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Harakiri

Harakiri

1962
Drama
Action
2h 13m
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. (imdb)
Your probable score
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Harakiri

1962
Drama
Action
2h 13m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 84.63% from 1828 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1828)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 09 Feb 2007
6
99th
A hollow suit of armor, katana the embodiment of a warrior's soul, the status symbol of topknots, strict architectural frames. These are a few of the vain idols by which Kobayashi obliterates samurai mythology, exposing the moral vacancy of authoritarian honorifics and cruel caste systems. It's an angry, contemptuous, masterful film, carried out in a slightly inelegant flashback structure, but of such a tightly-stretched tension, the moment it finally erupts is in spectacular fashion.
Rated 29 Dec 2006
5
91st
An uncompromising condemnation of the honor-bound strictures by which so much of society live their lives. One cannot abide by a code which has no room to accommodate the moral vagaries of everyday life.
Rated 23 Apr 2017
100
98th
Cut my stomach into pieces / this review is really short.
Rated 28 Jan 2007
90
85th
Harakiri is to the samurai film what Unforgiven is to the western: all romantic notions are torn down and stomped on. Mad shout-outs to Tatsuya Nakadai, who rocks the dance floor as main character Hanshiro Tsugumo. Props also to Kobayashi for his more than skillful direction. This was not an easy movie to watch, but it was well worth it.
Rated 16 Feb 2010
100
99th
This film is so haunting, so hypnotyzing, I had dreams in japanese after watching it :o. A heart-crashing performance from Nakadai, single-handedly exposing the absurdity and hypocricy of the samurai code. However the most amazing thing is how the story unfolds, it just sucks you in completely.
Rated 24 Jan 2011
100
99th
I pinned this move about halfway through and I could tell how great it was going to be, even with the brilliant twist beginning. The last half hour really took me in with all the swordplay and instantly made it one of my favorite movies of all time. Again, another brilliant tale of conservatives bending traditions to their agenda, and of course, when the hypocrisy is thrown right in their faces, they turn to the way of the gun to silence the truth.
Rated 07 Feb 2007
92
96th
Another excellent Kobayashi film, this one tearing down old notions of samurai honor. Lots of marvelous camera movement and dynamic lighting.
Rated 26 Aug 2011
90
97th
Kobayashi deconstructs the samurai way. His tale about honour, unfolding slowly and assuredly, is thoughtful and memorable, framings as beautiful as always. I very much appreciate that he keeps his actors restrained.
Rated 13 Jul 2007
100
99th
One of the most powerful movies I've seen. It's also one of the most complete, perfect and simply the best tales created on any medium.
Rated 11 Jan 2009
90
91st
This is very dark overall, with several scenes that are really tough to watch. Most of the film is slow and emotional and is incredibly effective, then the ending gives a couple of phenomenally well done fight scenes and it works just as well as the beginning.
Rated 04 Apr 2012
100
99th
Damn great samurai movie. The plot, the suspense, and the thrills are so intertwined with the very concept of Bushido that it wouldn't work without it. It helps that it's also very smart about its subject, having its protagonist meticulously deconstruct the absurdity of their way of life while still trapped in the system he reviles.. The cinematography is of a rare quality, especially towards the end when the slow, contemplative duration of the film gives way to incredible sequences of action.
Rated 04 Sep 2007
91
95th
A truly incredible story, every part works well and it's perfectly paced and executed.
Rated 26 Nov 2012
92
98th
What a powerhouse of a movie. Every reveal makes the story more tragic and fascinating to watch, with a gripping finale to top it all off. Outstanding acting and some sweet camerawork too.
Rated 22 Jul 2008
100
98th
A brilliant, and very dark film. Simply a classic!
Rated 02 Jul 2010
93
91st
A powerful critique of authority that calls into question not only the hypocrisy of the feudal system but the Samurai code itself, "Harakiri" is an anti-Samurai film that nevertheless concludes with perhaps the greatest sword fight on record. The bulk of the film--the sequences with Hanshiro in the courtyard--are flawless, gripping, filled with tension, but many of the flashbacks are visually stunning in a way that distracts us with their beauty instead of reinforcing the dark heart of the film.
Rated 15 Aug 2011
90
94th
A haunting critique of the historic Japanese code of honor. It's tone and style reminded me a lot of Unforgiven. As a bonus, the visuals are masterful.
Rated 16 Jul 2008
100
96th
Seven Samurai gets a pal.
Rated 07 Jun 2015
88
91st
Society in flux. A suit of armor, once a shrine for reverance, a symbol under which hid a complex network of norms through which powers were assorted, as well as communities and etiquette formed, due to peace, due to individualization, is reduced to a suit of armor.
