---
title: "Harakiri"
year: 1962
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/harakiri-1962"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 14537
imdb_id: "tt0056058"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 135
community_rating: 8.4
vote_count: 1238
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Harakiri (1962) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/harakiri-1962

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Harakiri is a 1962 Japanese film about a ronin seeking to commit seppuku at the House of Iyi. Tsugumo Hanshirō, an unemployed samurai with no family, approaches the wealthy clan hoping to find a suitable location and second for his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions Hanshirō's true intentions, suspecting he may be seeking charity rather than pursuing an honorable death. The narrative unfolds through two interconnected stories that explore themes of honor and respect within the samurai code. The film examines the distinction between genuine honor and superficial respect, challenging traditional notions of the legendary samurai code through its dramatic exploration of these interwoven tales.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A desperate ronin requests to commit ritual suicide at the courtyard of a powerful feudal clan."

### Why Watch
- masterful direction by Masaki Kobayashi
- acclaimed international reputation

### Caveats & Content Note
- features intense themes of ritual suicide
- slow-paced narrative
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains depictions of ritual suicide and intense dramatic confrontation.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, thought-provoking, dramatic, period

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Criterion Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Criterion Channel | None | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Masaki Kobayashi
- **Networks / Studios**: Shochiku

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tatsuya Nakadai** as *Hanshiro Tsugumo*
- **Akira Ishihama** as *Motome Chijiiwa*
- **Shima Iwashita** as *Miho Tsugumo*
- **Tetsuro Tamba** as *Hikokuro Omodaka*
- **Masao Mishima** as *Tango Inaba*
- **Ichirō Nakatani** as *Hayato Yazaki*
- **Kei Satō** as *Masakazu*
- **Yoshio Inaba** as *Jinai Chijiiwa*
- **Hisashi Igawa** as *Retainer*
- **Toru Takeuchi** as *Retainer*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who directed Harakiri?
The film was directed by Masaki Kobayashi.

### Q: When does the story take place?
The film is set during the Edo period between 1619 and 1630.

### Q: Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, and Tetsurō Tanba.

### Q: Did the film receive any awards?
The film won the Jury Special Prize at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival.

### Q: What is the premise of the film?
A ronin arrives at the House of Iyi seeking a place to commit ritual suicide, leading to a confrontation regarding the samurai code.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*