X
- 1964
- Not Rated
- Shochiku Films of America
- 2 h 13 m
- 1964
- Not Rated
- Shochiku Films of America
- 2 h 13 m
Summary An elder ronin samurai arrives at a feudal lord's home and requests an honorable place to commit suicide. But when the ronin inquires about a younger samurai who arrived before him things take an unexpected turn.
Directed By: Masaki Kobayashi
Written By: Yasuhiko Takiguchi, Shinobu Hashimoto
- 1964
- Not Rated
- Shochiku Films of America
- 2 h 13 m
- 1964
- Not Rated
- Shochiku Films of America
- 2 h 13 m
Harakiri
85
7.8
Where to Watch
Summary An elder ronin samurai arrives at a feudal lord's home and requests an honorable place to commit suicide. But when the ronin inquires about a younger samurai who arrived before him things take an unexpected turn.
Directed By: Masaki Kobayashi
Written By: Yasuhiko Takiguchi, Shinobu Hashimoto
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
85
89% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
85
89% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Kobayashi's great, laceratingly exciting 1962 Japanese samurai revenge saga, once voted by Japanese critics their country's all-time best film. [03 Mar 2006, p.C5]
Kobayashi unfolds the grim, cynical tale in layers, climaxing in a brilliant, beautiful swordfight on a wind-swept plain. [05 Dec 2003, p.C1]
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 53 User Ratings
7.8
81% Positive
43 Ratings
43 Ratings
6% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
13% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 53 User Ratings
7.8
81% Positive
43 Ratings
43 Ratings
6% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
13% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Whilst there is plenty of swordplay involved, it's the war of words and ideals that really captures the imagination here.
Few swords clash until the 100-minute mark of Harakiri, making it one of the most patient action films ever, but also one of the most beautifully composed. [24 Mar 2006, p.R13]
This stunning film is a sombre tragedy [from Yasuhiko Takiguchi's novel] giving off deep rage against militarism, political systems and beliefs that do not allow for a rational human outlook or future change.
Structured with intricacy and precision, the storyline alternates between present and past, using its extended flashback sequences to delay and then detonate narrative revelations like so many time bombs.
You may not get much satisfaction from the tortured human drama in this film, but you should get an eyeful graphic exercise.
Awards
Mainichi Film Concours
• 4 Wins & 4 Nominations
Blue Ribbon Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Cannes Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
