Harakiri contains a “highly realistic” fight scene, according to an expert. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, the 1962 Japanese jidaigeki film follows a rōnin who requests to perform seppuku, also called harakiri, at a feudal lord’s manor and uses the moment to recount the circumstances that led him to seek death in front of an audience of samurai, set between 1619 and 1630 during the Edo period under the Tokugawa shogunate. The film’s cast includes Tatsuya Nakadai, Rentarō Mikuni, Shima Iwashita, Tetsurō Tamba, Ichirō Nakatani, Kei Satō, and Yoshio Inaba.
In an Insider video, a martial arts and katana instructor, Seki Nobuhide Sensei, rated the portrayal of samurai battles in movies and TV shows, including the scene in Harakiri in which the protagonist battles multiple opponents at once. Watch the portion of the video below, starting at the 20:36 minute mark:
Seki Nobuhide Sensei praised the scene’s realism, highlighting the protagonist’s strategic movements to avoid exposing his back and the natural transitions between one-handed and two-handed sword techniques for better stability and slashing power. Overall, he rated the scene an 8/10 for realism. Read his full comments below:
Since it is one man versus many enemies, it is very good that he crawls along the wall so that he does not show his back and that he does not get slashed from behind.
Changing from one hand to two hands and then from two hands to one hand is quite normal. It is not surprising or anything. One thing that changes between one-handed and two-handed is stability and slashing power. Instead of cutting like this and doing it this way, you can cut more firmly this way. This scene is highly realistic. I gave it an 8, because it is quite vivid even though the fighting is not flashy.
It’s Highly Realistic
A martial arts and katana expert, Seki Nobuhide Sensei’s comments highlight how, in addition to being considered one of the greatest Japanese films of all time, Harakiri is also highly realistic. The film contains accurate depictions of samurai combat, including the practical portrayal of katana fighting. Unlike typical cinematic battles, the film avoids flashy choreography and, in one scene, focuses on the grounded tactics of a lone warrior facing multiple enemies. For example, the protagonist cleverly crawls along the wall to protect his back from being slashed, a strategic move that enhances the realism of the scene.
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In addition to combat realism, the film’s attention to detail regarding katana techniques further cements its status. The fluid transition between one-handed and two-handed sword fighting reflects actual martial arts practices, where changes in grip impact stability and slashing power. This subtle realism, combined with the intense emotional depth and narrative, makes Harakiri not only one of the most realistic portrayals of samurai culture, but also one of the greatest Japanese movies ever made.
Our Take On Harakiri’s Realism
It Goes Beyond Combat Accuracy
Harakiri‘s realism goes beyond combat accuracy, as it also captures the spirit and emotional intensity of samurai life. The film avoids exaggerated theatrical duels and instead delivers grounded and tactical swordplay that mirrors historical practices. Every moment, from the protagonist’s strategic positioning to the natural shifts in katana techniques, serves a practical purpose. By portraying these elements authentically, Harakiri immerses audiences in the harsh realities of a rōnin’s life, solidifying its place as one of the most realistic samurai movies ever made.
Source: Insider
Harakiri, directed by Masaki Kobayashi, is a 1962 Japanese jidaigeki film that explores the life of a ronin named Tsugumo Hanshiro. Set during the Edo period, the film delves into themes of honor, revenge, and the rigid societal structures of feudal Japan. With a powerful performance by Tatsuya Nakadai, Harakiri critiques the moral hypocrisy of the samurai code, shedding light on the struggles of impoverished warriors.
- Director
- Masaki Kobayashi
- Release Date
- September 15, 1962
- Studio(s)
- Shochiku
- Distributor(s)
- Shochiku , Toho International
- Writers
- Shinobu Hashimoto
- Cast
- Tatsuya Nakadai , Akira Ishihama , Shima Iwashita , Tetsurô Tanba
- Character(s)
- Hanshiro Tsugumo , Motome Chijiiwa , Miho Tsugumo , Hikokuro Omodaka
- Runtime
- 133 Minutes