Sansho the Bailiff

Sansho the Bailiff (1954) starring a cast of Japanese actors you've never heard of. In medieval Japan, a governor is punished for being too liberal with the peasants he has responsibility for. He is banished, and his wife and two children end up being sold into slavery. After 10 years in slavery, her son escapes and journeys to Kyoto seeking help from imperial authorities. Surprisingly, he succeeds. But is it too late to save his family? It's a beautifully photographed (in black and white) and emotionally resonant story which suffers only slightly by requiring subtitles. The Japanese consider it a classic film. Grade: A