Rated 03 Dec 2015
95
98th
Wow. Harakiri has one of the most compelling premises I have ever seen and concludes as an absolutely insane undressing of the samurai way. The cinematography is also flawless. Few films have this much to give.
Rated 21 May 2010
81
80th
A fascinating and unorthodox take on the samurai genre. If its pacing takes a while to get used to, rest assured that it's both warranted and entirely worth what can sometimes feel like a trudge. The effect is that at times, you will want to wriggle free but the film, in its relentlessness, simply won't let you.
Rated 26 Oct 2017
95
98th
Everything I value in a movie is represented here to near perfection. It has an emotional depth that you just don't see very often. It makes you really dig deep and think about your own life and existence. There is such power in its black and white cinematography -- the lighting, framing and timing of shots are perfect. It's one of the best movies I have ever seen. Warning: This is not an action flick. Come expecting samurai battles and you'll be sorely disappointed.
Rated 17 Apr 2016
94
98th
An impressive game of emotional brinkmanship that pulls no punches in its dissection and criticism of Bushido and honor. Manages to be brutal without being gory, and then shifts effortlessly to thrilling as the ending explodes into violence. Nakadai's acting alone is enough to grip the viewer with its constrained mania, but Kobayashi's direction compliments it perfectly. As brutal as a bamboo sword forced into the abdomen.
Rated 31 Jul 2019
88
91st
If Anti-Westerns are a thing, then surely anti-jidaigeki must be too, and this would be that sub-genre's crowning jewel. Not only does this have some of the prettiest camerawork and tensest dialogue I've ever experienced in a film, but it also systematically dismantles and obliterates all romanticized notions of the bushido code, an entire country's national mythology, and ultimately, how the rich and powerful use violence under pretexts of ideological purity in order perpetuate their power.
Rated 20 Jul 2009
4
93rd
A brilliantly unfolded story, impeccable acting, thoughtful comments on hypocrisy and the misuse of authority in social institutions. A great movie.
Rated 12 Feb 2014
100
98th
Harakiri is like the Unforgiven of samurai movies in that it breaks the hyper-stylistic conventions of its genre and replaces it with harsh, gritty truths while at the same time becoming undeniably one of the best films in that genre. From start to finish a gripping, involving and superbly made film.
Rated 15 Jul 2010
91
98th
Unsettling, depressing, and absolutely superbly made.
Rated 19 Dec 2009
95
98th
A masterwork, completely engrossing and unrelenting from start to finish.
Rated 22 Aug 2011
85
94th
Has one of the best final acts to grace cinema.
Rated 20 Jul 2008
90
99th
Brilliant film, a must see for film fans.
Rated 11 Dec 2007
91
76th
I would have given this closer to a full 100 if it had been tighened up a bit. It could easily be 20 minutes shorter with another trip to the editing room. As it stands, it's still a good morality tale, a commentary on modern (and not so modern) politics, and the realities of having to deal with an ever changing world that can leave certain members of society behind. Highly recommended, but bring your patience for a slower than necessary presentation of a good story.
Rated 08 Jan 2016
91
94th
Tatsuya nakadai is unforgettable. He brings intensity and sincerity and even dark humor to his character. The scenes in the courtyard are the highlight of course, the backstory is predictable but a acted and paced so well that i remained hooked. The finale explodes in action and damns selfrighteous honor codes effectively. The score created good atmosphere and paired very well with the excellent period sets...i felt transported back in time
Rated 01 Dec 2010
80
98th
Easily one of the best samurai movies ever made. Flawlessly fits into the genre while, at the same time, dismantling the (often romanticized) concept of the samurai. The story unfolds slowly at first, but the last hour was riveting, due in part to Kobayashi's innovative direction and Nakadai's compelling performance. Kobayashi certainly gives Kurosawa a run for his money.
Rated 19 Jun 2009
97
91st
You're going to want to see this.
Rated 17 Dec 2012
100
99th
Wonderfully efficient story telling and thematic building. Every element of the film drives home its central premise: the codes of honor and organization that we build around ourselves are ultimately nothing more than an empty suit of armor, inhabited by no greater truth than that which we supply ourselves.
Rated 02 Jan 2020
89
81st
A gripping and powerful slow-burn is perhaps a little too slowly paced in its first half, but once the narrative-within-a-narrative kicks in, it's emotional dynamite, with Kobayashi's stark and careful framing the perfect contrast to an ugly story of the hypocrisy of the samurai code. Finale explosion into violence is one of the great blow-offs of tension in any film; powerfully and movingly performed by the entire cast.
