Ghost Of Tsushima: 10 Samurai Films You NEED To Watch First

Tackling notions of honor and infallible authority, HaraKiri elevated the genre into something more than a samurai film. It takes the samurai conventions of the bushido and throws up a mirror in its face, exposing the hypocrisy. It deromanticizes samurais as absolute heroes and shows the corruption that inevitably occurs when faith is placed unquestioned.

Set during the Edo period of Japan, the story follows ronin Tsugumo Hanshirō as he enters the prestigious Li Clan estate wishing to commit seppuku in the palace courtyard. Challenging his request, the Li retainers recount how not too long ago another ronin from Hanshirō's disbanded clan named Chijiiwa Motome requested seppuku.

The Li retainers recall how they forced him to commit seppuku with bamboo rather than an actual blade for 'pawning his soul' to buy medicine for his ill child. Hanshiro slowly reveals his connection to the ronin as well as his intentions to expose them for the frauds they are and confront their immoral actions towards the souls they've wronged.

It transcends the samurai genre with its depiction authority exploiting the system for its own preservation and the lengths it goes to maintain the status quo. It's human tragedy on a personal level with people scrapping by as they navigate a black and white system indifferent to their plight. It depicts authority dehumanizing people as it casts anyone for not abiding by its unrealistic principles with contempt.

Harakiri is masterful in not only its staging and swordplay, but in motivating its inevitable climax as a symbol of protest in fighting against the establishment. It's a lyrical film with a powerful message regarding authority unchecked, the human spirit, and protest for human rights and justice.