This is the film that introduced Mizoguchi to the West. In 16th century Japan, Genjuro and his brother-in-law Tobei set out with their wives in search of wealth and military glory. Two parallel tales ensue in which Genjuro is lured away by a phantom princess and Tobei achieves a general's rank for his fraudulent exploits. Eventually, both men see that their successes are based on acrid apparitions and they are brought down to their rightful lot. Georges Sadoul noted, "Ugetsu, like so many of Mizoguchi's films, is a study in feminine psychology, social mores, and the intense correlation between women and love." Male betrayal and cruelty effects each of the tale's women, bringing them disgrace and, in the extreme, death. Mizoguchi's depiction of 16th century Japan is impeccable in its detail and a sense of inexorable war permeates the film. Phantoms and ghosts are evoked in magical scenes to add playfulness and an allegorical depth to the realism. Mizoguchi's stylistically superb film has strong links to the social upheaval of post-war Japan, but clearly the tragic thrust of the tale succeeds well beyond its time.