Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai [Blu-ray]

This is so much more than simply a "samurai" movie with flashing swords and action. The characters are well developed. The story moves well and has strong emotional content. For the discourse on honor and what honor truly is (i.e., being human and seeing all others as human, living with dignity and compassion), this movie is worth the cost to either rent on Amazon Video (which this one just did) or to buy when it is released (which this one intends to do).The cinematography is spectacular and often breath taking, with a depth of atmosphere seldom seen in modern films.The only complaint this one would have is with the closed caption translations of Japanese (as an example, "I don't understand" was often translated as "I am sorry" and in the context of the dialogue, such was not correct. There are other examples however, for those who do not speak Japanese, the presented dialogue generally conveyed the story adequately).This one is sorry that he can not give this film more than five stars. It is a truly wonderful film far surpassing what one might expect from a film in this genre. Miike-san did a subperb job.

This movie was terrific. Some may not understand it, but for those who understand the way of the samurai and Japanese honor, you will really enjoy this movie. Not to give spoilers, but keep in mind during watching this that the main character isn't out for just revenge, he's out for honor and you will understand how it ends a lot more. Every flashback is important and every part of the storyline that is explained contains pertinent information. This is not a movie where you can not pay attention and grasp the full meaning. This being said,it is also not for the light of heart. You will be saddened, you will be shocked and let down at things. But all these elements combine to make a solid movie. If you study their culture and understand the Japanese, you will absolutely understand and honor this movie for the work of art it is. The cast and crew were chosen very wisely, and each plays their role greatly. Please enjoy !!

This film is a slow sad flick that deals mostly with attitudes about honor within Japanese culture. If you are looking for something similar to 13 Samurai you may be surprised by what you get. That being said this is an extremely well-made, and sad flick. There is some impressive action that I won't spoil, but understand that the action within the film only lasts around 15 to 25 minutes and is almost entirely at the end of the film. If you enjoy or feel comfortable watching a slow burning film you'll love this, if you like fast paced media you may find this film testing at certain parts.

Takashi Miichi's remake of the iconic 1962 "Hara Kiri," directed by Masaki Kobayashi, in color and 3-D for theater-goers, would surely be acclaimed as a near masterwork, a return to the cinematic artistry that made Kobayashi and Kurosawa sublime in their time. Unfortunately for Miichi, too many of us remember the original in all its black-and-white starkness and moodiness. Remaking Hara Kiri is as presumptuous as rewriting Hamlet or recomposing The Marriage of Figaro. The good news is that Miichi follows the script and the ineluctable timing of Kobayashi's classic almost scene for scene... until the climax, the furor that erupts in the last ten minutes. To compare the climactic scenes would constitute an atrocious spoilage, so I won't. But I will say that Miichi's finale discards the profound historical significance of Kobayashi's. Both films are quite worth seeing, believe me, even on successive evenings.The most salient difference, nevertheless, needs to be expressed. The original starred Tatsuyo Nakadai, whose ferocity and intensity made him the Dark counterpart to the lustiness and mirth of Toshiro Mifune. Nobody could match Nakadai in this role; Ebizo Ichikawa earns my admiration for trying.

This movie shows not only the samurai culture, love and compassion, but also touch on humanity's greed, violence and sadistic ways. It also shows what can drive a man to glory and happiness or to total madness and dispair in an instant.

Tragic. Though this played out in Japan, yet, it could be retold in modern American times. Most people in America have to go and seek a "feudal lord" aka an employer. Sometimes hard times come - recessions, etc. and the "feudal lord" (employer) lets employees go. Most have mortgages, utilities, food expenses, and car payments to pay. Culture says you should be able to support your family. Some feel shame, failure, discouragement and despair when they cannot find another "feudal lord" (employee). Some use up their savings; some have no savings. Some have no one to turn to; some are ashamed to ask for help; some are turned away when they ask for help. Some jump out of buildings, some commit suicide; but, most keep going until they can find another way. We are not so different from one another though cultural contexts are different.

The original film has amazing framing and tension. It is one of the best films I've ever seen. The remake is sadly sleep inducing. The shots are often less interesting and the color palette is extremely dark. Also there is almost no music the entire film. The original was longer and yet the remake has some wasted scenes whereas the original knew what it was doing. Also Criterion did a superb job on the remaster, making it truly timeless. Spend the extra cash and watch the original instead, that's where the heart of the film is.

Very good movie. Pretty faithful to the 1962 B&W original. Well cast actors, and great visual scenery.