Ugetsu is a Japanese period drama film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. The film is based on stories written by Ueda Akinari in the 18th century. It was released in 1953 and was a critical and commercial success.
The film follows two peasant brothers, Genjuro and Tobei, who live in 16th century Japan during a period of war. Genjuro is a potter who desires wealth, while Tobei aspires to become a great samurai. The two brothers set out to sell their earthenware pots in a nearby village, despite the warning of a local sage who tells them to stay away from the area. When they arrive in the village, they are greeted by soldiers who are on their way to battle. The soldiers buy their pots at a high price, and Genjuro decides to stay in the village to sell more pots while Tobei goes off to become a samurai.
While in the village, Genjuro meets Lady Wakasa, a beautiful and mysterious woman who seduces him and tempts him with riches beyond his wildest dreams. Her family's castle is revealed to be a ghostly place, with Lady Wakasa and her retinue revealed to be the ghostly remnants of a noble family destroyed during a prior civil war. Meanwhile, Tobei successfully dons the armor of a slain samurai and sets out to find glory on the battlefield.
As the war worsens, both brothers' desires put a strain on their respective marriages. Miyagi, Genjuro's wife, is tormented by the thought of her husband's infidelity while Ohama, Tobei's wife, is forced into prostitution to support their family. Genjuro eventually realizes the true nature of Lady Wakasa and the danger he has put himself and his family in. Tobei is eventually revealed as having been killed on the battlefield, and Ohama is left a destitute widow.
In the end, both Genjuro and Miyagi return home, realizing the error of their ways and the value of their humble lives, while Ohama remains behind in the razed village with their child. The film serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of greed and ambition, and the cost of indulging in selfish desires.