Harakiri

The more I watch classic Japanese cinema the more it frustrates me what pop culture in Japan has become. I’m not an anime cynic in fact a lot of my favourite shows have been anime but the current state of the medium is detestable. Endless fantasy slop that lacks any substance. Sure there are some hidden gems in that pile but overall it’s as I said before slop. Harakiri is an amazing and interesting social commentary about the facade of honour. How the aristocracy has and will continue to drain and dehumanise the lowly peasants it feeds off. Through no fault of their own many samurai became ronin and face a life of misery and poverty.  I was not expecting a truly heartfelt and soul crushing story from this film.  Tatsuya Nakadai’s acting is truly phenomenal. From his vocal range to his physicality he consumes you as the character of Hanshīro.  I now understand why this film is rated as high as it is. Truly a masterpiece!