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Harakiri poster
Editorial Collection / Criterion Collection

Harakiri

切腹

Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer
19622h 15mNR8.4
Action / Drama / History

Synopsis

Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.

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Harakiri

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Director Spotlight

Cinematic Profile

Carl Theodor Dreyer

Cast & Crew

DirectorMasaki Kobayashi
WriterShinobu Hashimoto
CinematographyYoshio Miyajima
MusicToru Takemitsu
Principal Cast
Tatsuya Nakadai
Tatsuya NakadaiHanshiro Tsugumo
Akira Ishihama
Akira IshihamaMotome Chijiiwa
Shima Iwashita
Shima IwashitaMiho Tsugumo
Tetsuro Tamba
Tetsuro TambaHikokuro Omodaka
Masao Mishima
Masao MishimaTango Inaba
Ichirō Nakatani
Ichirō NakataniHayato Yazaki
Kei Satō
Kei SatōMasakazu
Yoshio Inaba
Yoshio InabaJinai Chijiiwa

Technical Specifications

Runtime2h 15m (135 mins)

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Production Details

DirectorCarl Theodor Dreyer
LanguagesJapanese
CountryJP
StudioShochiku
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