Sansho the Bailiff

I was not the biggest fan of the movie Sansho the Bailiff, which surprises me because the story idea was a really good one.  This is a redemption story, with a hint of revenge.  These types of stories may be my favorite.  I even love watching sad movies, which this movie is.  So why don’t I like it?  I honestly felt that the whole story was kind of rushed, and considering that this movie is over two hours that’s saying something.  I feel like they had enough story to make probably three movies.  The first part of the story about Anju’s father resisting the government’s demands in order to help his people would make a terrific movie.  There had to be some sort of fighting that went on, whether it was a debate or a war I’d really like to see it.  Instead they just kind of told us that this happened and we didn't see much.  The second part about Anju in slavery, his redemption, and escape would also make a terrific movie, I mean it’s the exact plot of The Shawshank Redemption.  Then the last part about his revenge and him finding his mother would have been a great wrap up.  Instead I feel like they didn't spend enough time on any of these points the whole movie feels like an in depth synopsis of what should have been a good trilogy.