Review of Harakiri (1962) by Eric P — 21 Jul 2007

As Donald Richie has commented, this is not so much a samurai film as it is an anti-samurai film. Kobayashi's film looks at the question of the samurai code and, specifically, of honor, unlike anything I have ever seen before. I couldn't help but notice the similarities to the flashback structure of Rashomon, and what a surprise to find out that the writer is the same as that film. Other references in the film abound -- ones to Throne of Blood in particular are also notable (I speak specifically of the arrow-throwing scene for which there is a brief homage to the latter film).

Harakiri also does not seem to lack in influence on films which have followed it, either. I spotted a number of elements for which I would argue that Sergio Leone's films reference, mostly in terms of the Cinemascope compositions. Finally, it would also be interesting to know whether Onibaba, which was released two years after this, deliberately references Harakiri in its beautiful composition of the swaying weeds, which are so present in Onibaba. The cinematography in Harakiri is an example of proper use of the 2.35 aspect ratio, as the shots are consistently beautiful, and the camera moves are surprising in their simple creativity.

Forgetting that, it is the analysis of honor which is most provocative here. Initially, I found that I did not sympathize enough with the main character, but as the film progressed, I understood why. While I believe we are ultimately meant to sympathize with him as the messenger that exposes the wrongs of the establishment, Tsugumo is not a protagonist in the traditional sense. He, too, is shown to be flawed in his own definition of honor on multiple occasions throughout the film. It was the right decision to keep that character at a distance and not allow us to completely sympathize with his plight.

I initially thought of knocking a half-star off my rating because the pacing is a little off at a few parts, but ultimately I think that the rest of the film's strengths shine through to cement it amongst the classics of the genre.