Ugetsu (Ugetsu Monogatari)

A parable-like film based on two 18th-century kaidan (ghost stories) from Akinari Ueda’s collection Ugetsu Monogatari (Tales of Moonlight and Rain).

The story takes place in the 16th century — a crucial period in Japanese history, marked by civil war. A poor potter suddenly gets a chance to earn real money: his pots sell surprisingly well, and the astonished craftsman finds himself clutching silver coins he has never seen before. The sudden profit awakens excitement that quickly turns into obsession.

🏆 The film won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival — the second such award in the director’s career.