Hara-Kiri

Hara-Kiri is a Japanese film about a poverty-stricken samurai who manipulates his way into committing ritual suicide in order to expose the harsh realities and hypocrisy of the feudal lord system.

In Masaki Kobayashi's Hara-Kiri, a poverty-stricken samurai reveals the harsh realities of feudal Japan's caste system, seeking revenge for his son-in-law's forced suicide. A chilling critique of societal injustice. #HaraKiri #JapaneseCinema

In 17th century Japan, a samurai tricks a feudal lord into committing harakiri. Turns out, it's all for revenge for his son-in-law's forced suicide. Dark, intense drama!

Just watched Masaki Kobayashi's masterpiece, "Hara-Kiri". A gripping tale of a poverty-stricken samurai who reveals a tragic story tied to feudal Japan's caste system. A powerful critique of societal norms and a heart-wrenching exploration of honor, sacrifice, and revenge. #HaraKiri #JapaneseCinema

Hara-Kiri is a 1962 Japanese film directed by Masaki Kobayashi. It tells the story of a ronin (masterless samurai) named Hanshiro Tsugumo who arrives at the Iyi clan's estate and requests to commit ritual suicide (hara-kiri) in their courtyard. The clan's retainer, Saito, suspects that Hanshiro is bluffing and tells him the story of another ronin, Motome Chijiiwa, who made the same request but was forced to go through with it using a bamboo sword. Hanshiro then reveals that he was actually Motome's father-in-law and demands to use a real sword for his suicide. The clan reluctantly agrees and Hanshiro's true intentions are revealed as he seeks revenge for his son-in-law's unjust death. Through flashbacks, it is revealed that Motome was forced to commit hara-kiri due to the clan's strict code of honor and their fear of losing face. In the end, Hanshiro's revenge is fulfilled, but at a great cost. The film explores themes of honor, duty, and the consequences of blindly following tradition.

• Key Characters:
• Hanshiro Tsugumo
• Lord Iyi
• Kageyu Saito
• Hayato
• Chijiiwa Motome

Hara-Kiri, directed by Masaki Kobayashi, is a Japanese film set in the 17th century during the Edo period. The story revolves around a ronin (masterless samurai) named Hanshiro Tsugumo, who arrives at the Iyi clan’s estate requesting to perform hara-kiri (ritual suicide) in their courtyard. The film explores themes of honor, duty, and the corrupt nature of the samurai code.

The film begins with Hanshiro Tsugumo, a destitute ronin, arriving at the Iyi clan’s estate. He is met by Kageyu Saito, the chief retainer of the clan, who informs him that they have had many ronin come to their estate requesting to perform hara-kiri in order to receive charity from the clan. However, Saito suspects that most of these ronin are simply trying to extort money from the clan and have no intention of actually committing suicide.

Hanshiro reveals that he is there to avenge the death of his son-in-law, Chijiiwa Motome, who had come to the estate a few months earlier requesting to perform hara-kiri. Motome was forced to commit suicide by the clan’s samurai, who believed he was trying to extort money from them. Hanshiro asks to use the clan’s courtyard to perform hara-kiri as a way to honor his son-in-law and restore his family’s honor.

Saito, feeling guilty about Motome’s death, agrees to let Hanshiro perform hara-kiri. However, he offers him a blunt bamboo sword, believing that Hanshiro will back down and leave. To Saito’s surprise, Hanshiro proceeds with the ritual, revealing that he has a real sword hidden under his ragged clothing. He tells the story of how Motome came to be in such a desperate situation and how the clan’s actions led to his death.

As Hanshiro begins the ritual, the film flashes back to the events leading up to Motome’s death. Motome, a skilled swordsman, had come to the Iyi clan’s estate seeking employment. However, he was turned away and was forced to beg for money to support his sick wife and child. When he was caught trying to steal from the clan, he was given the choice to either commit hara-kiri or be killed by the clan’s samurai.

