
- **Masayuki Mori** as *Takehiro*
- **Minoru Chiaki** as *Priest*
- **Kichijirō Ueda** as *Commoner*
- **Noriko Honma** as *Medium*
- **Daisuke Katō** as *Policeman*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the Rashomon effect?
It describes how different people give contradictory accounts of the same event, a concept popularized by this film.

### Q: Who directed Rashomon?
The film was directed by Akira Kurosawa.

### Q: What genre does Rashomon belong to?
It is classified as a crime, drama, and mystery film.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes.

### Q: When was Rashomon released in the United States?
It opened in the US on December 26, 1950.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*