MovieChat Forums > Kumonosu-jô (1961) Discussion > washizu's cowardice.

washizu's cowardice.

posted 18 years ago by Jabbapop
3 replies | jump to latest

there's an air of/reputation of bravery and mastery in combat about washizu before he appears on screen. then when we finally see him he seems like such a coward. how could such a masterful warrior suddenly collapse at his wife's doubtful instillings? why didn't he just beat her up? it seemed like an impertenance that one in his position should not have allowed.

fear and uncertainty is such a strong element attached to washizu's motivations (expressed visually, behaviorally, aurally), that it almost seems like washizu had no awareness of the power-climbing aspect of his actions (the evil in men's heartslol). his schemes are paranoic reactions (is my friend/the great lord plotting against me). it's ironic that kurosawa transposes powerlust with fear, but not unrecognizable. it kind of reminds me of soviet intrigue.

[–] O_L_D_B_O_Y 17 years ago

Because that's how Macbeth was in the original play. Everyone spoke so highly of him in battle, but when it came to him and his wife, she wore the trousers.

[–] Jabbapop 17 years ago

i hate you for responding to a months old post with this. why even bother? you just want to make me feel bad for writing crap.

[–] QuarrellaDeVil 17 years ago

Well, I guess I'll respond, a few months after the fact.

If you get a chance, watch the first scene with Lady Asaji and Washizu again, with the commentary on for some clarification. Basically, you'll hear Lady Asaji making some pretty good arguments for pushing Washizu on: After all, didn't Tsuzuki whack the previous Lord when he had reason to believe that the previous Lord had suspicions about Tsuzuki himself? Once Tsuzuki would hear about the forest witch's prophecy, if he responds like the other Lord did, it's all over for Washizu and Miki. So, it boils down to "Get them before they get you."