Rated 10 Mar 2017
40
10th
Not that great. I was getting bored after the first 45 minutes. And the ending does not reward you enough for sitting through the tiring narration.
Rated 18 Nov 2021
9
90th
It's a film that very deliberately plays its cards quite close to its chest, imbued with a human tragedy that reveals itself to the viewer ever so slowly yet cleverly. As a B&W photography enthusiast, I honestly don't think I've ever seen characters' faces framed and lit in such astonishing and memorable close-ups. Will undoubtedly play even better upon a rewatch.
Rated 02 Mar 2013
94
99th
Difficult not to love. Everything from the performances to the story to the technical elements are damn near flawless.
Rated 05 Apr 2015
89
96th
Unyielding and tense anti-samurai film with a surgical plot slowly opening up to reveal the ugly underbelly of bushido. Kobayashi's superb camerawork maintains it's picturesque tranquility even as the characters' emotions explode in intense and nuanced performances. Brilliantly develops tension over prolonged scenes. The storytelling's not exactly subtle though, the one female role is terribly used and the amazing action finale didn't feel entirely true to this story. Still a masterpiece.
Rated 08 Jan 2014
91
97th
The emotion of sorrow transposed onto celluoid.
Rated 31 Jan 2011
10
97th
Such an insightful look on samurais and well humans in general. It also has wonderful sword fighting and is completely brutal. Brilliant in other words.
Rated 13 Dec 2011
78
89th
Effective if straightforward critique of the myth and code of the samurai, played in a melodramatic register, boosted by excellent cinematography and many remarkable and memorable shots.
Rated 16 Aug 2014
94
99th
A simply brilliant morality play, but viewed through the prism of honor rather than morality. Our protagonist makes us question whether a code can ever be applied in a way that is truly honorable (or moral) and demonstrates the need for a more human approach to resolving conflict. Absolutely amazing story and story-telling.
Rated 09 Feb 2017
80
91st
Beautiful and grotesque slow-burn drama. Works both as a revenge thriller and a character piece about the conflict between being a Samurai and being a human.
Rated 29 Feb 2012
85
90th
Great cinematography and direction, and its ending battle is incredible.
Rated 24 Oct 2008
90
77th
A movie about death, and the downfall (of samurai) in the broadest sense. A magnificent movie full of symbolism and subtle tension, though losing a lot of it's momentum somewhere after the middle, regains it's power towards the end.
Rated 03 Aug 2023
88
94th
(SLASHOMON)
Rated 22 Nov 2015
75
89th
Harakiri paints a different picture of the samurai. We see them at their most vulnerable yet not necessarily weakest points. Rentaro Mikuni and Tatsuya Nakadai both shine as men on opposite ends of the spectrum, and Tetsuro Tamba and Akira Ishihama play their roles magnificently as well. The first harakiri scene is excruciating without being overtly graphic.
Rated 28 Jul 2013
95
98th
An insightful critique of masculine codes of honor and appearance that managed to avoid a naive triumphant ending. It was was also an extremely effective lesson in the contingency of one's place in a hierarchy.
Rated 30 Jan 2009
100
97th
Despite being shot in black and white in the 1960s, the bamboo sword seppuku scene succeeds in being more brutal and harder to watch than anything Takashi Miike has ever done.
Rated 25 Nov 2008
85
79th
Beautiful tragedy about a man beaten down by life and angry at the corrupt bureaucratic types that hide behind their authority. Kobayashi's photography is really a sight to behold, with exquisite framing and an expressive use of lighting.
Rated 04 Aug 2013
95
99th
Slow pressure-cooker that adds and adds and adds until it pays off with razor-sharp precision.
Rated 15 May 2015
10
97th
"Harakiri" takes its time, slowly setting up and dismantling the expectations of both its characters and the audience, patiently working towards a finale that tears apart following arbitrary dogmas until nothing is left but man's sincerest ambitions.
Rated 17 Jun 2015
95
97th
This film is really offensive to samurai!
Rated 13 Dec 2021
100
0th
The Greatest Samurai Movie of all time, none comes close to it.
Rated 02 Jun 2022
70
12th
sinir bozucu bir film. gerçek hayatlarımız yetmiyormuş gibi filmlerde de acı, sefalet ve işsizlikle yüzleşmek zorunda kalıyoruz. sinematografi nefis. ha bir de unutmadan iyi hanedanına kafam girsin.
Rated 22 Feb 2020
85
90th
The facade of the samurai code has been reborn as Japan's famously exploitative work ethic. Kobayashi's cycle of history is doomed to repeat itself.
