#302: KOBAYASHI, Masaki: Harakiri (1962)

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KOBAYASHI, Masaki (Japan)
Harakiri [1962]
Spine #302
DVD


Following the collapse of his clan, unemployed samurai Hanshiro Tsuguma [Tatsuya Nakadai] arrives at the manor of Lord Iyi, begging to commit ritual suicide on his property. Iyi's clansmen, believing the desperate ronin is merely angling for charity, try to force him to eviscerate himself — but they have underestimated his honor and his past. Winner of the 1963 Cannes Film Festival's Special Jury Prize, Masaki Kobayashi's Harakiri is a scathing denouncement of feudal authority and hypocrisy.

133 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in Japanese
2:35:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2005
Director/Writers


Original story by Yasuhiko Takiguchi.
Screenplay by Shinobu Hashimoto.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Thirty-page booklet featuring an essay by Joan Mellen and her interview with Kobayashi.

Commentary

None.

Video introduction

By Japanese-film historian Donald Richie.
Excerpt

Of a Directors Guild of Japan video interview with director Kobayashi, conducted by filmmaker Masahiro Shinoda (Double Suicide [1969] {Spine #104}).
Video interviews

With star Nakadai and screenwriter Hashimoto.
Poster gallery

Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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