Hailed by critics as one of the most masterfully directed and beautifully photographed films of all time, Kenji Mizoguchi's stunning classic blends stark reality with haunting, erotic imagery. A desolate countryside ravaged by war provides the backdrop for Mizoguchi's eerie tale of misguided ambition and forbidden passion. In 16th century Japan, two peasants abandon their families to seek fame and fortune. Tobei, a poor farmer who dreams of glory, becomes a samurai warrior by claiming another's conquest as his own. Genjuro, a potter who longs for wealth, quickly forgets his wife and son when he is bewitched by a mysterious woman from the spirit world. But in attaining his goal, each man destroys his own life and brings tragedy to his family. A powerful testament to the illusory nature of happiness, Ugetsu firmly established Mizoguchi's reputation in the West, and earned him recognition as one of the world's greatest directors of women.