Akira Kurosawa is one of Japan’s most renowned directors, and one of the first movies that made him known to the west was Rashomon. Now, a TV show inspired by it is in the works. The development of the show began in 2018 by Amblin Television for HBO Max.
When it came out in 1950, critics hailed Rashomon for its unique style of narrative. It focuses on a murder case of a samurai and the raping of his wife. The movie tries to decipher the truth based on several retellings of the story by different characters. Critics have also applauded the actors’ performances.
Variety reports that the series will not be a direct adaptation of the Kurosawa movie. Instead, it will utilize the same plot device of multiple angles concerning an individual event. Billy Ray and Virgil Williams will be the show’s writers. Mark Canton and Amblin co-presidents of TV Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey will be the executive producers. There are no actors currently tied to the project.
In a statement, Cantone wrote: “It takes a lot of hard work to make the stars align and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to create an original take on Rashomon — a masterpiece from a true genius of cinema — for new audiences, with the full support and blessing of the Kurosawa family.”
