Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

Year: 2012

Runtime: 126 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Takashi Miike

Drama

A desperate samurai requests permission to perform seppuku, a ritual suicide, within the grounds of a wealthy lord’s estate. The request prompts the lord to investigate the circumstances surrounding a similar request made months earlier by another samurai, uncovering a tragic story of hardship, debt, and a desperate attempt to find redemption and provide for loved ones. The lord must then grapple with questions of honor, duty, and the harsh realities faced by those living under the feudal system.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1634 - 1635

The film is set during the early 17th century, a period marked by strict codes of conduct among the samurai class in Japan. This time frame highlights the importance placed on honor and the consequences of failure, reflecting the samurai values and societal expectations of the era.

Location

Lord Ii's castle

Lord Ii's castle serves as the central location of the film, symbolizing power and honor among the samurai class. The courtyard becomes a stage for the unfolding tragedies, where the rituals of seppuku take place, representing the complex codes of honor and loyalty in feudal Japan.

🏯 Castle 🚪 Courtyard

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:43

Main Characters – Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2012)

Meet the key characters of Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hanshiro Tsugumo

Hanshiro Tsugumo is a resolute samurai who embodies the spirit of honor and determination. Despite his clan's fall from grace, he is driven by a desire to avenge the wrongs done to his fellow samurai, Motome. His actions demonstrate the fierce loyalty and tragic consequences of adhering to samurai values in a changing world.

🗡️ Samurai 💔 Vengeful

Kageyu Saitō

Kageyu Saitō is a senior retainer who reveals the tragic fate of Motome and represents the complex power dynamics within the castle. His actions convey a sense of duty but also moral conflict as he navigates the expectations of loyalty and honor among the samurai class.

🛡️ Retainer ⚖️ Duty

Squire Motome Chijiiwa

Motome Chijiiwa is a tragic figure whose desperate attempt to maintain his family's honor ultimately leads to his demise. His story embodies the harsh realities faced by samurai in distress, reflecting the emotional toll of societal pressures and poverty.

😔 Tragic Hero 👨‍👩‍👦 Family Man

Hikokurō Omodaka

Hikokurō Omodaka serves as Motome's second, representing the rigid structure of samurai rituals. His insistence on following the traditional codes reflects the societal norms of honor while contrasting with the tragic outcome of Motome’s life.

⚔️ Second 🏯 Traditionalist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:43

Major Themes – Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2012)

Explore the central themes of Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Honor

Honor is a central theme, manifesting in the samurai's commitment to seppuku as a means to restore dignity. Hanshiro's journey reveals the devastating cost of honor and the tragic consequences of social expectations on the lives of individuals, resulting in a cycle of violence and despair.

😢 Tragedy

The film explores tragedy, particularly through the story of Motome and his family's suffering. The despair and misfortune faced by the characters emphasize the fragility of life and the harsh realities of their world, ultimately leading to heartbreaking decisions and irreversible consequences.

🔥 Vengeance

Vengeance drives Hanshiro's actions as he seeks retribution for the injustices suffered by Motome. His quest not only showcases the relentless pursuit of justice but also raises questions about the cycles of violence that arise in the name of honor and pride.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:43

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Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai Summary

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai Timeline

Track the full timeline of Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai Timeline

More About Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

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