Rated 21 Oct 2014
80
85th
Style, social critique, deconstructionist attitude (this is a samurai's Dark Knight) and some good ol' samurai badassery come together impressively in "Seppuku". The shot composition is gorgeous as is the stark score, the structure is remarkable (at least for '62) and the demystification of samurai honor is an original stance. I do feel that Kobayashi hammers it home though -both with needless exposition and symbolism. I will still take him over Kurosawa's mushier stuff, thank you very much.
Rated 05 Aug 2012
97
98th
A riveting study of honor and humanity. The story unfolds in a brilliant way, where nothing is ever quite what it seems, and each piece of information along the way makes you question everything that has come before.
Rated 10 Jul 2020
75
90th
Well worth the acclaim.
Rated 10 May 2023
90
94th
Story time with a battle-worn, scorned samurai whose life has reached its conclusion.
Rated 02 Aug 2021
95
98th
With strong visuals that are beautiful in black-and-white, the somber shots of the Ii-clan courtyard and buildings herald a world in between worlds. Both for the main characters as well as for the clan itself, their ideals are based on illusions and things long lost. The story keeps you invested in it and it's simply beautiful and haunting to look at.
Rated 17 Mar 2018
88
91st
Wowee, a PSI of 99 has to be the highest I've ever seen. I get it, too; Harakiri is incredibly good on all fronts, and even tells its tale in an interesting and effective way. I didn't know who directed it or who was in it, but I figured I had a case of the face-blindness and the main character had to be Mifune, on account of how perfect he was in that role. The pacing in the beginning of the latter half caused my attention to waver a little bit, but it wraps up very well. 23rd film of 2018.
Rated 13 Jan 2014
85
91st
From the moment he repeatedly bangs the sword against the table you know his resolve to do something insane is born. Amazing movie
Rated 30 Jan 2019
85
50th
naniii!!!!!!
Rated 02 Mar 2008
54
26th
# 918
Rated 30 Jul 2012
87
89th
The narration is way ahead of it's time and the directing and cinematography are quite superb. A tad slow and long, but it's a minor bother.
Rated 21 Jul 2016
98
98th
It's hard to watch a samurai movie and not immediately think of comparing it to Kuroswa's masterpieces. For most of the genre it is unfair because you size the movies up to some of the greatest films ever made. Harakiri, however, is good enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with Kurosawa's best work.
Rated 21 Jul 2017
7
50th
fucking badass. epic dad movie.
Rated 22 Feb 2023
83
97th
#23#, rw3, story, ratings, "Project 100-80-60-40-20"-1962#3
Rated 26 May 2021
90
91st
Flawless filmmaking.
Rated 08 Jun 2007
96
95th
Wow.
Rated 14 Oct 2020
83
91st
Movie about a ronin who contradicts himself by proving honour is more than just a facade. In avenging his family, Hanshiro reveals the transience of happiness and the immortality of honour and shame. Cinematographic masterpiece, leaving little to be desired but for its inability to hold suspense throughout.
Rated 29 Aug 2014
90
99th
Another great and depressing collaboration between Kobayashi and Nakadai, who is now definitely my favourite actor. I did fall asleep for a while near the end, so a rewatch is needed to fully appreciate this slow paced marvel.
Rated 11 Oct 2010
70
50th
Provoking, great structure and excellent story. The cinematography and music weren't imo that great though. Pacing was a bit off at some moments and the action scenes in the end were horrible.
Rated 03 Jul 2021
89
91st
An elegant and powerful deconstruction of honour and tradition, beautifully-structured and gorgeously-shot. I’m not sure being quite this slow-paced really served the film very much, but when everything finally kicks off it’s REALLY effective.
Rated 04 Dec 2015
90
95th
Must see
Rated 28 Nov 2013
83
79th
Slow build up till the knots start flying. This is an example of backstory being king & creating a substantial foundation to launch from, literally tearing the samurai image off its pedestal in the process.
Rated 02 Oct 2015
77
64th
Interesting deconstruction of the samurai film and the values they evince, much in the same way 'Liberty Valance' functions towards the western. Remarkable cinematography, in which every shot is perfectly framed and lit, overcomes a pace that is stretched far too much for my liking.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
56
12th
877
Rated 10 Apr 2018
92
96th
Even better on a second viewing. The constant tension and sadness only increase as we know exactly how the samurai code will destroy itself in hypocrisy and violence as the ronin's story plays out, now not as a gradual unfolding of the truth, but as the fatalistic consequences of bushido.
Rated 26 Mar 2011
100
99th
The cream of the crop of chanbara films. It's hard to imagine that a film that runs well over two hours and consists of a samurai sitting on a mat in a garden telling a story would be captivating at all. But this is by far the best samurai film I've ever seen. And it gets better with each subsequent viewing.