Back in the present, Hanshiro’s story enrages the clan’s samurai, who see it as an insult to their honor. They demand that he finish the ritual quickly, but Hanshiro takes his time, revealing that he had come to the estate with the intention of avenging Motome’s death. He challenges the clan’s top swordsman, Hayato, to a duel and easily defeats him. This further angers the samurai, who see it as a disgrace to their clan.

In the end, Hanshiro is killed by the clan’s samurai, but not before he has exposed the corrupt nature of the samurai code and the hypocrisy of the Iyi clan. The film ends with a quote from the Hagakure, a book on the samurai code, stating that “the way of the samurai is found in death.”

Hara-Kiri is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges the traditional ideals of honor and duty. Through the story of Hanshiro and Motome, it exposes the flaws and injustices of the samurai code and the corrupt nature of those in power. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Hara-Kiri is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese cinema and the complexities of the samurai culture.

1. What is Hara-Kiri about?
   
   Hara-Kiri is a Japanese film directed by Masaki Kobayashi that tells the story of a ronin seeking to avenge his son-in-law’s death.
2. When was Hara-Kiri released?
   
   Hara-Kiri was released in Japan in 1962.
3. Who directed Hara-Kiri?
   
   Hara-Kiri was directed by Masaki Kobayashi.
4. Is Hara-Kiri based on a true story?
   
   No, Hara-Kiri is not based on a true story, but it is inspired by historical events.
5. What language is Hara-Kiri in?
   
   Hara-Kiri is in Japanese.
6. Who are the main actors in Hara-Kiri?
   
   The main actors in Hara-Kiri are Tatsuya Nakadai, Rentarō Mikuni, and Shima Iwashita.
7. What is the running time of Hara-Kiri?
   
   The running time of Hara-Kiri is 133 minutes.
8. What genre does Hara-Kiri belong to?
   
   Hara-Kiri belongs to the drama and samurai film genres.
9. Is Hara-Kiri available with English subtitles?
   
   Yes, Hara-Kiri is available with English subtitles.
10. What awards did Hara-Kiri win?
    
    Hara-Kiri won the Special Jury Prize at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival.
11. Is Hara-Kiri a sequel to another film?
    
    No, Hara-Kiri is not a sequel to another film.
12. What is the significance of the title Hara-Kiri?
    
    Hara-Kiri refers to the traditional Japanese ritual of suicide by disembowelment.
13. Is Hara-Kiri a violent film?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri contains scenes of violence and bloodshed.
14. What is the message of Hara-Kiri?
    
    Hara-Kiri explores themes of honor, revenge, and the consequences of blindly following tradition.
15. Is Hara-Kiri available on streaming platforms?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri is available on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime and Criterion Channel.
16. What is the critical reception of Hara-Kiri?
    
    Hara-Kiri has received widespread critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest Japanese films of all time.
17. Is Hara-Kiri a slow-paced film?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri is a slow-paced film that builds tension and atmosphere.
18. Are there any graphic scenes in Hara-Kiri?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri contains graphic scenes of violence and suicide.
19. Is Hara-Kiri a black and white film?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri is a black and white film.
20. What is the significance of the bamboo garden in Hara-Kiri?
    
    The bamboo garden in Hara-Kiri symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death.
21. Is Hara-Kiri a historically accurate film?
    
    No, Hara-Kiri takes creative liberties with historical events.
22. What is the budget of Hara-Kiri?
    
    The budget of Hara-Kiri was approximately $200,000.
23. Is Hara-Kiri available on DVD or Blu-ray?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
24. What is the aspect ratio of Hara-Kiri?
    
    Hara-Kiri was filmed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
25. Is Hara-Kiri a dialogue-heavy film?
    
    Yes, Hara-Kiri relies heavily on dialogue to drive the story forward.
26. What is the significance of the final scene in Hara-Kiri?
    
    The final scene in Hara-Kiri is a powerful commentary on the futility of revenge.