Harakiri is the fourth classic-Japanese film I've seen, after Samurai 1 Musashi, Rashomon, Seven Samurai. It is comfortably my favourite as unlike the others it hasn't noticably dated nor has any clear flaws.
The glacial pace doesn't drag as we're treated to a near-constant stream of visually-striking compositions, a photographer's film! The black-n-white is quite beautiful, with just the right amount of contrast (I recommend the Bluray, for optimal dynamic range).
What the camera does is one thing, a good film still needs a compelling narrative, and we get that too. The first half-hour is a little confusing, but once the story finds its groove (or rather, once the viewer has 'tuned in') then it's quite gripping. We want to know what Tsugumo's game is...
The most impressive accomplishment of the narrative is how it puts its main message across, regarding bushido. I won't explicitly state that message here, as first-time viewers should experience it within the film. It's an impressive ending.
The cast are all decent, music totally sparse yet effective. Subtitles were fine, clear & concise. The action is mostly quite good (for an early-60's flick) tho' there was one sword-swipe which clearly missed its mark despite the victim falling prey to it. Forgiveable, given the age of the film...and understandable, given the actors used real swords! The sets and setting feel authentic, tho' lacking a little in variety. While the slow pacing and precise dialogue isn't an issue, it does make Harakiri a 'watch-when-in-the-mood' type film...not one to put on at any time.
Overall a strong 8/10. The first classic-japanese to get that score. I already enjoy anime & horror from Japan-cinema (Akira, Grave of the Fireflies & The Grudge are probably my top 3 japanese films)...I wasn't sure if the 50's/60's stuff was for me. Now with Harakiri I'm beginning to see the appeal. On account of this strong showing the next film of this ilk will be from the same director: either Kwaidan or deep dive into his Human Condition trilogy.
The glacial pace doesn't drag as we're treated to a near-constant stream of visually-striking compositions, a photographer's film! The black-n-white is quite beautiful, with just the right amount of contrast (I recommend the Bluray, for optimal dynamic range).
What the camera does is one thing, a good film still needs a compelling narrative, and we get that too. The first half-hour is a little confusing, but once the story finds its groove (or rather, once the viewer has 'tuned in') then it's quite gripping. We want to know what Tsugumo's game is...
The most impressive accomplishment of the narrative is how it puts its main message across, regarding bushido. I won't explicitly state that message here, as first-time viewers should experience it within the film. It's an impressive ending.
The cast are all decent, music totally sparse yet effective. Subtitles were fine, clear & concise. The action is mostly quite good (for an early-60's flick) tho' there was one sword-swipe which clearly missed its mark despite the victim falling prey to it. Forgiveable, given the age of the film...and understandable, given the actors used real swords! The sets and setting feel authentic, tho' lacking a little in variety. While the slow pacing and precise dialogue isn't an issue, it does make Harakiri a 'watch-when-in-the-mood' type film...not one to put on at any time.
Overall a strong 8/10. The first classic-japanese to get that score. I already enjoy anime & horror from Japan-cinema (Akira, Grave of the Fireflies & The Grudge are probably my top 3 japanese films)...I wasn't sure if the 50's/60's stuff was for me. Now with Harakiri I'm beginning to see the appeal. On account of this strong showing the next film of this ilk will be from the same director: either Kwaidan or deep dive into his Human Condition trilogy.