Harakiri
1962 • Action, Drama, History • NR
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.
Runtime: 2h 15m
Explore the depths of human honor and the intricate life of the samurai through Yasuhiko Takiguchi's masterful storytelling in 'Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai.' The novel delves into the cultural climate of Japan during the Edo period, unveiling a narrative rich with historical and philosophical insights. Every page turns with the blade's sharpness as it illuminates the struggles and psyche of characters bound by the rigid codes of their time.
While the 1962 film 'Harakiri' captures the surface tension and drama, the book offers a deeper, more intimate journey into the heart of its themes. Takiguchi's prose invites readers to ponder the societal constraints and the notion of honor more profoundly than the cinematic depiction. This profound experience of reading allows for a personal engagement with the motives and internal conflicts of the ronin, bringing to life the very essence of their historical and cultural backdrop far beyond what can be visualized on screen.
Harakiri inspired from
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai
by Yasuhiko Takiguchi
