Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (Ichimei)

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  • Opened July 20, 2012 
  • 2 hr 6 min

  • From visionary auteur Takashi Miike (13 ASSASSINS) comes the story of a mysterious samurai who arrives at the doorstep of his feudal lord, requesting an honorable death by ritual suicide in his courtyard. The lord threatens him with the brutal tale of Motome, a desperate young ronin who made a similar request with ulterior motives, only to meet a grisly end. Undaunted, the samurai begins to tell a story of his own, with an ending no one could see coming. With stunning cinematography and gripping performances, HARA-KIRI: DEATH OF A SAMURAI is a thrilling exploration of revenge, honor, and individuality in the face of oppressive power. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Ebizo Ichikawa, Eita, Hikari Mitsushima, Naoto Takenaka, Munetaka Aoki, Takashi Sasano, Baijaku Nakamura, Koji Yakusho
  • Director: Takashi Miike
  • Genres: 3D, Art House/Foreign

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Fan Reviews

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stunning

by chiriacvalentin

Hard, heavy drama. A lot of substance. A movie that after you see, you look different to the world. Thick also....

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Critic Reviews

100
San Francisco Chronicle
|

Takashi's film is sumptuous, with rich cinematography, costumes and set design. Half the time it is a game of chess - the battle of wits between Motome and the lord. Half of the time it is a moving melodrama. Read full review

80
The Guardian
| Peter Bradshaw

The endlessly prolific Takashi Miike returns with this superbly acted revenger's tragedy. Read full review

80
Time Out New York
| Keith Uhlich

What most distinguishes the redo is the often remarkable use of 3-D: Miike turns the format's inherent limitations, especially the tendency toward visual murkiness, to his advantage, fully immersing us in a world suffused with moral and ethical rot. Read full review

80
New York Daily News
| Elizabeth Weitzman

Deftly weaving double plotlines, gorgeous camera work, and deep compassion, Miike contrasts ritualistic "honor" with the truly honorable, as poor but noble squires face off against powerful lords cushioned by tradition and pride. Read full review

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Ebizo Ichikawa in "Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai."