Harakiri

Kobayashi's great, laceratingly exciting 1962 Japanese samurai revenge saga, once voted by Japanese critics their country's all-time best film. [03 Mar 2006, p.C5]

Kobayashi unfolds the grim, cynical tale in layers, climaxing in a brilliant, beautiful swordfight on a wind-swept plain. [05 Dec 2003, p.C1]

Whilst there is plenty of swordplay involved, it's the war of words and ideals that really captures the imagination here.

Few swords clash until the 100-minute mark of Harakiri, making it one of the most patient action films ever, but also one of the most beautifully composed. [24 Mar 2006, p.R13]

This stunning film is a sombre tragedy [from Yasuhiko Takiguchi's novel] giving off deep rage against militarism, political systems and beliefs that do not allow for a rational human outlook or future change.

Structured with intricacy and precision, the storyline alternates between present and past, using its extended flashback sequences to delay and then detonate narrative revelations like so many time bombs.

You may not get much satisfaction from the tortured human drama in this film, but you should get an eyeful graphic exercise.

Still beats the remake 50 years later, hands down. Devil is in the details, the duel, the rusty swordsmanship from years non-practising, the almost dance like fight, and the culminating Seppuku all amounts to the greater result missing from the remake, even the later has all-star cast.

Absolutely amazing movie. One of the greatest of the era. I wish I could make something this good.

Despite their profound idealization of honor when it comes to the samurai, in one way or another, it is something that makes them so fascinating, and Harakiri clearly addresses the ethics of what their code entails. Harakiri is an elegant, powerful, emotional, dramatic, exciting and beautiful movie. A masterpiece that exudes quality in all its elements. I can now see why this is one of the best samurai movies ever made, and it's all the more surprising that it's one that rightly questions its system.

genuinely one of the greatest movies of all time. This dark, suspenseful tale is an absolute triumph for Japanese cinema!

Whereas the story didn't fully captivate me, there is no doubt in the perfection of its directing, use of camera and acting.