Gate Of Hell (1953) directed by Teinosuke Kinugusa, a former actor, is notable for being one of the first color productions as well as a winner of an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1954 among other awards. It is a stunning visual achievement and an epic period piece set in the medieval past, specifically the Heiji Rebellion of 1160. However, it is a story of love and obsession rather than court intrigue or as much as that is outside of court politics. Morimoto (played by the popular Kazuo Hasegawa), a loyal and powerful warrior falls deeply in love with Lady Kesa (Machiko Kyo) who is already married to the kind and humble Kiyomori (Koreya Senda). Morimoto refuses to concede his love for the already married woman and tragedy ensues. Is a gorgeous visual spectacle. This Criterion 2013 edition is based on the new digital remaster of the 2011 2K restoration and includes an essay by film historian Stephen Prince.
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