Harakiri
Following the collapse of his clan, an unemployed samurai (Tatsuya Nakadai) arrives at the manor of Lord Iyi, begging to be allowed to commit ritual suicide on the property. Iyi's clansmen, believing the desperate ronin is merely angling for a new position, try to force his hand and get him to eviscerate himself--but they have underestimated his beliefs and his personal brand of honor.
Winner of the Cannes Film Festival's Special Jury Prize, Harakiri, directed by Masaki Kobayashi is a fierce evocation of individual agency in the face of a corrupt and hypocritical system.
Running Time
134 mins
Year
1962
Kanopy ID
1113249
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Comments (5)
You learn something new and you use it to reinforce the memory. Chiasmus. That’s what I noticed this first go round: the reverse-structure mirroring, specifically of the hallway scenes and the opening/closing shots of the effigy. Shows mastery in technique.
It’s interesting, too, to ...Read more
You learn something new and you use it to reinforce the memory. Chiasmus. That’s what I noticed this first go round: the reverse-structure mirroring, specifically of the hallway scenes and the opening/closing shots of the effigy. Shows mastery in technique.
It’s interesting, too, to consider the predictability of the film and what must be a general trend of disillusionment-oriented period films in Japan during this time. I haven’t watched too many yet, but how does it relate to national identity? Nationalism? Pride in country? Self perception? The heroes of both this film and Rashomon may ultimately be construed as honorable men. What does that mean?
Read lessThis is so good. This provides a glimpse into the ill fate of samurais in the Edo era, and meanwhile shows the principles of Bushido still being followed by the Ronins.
Stunning. The composition is incredible, really a joy to watch.
This is one of my favorite films. The perfect example of bushido. It broke my heart and made me love it still.
If you liked Rashomon, watch this. Kobayashi is an underappreciated master, and this is his best work.