5/5 stars
Harakiri (1962) is a powerful and haunting film that explores the complex themes of honor, sacrifice, and cultural tradition in Japan. With its thought-provoking story, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, Harakiri is a must-see film for anyone interested in Japanese cinema or the cultural history of Japan. If you're looking to watch Harakiri with subtitles, we recommend checking out the options listed above for the best viewing experience.
The film also explores the symbolism of the ritualistic self-disembowelment, which is both a powerful and disturbing image. The act of harakiri is a potent symbol of the samurai code of conduct, which emphasized the importance of loyalty, duty, and self-discipline. At the same time, the act is also a deeply personal and intimate one, which underscores the individual cost of upholding these codes.
The film is set in the 17th century, during the Edo period, and follows the story of a ronin (a masterless samurai) named Motobu Chuji (played by Toshirô Mifune). The ronin arrives at the castle of the lord of the Akō Domain, where he requests to be allowed to perform harakiri (seppuku) as a form of ritualistic suicide. The lord, Lord Asano, is puzzled by the request and orders his retainer, Kōhei Hirayama (played by Hiroshi Ishimaru), to investigate the ronin's background and determine the reasons behind his request.