Amblin Television working on 'Rashomon' television series
Currently, entertainment industry is seeing a shift from films to TV. Perhaps, this is because of the increase in streaming services and a hike in demand for over-the-top content. Notably, this format also allows greater detailing of the story than the limited time afforded by movies. In this context, Akira Kurosawa's acclaimed film Rashomon is being made into an anthology series by Amblin Television.
What is the show all about?
For those who are familiar with Kurosawa's film, they will know the plot deals with different people recounting their versions of a samurai's murder, while being motivated by their self-interests. The 10-episode show adaptation, too, will narrate a specific incident from multiple points, each character providing unique, subjective perspectives. A culmination of all at the end will give the complete picture of the truth.
The show will also have people from other production houses
The show's executive co-producers include Amblin Television's Co-Presidents, Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, along with David Hopwood and Mark Canton of Atmosphere and Leigh Ann Burton of Opus 7. They have all expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with each other.
Takeaway: Different perspectives do not always reveal the same reality
Having acquired the rights to Rashomon from the Kurosawa estate, the brains behind the show expressed excitement at basing their mystery thriller series on this extraordinary film. They hope to explore truth's boundaries and show different perspectives do not always reveal the same reality. Adapting this iconic title for television is an excellent way to introduce the TV audience to the legendary filmmaker, Kurosawa.
'Rashomon' had won an honorary Oscar in 1952
Originally released in 1950, Rashomon is considered one of the greatest films ever made and has been a seminal addition to the world of cinema. It received several awards including an honorary Oscar in 1952. The film is more relevant today than ever, as we live in a world of post-truth, where what is true is determined by how well the narrative is packaged.
Amblin Television is expected to do justice to the adaptation
We can be sure that Amblin will do justice to the adaptation as they have several good shows to their name, currently and in the past. They are producing The Haunting on Hill House for Netflix, and in the past have done acclaimed shows like The Borgias for Showtime, Under the Dome for CBS, and FX's Emmy Award-winning show, The Americans.
