Movie spotlight
Harakiri
The daughter of a daimyo, one forced to commit harakiri to secure her a future to choose her own destiny, falls in love with and marries a European officer. The officer returns to Europe but promises to come back for her and his new child, but when he comes back to Japan, he brings his European wife.
Insights
Plot Summary
In feudal Japan, a ronin named Isaburo finds himself in a dire situation when he is forced to commit ritual suicide. However, he cleverly uses the opportunity to expose the corruption within his clan. His actions ignite a rebellion, and he must fight for his life and the honor of his family.
Critical Reception
As an early Japanese film, 'Harakiri' (1919) is considered a significant work in the development of Japanese cinema. While specific critical reviews from its time are scarce, its enduring presence and influence on subsequent samurai films suggest a positive reception for its historical narrative and action sequences.
What Reviewers Say
A foundational film in the samurai genre.
Showcases early cinematic techniques in Japan.
Notable for its historical setting and dramatic plot.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available for this early film, but its historical significance is widely acknowledged.
Fun Fact
This 1919 film should not be confused with the more famous 1962 Masaki Kobayashi film also titled 'Harakiri,' which is a critically acclaimed masterpiece and a different story.
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