Synopsis
Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.
Votre Filmothèque
Cast
- Tatsuya NakadaiHanshiro Tsugumo
- Akira IshihamaMotome Chijiiwa
- Shima IwashitaMiho Tsugumo
- Tetsurō TambaHikokuro Omodaka
- Masao MishimaTango Inaba
- Ichirō NakataniHayato Yazaki
- Kei SatōMasakazu
- Yoshio InabaJinai Chijiiwa
- Hisashi IgawaRetainer
- Tōru TakeuchiRetainer
Recommandations
- 100
Chicago Sun-Times
Harakiri is a film reflecting situational ethics, in which the better you know a man the more deeply you understand his motives. - 100
Chicago Tribune
Kobayashi unfolds the grim, cynical tale in layers, climaxing in a brilliant, beautiful swordfight on a wind-swept plain. [05 Dec 2003, p.C1] - 100
Chicago Tribune
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] - 90
Total Film
Whilst there is plenty of swordplay involved, it's the war of words and ideals that really captures the imagination here. - 88
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
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] - 80
The New Yorker
The film has a steady, hypnotic momentum; the director, Masaki Kobayashi, wrings as much drama out of facial twitches as he does out of sword fights. He’s helped immensely by Nakadai’s molten performance and Toru Takemitsu’s spare, disquieting music. - 80
Variety
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. - 75
Slant Magazine
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.