Rated 11 Jun 2022
66
70th
Kobayashi's anti-Samurai (or rather anti-Bushidō) film is skilfully crafted, but perhaps too slow by modern standards. The tension is predicated on the story-telling & non-linear structures reining in the pace while establishing character motivation. Most shots feel quite static, though the composition, especially the B&W lighting, is great. Good story, theatrical acting. Conflating honour & cruelty emphasises the emptiness of tradition, while the realistic ending shows the hypocrisy of power.
Rated 28 Feb 2009
88
97th
A film that tears down history. The stereotype that continues to this day of the Japanese propensity for suicide is turned on its head as we are shown characters who are motivated by an overwhelming desire to live. Nakadai is excellent, it has an understated quality contrasted by short bursts of emotion and rage. Nakadai's deep powerful voice only adds another level to his performance.
Rated 06 Nov 2014
100
97th
Sammen med Rashomôn og De syv samuraier den beste samuraifilmen jeg har sett. Fantastisk nedrivning av japanske kjerneverdier som førte til andre verdenskrig og noen av de tingene som skjedde der, deriblant kamikazepilotene. Et sterkt oppgjør med stolthetskultur. Svært enkel, men effektiv cinematografi som bidrar til en håpløs stemning.
Rated 16 Nov 2021
83
90th
Feels fresh, modern. Saw at the cinema. Laughed at one of the characters early on and realised that the director had suckered me. Really well shot
Rated 31 Aug 2022
100
98th
impeccable story telling and built-up
Rated 05 Mar 2023
82
90th
criticker'a girdiğim 700üncü film.
Rated 27 Jan 2024
100
99th
That the name Kobayashi doesn't come up in every discussion of the greatest filmmakers of all time is a travesty.
Rated 07 May 2020
90
94th
If you are a fan of subtle, yet classical storytelling, this is a masterpiece.
Rated 09 May 2021
90
92nd
What a great film. Two hours just flew by. Just a well made story, beautiful directing, and great acting. The plot for me is the strongest part, the way the story unfolds (in a non-linear fashion) is just so masterfully done. Not much more to say, one of the greats.
Rated 30 Apr 2012
89
97th
I was surprised to see such an amazing movie from a director and a bunch of actors I'd never heard of. Of course, it might just be my own fault for not seeing more Japanese movies before.
Rated 21 Jan 2020
59
54th
I've seen this film pitched as a samurai action film and as a satire-- while it does provide commentary on samurai culture, I would call it more of a cautionary tale than a satire, and while it does have some fighting and gore, I wouldn't consider it an action film. It wasn't my cup of tea, but was well executed. I would recommend it to avid film critics and fans of Japanese culture.
Rated 11 Apr 2014
76
72nd
Dram, İyi Dram, Fakirlik, Harakiri, Atesli hastalik, kan kusmak, intikam (Bagli bulunduklari hanedanin malvarligina devlet el koyup, isverenlerini hapse atinca calisanlar sikinti yasarlar. Bir samuray olarak zengin bir ailenin evinde harakiri yapmak isteyen Motome'nin bu istegini yerine getiren zengin aile Motome'yi zor durumda birakir. Motome'nin karisi kan kusar, oglu atesli hastalik gecirmektedir. Zengin aileye blöf yaparak bir is bulma ümidi tasimaktadir. Fakat aile onu harakiriye )
Rated 21 Jan 2010
5
96th
Powerful social critque of Tokugawa Japan
Rated 04 May 2020
90
96th
This was an incredible enjoyable movie, the acting and how the story is told is really remarkable. You slowly get into the story and understand the characters, and then the reveals come and you don't even see when it hits you. A must watch.
Rated 26 Jan 2015
71
57th
I want to like this more... perhaps on rewatch, yeah? *Fingers crossed
Rated 16 Nov 2014
7
92nd
a complete destruction of samurai mythology and film, and a humanist portrayal of poverty. definitely in the same class as kurosawa. the use of quick zoom and jarring sound was incredible.
Rated 12 Jul 2018
90
96th
IYI
Rated 20 Apr 2018
100
99th
Em honra dos cem anos de Shinobu Hashimoto, que, ao contrário da maioria dos centenários, ainda está vivo. Holy shit! Esse filme é tão imenso politica, estetica e sentimentalmente e o Kobayashi é tão mestre de sua arte, sabendo como ninguém colocar a câmera no seu devido lugar que eu me sinto uma palerma por não ter assistido essa obra de arte antes. E pensar que tenho o box da Guerra e Humanidade aqui e nunca assisti. tsc tsc. Kobayashi é cinema.

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