Gate of Hell (film)

Gate of Hell , Jigokumon? is a 1953 Japanese jidaigeki film directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. It tells the story of a samurai Kazuo Hasegawa who tries to marry a woman Machiko Ky he rescues, only to discover that she is married. Filmed using Eastmancolor, Gate of Hell was Daiei Films first color film and the first Japanese color film to be released outside Japan.

After the Japan Society sponsored a U.S. release of the film in December 1954, Bosley Crowther reviewed it for The New York Times, calling it a somber and beautiful presentation of a thirteenth century legendary tale. According to CrowtherThe secret, perhaps, of its rare excitement is the subtlety with which it blends a subterranean flood of hot emotions with the most magnificent flow of surface serenity. The tensions and agonies of violent passions are made to seethe behind a splendid silken screen of stern formality, dignity, selfdiscipline and sublime esthetic harmonies. The very essence of ancient Japanese culture is rendered a tangible stimulant in this film. ........

Source: Wikipedia