This Film Focus series is a collection of reviews, essays, and commentaries on the Japanese film Rashomon. The plot consists of an attack, a rape, and a robbery, all of which probably occurred during the Middle Ages. Each character relates his own version of what happened, or might have happened, revealing the outward and inner driving forces, frailties, and emotions controlling man's existence. There are chapters by many well-known authors, such as Bosley Crowther, Richard Griffith, and Tadao Sato, who express their views and interpretations of the intent and effect of the film. Added features are a selected bibliography, an interview with the director Akira Kurosawa, a filmography of his works, a synopsis of the plot, a content outline, cast of characters, an extract from the script, and stills from the movie. (GR)