Rashomon (1950) quotes

Cast
Toshirô Mifune.
Machiko Kyô.
Masayuki Mori.

The rape of a bride and the murder of her samurai husband are recalled from the perspectives of a bandit, the bride, the samurai’s ghost and a woodcutter.

It’s human to lie. Most of the time we can’t even be honest with ourselves.
– Commoner

You selfish…
– Woodcutter
What’s wrong with that? Dogs are better off in this world. If you’re not selfish, you can’t survive.
– Commoner
Damn it. Everyone is selfish and dishonest. Making excuses. The bandit, the woman, the man, and you!
– Woodcutter

But is there anyone who’s really good? Maybe goodness is just make-believe.
– Commoner
What a frightening…
– Priest
Man just wants to forget the bad stuff, and believe in the made-up good stuff. It’s easier that way.
– Commoner

I’m the one who should be ashamed. I don’t understand my own soul.
– Woodcutter

No one tells a lie after he’s said he’s going to tell one.
– Commoner

I don’t want to hear it. No more horror stories.
– Priest
They are common stories these days. I even heard that the demon living here in Rashômon fled in fear of the ferocity of man.
– Commoner

A human life is truly as frail and fleeting as the morning dew.
– Priest

I don’t understand. I just don’t understand. I don’t understand it at all. I just don’t understand.
– Woodcutter

A woman loves a man who loves passionately.
– Masako

Dead men tell no lies.
– Priest

We all want to forget something, so we tell stories. It’s easier that way.
– Commoner

What should a poor, helpless woman like me do?
– Masako

Wherever. Take me wherever you want.
– Masako

A man has to make a woman his by his sword.
– Masako

I saw the couple three days ago. It was a hot afternoon. Suddenly a cool breeze rustle the leaves. If it hadn’t been for that wind, I wouldn’t have killed him.
– Tajômaru