Harakiri (Dual Format Blu-ray & DVD) [Masters of Cinema] [1962]

Surely this is in the running for the greatest Japanese movie of all time? It's a superb film about the hypocrisy of those who rigidly adhere to codes of conduct, the callousness of bureaucracy, and the way that tradition, however noble it may appear to be on its surface, can nevertheless be abused for inhumane ends. This is an acerbic critique of Bushido, feudalism, and the tragic fate the legacy of the Samurai class left for Japan in the 20th century. Its message is no less relevant for today's world. I can't recommend it enough.

This is one of the most suspenseful movies I've ever seen. It's a frightening story, very dark, and leaves you feeling disgusted with the violence, mercilessness, and hypocrisy of human nature. I'm terrible at writing reviews, so just go watch it. You'll love it. Easily one of the best films I've ever seen.

Long and slow, but the final duel is one of the top 5 fencing sequences on film. Not the usual chambara(?) samurai slashing one expects. Definite moral apparent... Hits in the feels, lol. Truly one of the greatest films, and most gorgeous black and white films of all time.

This movie represents the peak of the samurai genre and enters the pantheon of Great Films on the merits of its subtle subversion of the genre's tropes. The Ronin at the center of the story exhibit the noblest qualities of the Bushido code, even as they appear to be in violation of it. Ceremonious (and sanctimonious) adherence to an honor code- to save face- exposes its shallowness. The film's esthetic is stoic and sparse, with deep reserves of compassion, just like its protagonists. In short, an excellent film that transcends the genre.

Looks beautiful as far as I can tell. Subtitles aren’t in English. Also region B, if you don’t have an all region player forget it.

A moving story with excellent actors, dialogue and photography. Terrific!

Not much to say, either you want to watch a film about Harakiri, or you dont! If you do, however, this is a must-see.

One of my favorite Japanese movies of all time. Here I share key quotes from two very good reviews on this movie:"Harakiri is a film reflecting situational ethics, in which the better you know a man the more deeply you understand his motives." from Roger Ebert [...]"While containing all necessary elements for Japan’s popular samurai-themed jidai-geki, conforming to its period requirements and even boasting impressive swordplay in the finale’s battle scenes, Harakiri proves a most potent anti-samurai film." from Deep Focus Review [...]

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  A Ronan goes to a reputable house to commit ritual suicide, but before he does he has a story to tell.With that simple wet up comes a rich and engaging piece of filmmaking. With each passing moment comes a new revelation, a new way for the story to unfold that recontextualised what we previously saw before. It's such a great tale that I really don't want to spoil any aspect of it for you. I went into this one knowing nothing, and it was a wonderful tale.The direction is sublime. The way it teases and directs the viewer shows the craftsmanship that the director has. Some of the images captured are utterly beautiful. There are stark images of two characters walking through a cemetery and then down a path that has these trees that are waving with the wind that is stunning. That's before we even get to the amazing duel.I honestly believe that this is a masterpiece. Something that everyone would enjoy. An absolute must-own film.

I'm glad to see this film is much easier to get hold of than it was back when I first saw it in the late '90's when the only available copies of this - and other samurai movies - were VHS booglegs on a certain auction website. Of the numerous Japanese films I watched during that time, this is the one which had the greatest impact & which I was excited to watch again on DVD.While I also enjoyed Takeshi Miike's version, it could not compare with Tatsuya Nakadai's captivating performance. And surprisingly, given Miike's reputation, the original has more action in it too! The way the story is structured to give it impact, a theme which would not be out of place in Rashomon, the increasing air of tension, Nakadai's performance - everything is spot on & builds up perfectly to a satisfying conclusion, down to the short line imbued with great meaning at its very end.Extras are restricted to the original Japanese trailer & an interview with the director, which lasts 9 minutes. There's also a 28-page booklet included. The main selling points are that this version features "new & improved" English subtitles & is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with black bars along the top & bottom of the picture to ensure it fits in widescreen. I don't have a Blu-ray player but the DVD picture quality is surprisingly good. Like many black & white films shown on modern screens, there are almost constant vertical lines & small flashes but the picture itself is very clear. The box says it's 1080p on Blu-ray, so constitutes high definition.This is a truly stunning, character-driven samurai film which demonstrates you don't need buckets of blood or CGI to keep an audience hooked - just a great story, director & leading man.

A brilliant film with a clear message, about the futility of blindly following a system that is self serving, and has no regard for the people that keep the system in power, and has even less for those which it discards after years of loyal service. The last half hour is the most Important part as all is made clear, the sword fights are believable and remind me of footage(VHS), of real bouts of martial arts masters I have seen. The high-definition version is as clear as a bell (very crisp), I cannot remember the subtitles from the version I saw on Ch4 many years ago, but the one's on this version are easy to read, and they do not get in the way of the film(in my opinion), the DVD and Blu-ray set is so good I have just ordered it for a friend, for his B'day(his choice) after he watched it with me, this is a must have, if you like to collect the best of Japanese films.

Best transfer of this film.The criterion one looks sharper, but look closely and you'll see a lot of artificial edge enhancement and ringing.Buy this version instead, it's been handled far better than the Criterion release!As far the film, it's an edge-of-your-seat drama / thriller. An unmissable classic with nary a single pretentious frame in it.

Great film, as good a film as I've ever seen! As good a purchase as I've ever made, it's in Czech, so you have to fiddle around with it to get Japanese Audio and English subtitles, but it is worth it at a good price for such a quality groundbreaking film, I went off of Roger Ebert on this one and I am so glad I did, fantastic story, great acting by Nakadai as in Ran, and it's just a classic, up there with Seven Samurai, Yojimbo imo.