Harakiri (1962)

In the tranquil aftermath of the 1630s, peace sweeps across Japan, causing the dissolution of the warrior clans. This tranquility, however, leaves thousands of ronin - masterless samurais - grappling with a harsh reality of destitution. Amidst this turmoil, Hanshiro Tsugumo, a seasoned warrior and former samurai of the Lord of Geishu, approaches the house of powerful Lord Lyi. He carries the heavy request to commit hara-kiri, a revered form of ritual suicide marking an honorable end amid his desperate circumstances. As Tsugumo steps into Lord Lyi's domain, he's welcomed by Umenosuke Kawabe, who shares the tragic tale of a young samurai, Motome Chijiiwa. Chijiiwa too had sought sanctuary in these hallowed halls to commit hara-kiri, but with the covert hope of receiving alms. Hikokuro Omodaka, a fierce warrior, sways the clan to make an example of Chijiiwa, forcing him to carry out the gruesome ritual with a blunt bamboo blade. As the narrative unfolds, Tsugumo reveals an intimate connection to the ill-fated Chijiiwa. The young samurai was his son-in-law, driven to desperate measures to provide for his ailing wife and infant son. Carrying the pain of his daughter's family, Tsugumo has arrived at Lord Lyi's house with a twofold mission. He seeks not only an honorable death but also a chance to exact revenge for the tragic fate that befell Chijiiwa, his daughter, and his grandson. This tale of honor, desperation, and vengeance is interwoven with flashbacks, painting a poignant picture of the samurais' struggle in this era of peace. As the plot thickens, Tsugumo's request sets into motion an electrifying showdown against the house, culminating in a climax that challenges the very essence of the samurai code.

Harakiri is an action movie featuring Tatsuya Nakadai.

Harakiri is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Harakiri on Amazon Video and Apple TV.