Harakiri

Name: Harakiri
Genre: Action, Drama, History
Released: 1962-09-15
Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsuro Tamba, Masao Mishima

1962 | 135 min | Action, Drama, History

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences adore it (8.5 out of 10) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Kill Bill: Vol. 2 or Wrath of Man, start here.
The mood: Exciting.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 15 min.
What might put you off: It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Made in 1962: an older pace and style.

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.