An undeniable masterpiece of Japanese cinema, Ugestu (in its original language: Ugestu monogatari) is a film like no other; a supernatural ghost story told in the style of a fable, Ugestu centres on two men, a potter and a farmer, and the eerie circumstances that occur when they refuse to consider and appreciate their wives. Set in feudal Japan, the narrative might not sound like much, but rest assured, this is a wholly original and surprisingly dark work of cinematic invention. And Ugestu's true power comes in its ability to genuinely chill you to the bone. Don't take our word for it: "One of the greatest of all films," said Roger Ebert in his own review of the film, having added it to his Great Movies collection. Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of Ugestu is the camerawork, which is mesmerising and mediative in equal measure. As a result, the tale flows with a sense of the otherworldly - so much so, in fact, that it's one of the prime reasons Ugestu might be categorised as a "fantasy" in the first place. And as with so many (if not all) of the greatest films of all time, in one viewing, it leaves you with a lot to ponder.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
