This is an amazing Japanese classic written and filmed without flaw. The action unfolds in story-telling within story-telling. This is a film about truth. Whose truth? That is the unfoldment. In a perverted way, this amazing piece of work has become predictive of Western corporate banking. Perhaps you'll see what I mea…
8.5/10Action · Drama · History
Harakiri
“What befalls others today, may be your own fate tomorrow.”
- 1962
- 2h 15m
- NR
- JA
- Released
The story
What Harakiri is about
Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.
Harakiri is an action, drama and history film from 1962, directed by Masaki Kobayashi. It runs 2h 15m and is rated NR in the US. It was produced by Shochiku, with production in Japan.
The main cast is led by Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsuro Tamba. The screenplay was written by Shinobu Hashimoto. Reported worldwide gross stands at an amount that has not been disclosed.
Why it matters: Harakiri currently holds 8.5/10 from 1317 TMDB user ratings and has taken no reported gross worldwide against a undisclosed budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.
Editor’s note
Should you watch Harakiri?
Harakiri is best suited to a high energy night. At 2h 15m, it is a standard feature length. The draw is Tatsuya Nakadai and Akira Ishihama, directed by Masaki Kobayashi.
1,317 TMDB users have rated it 8.5/10. That is a solid sample, though scores can still move as more people watch.
TMDB tags the film with themes including suicide, japan, samurai and asia.
The US certification is NR: not rated in the US, so check the content before watching with children.
If you like this, try Schindler's List, Oppenheimer or Seven Samurai.
Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.
Availability
Where to watch Harakiri
8 official sources across 2 regions. Rows with a direct link open this exact title on the provider’s own site; the others open that provider’s own search for the title, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.
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Watch on Criterion ↗
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United States5 options
Canada3 options
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Who is in it
Harakiri cast
Character names follow the film's credits. Open a name to see that person's other work on MovieState.
Behind the camera
Direction and crew
DirectorMasaki Kobayashi
WritersShinobu Hashimoto
ProducersTatsuyo Hosoya
MusicTōru Takemitsu
CinematographyYoshio Miyajima
EditingHisashi Sagara
Audience reaction
Ratings and reviews
8.5/101317 ratings
Harakiri sits at 8.5 out of 10 from 1317 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is not yet reported.
Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.
**It's a film that might scare modern audiences a bit, but it deserves the opportunity we want to give it.** In addition to having a very strong film industry, Japan is a country with a very rich past that we in the West tend to devalue. A somewhat ethnocentric attitude, more typical of small minds. For a long time,…
The facts
Harakiri key details
| Original title | Harakiri |
|---|---|
| Status | Released |
| Release date | September 11, 1963 |
| Runtime | 2h 15m |
| Certification | NR in United States |
| Original language | JA |
| Spoken languages | Japanese |
| Country | Japan |
| Budget | Not disclosed |
| Worldwide gross | Not reported |
| Studios | Shochiku |
| Also known as | Hara-kiri, Харакири, Seppuku |
Release information
Release dates by country
| Country | Date | Cert |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Sep 11, 1963 | NR |
| Canada | Jan 1, 1963 | NR |
| Denmark | Jan 27, 1964 | NR |
| France | Apr 30, 1963 | U |
| Germany | Jun 5, 1964 | 18 |
| Italy | Sep 20, 1963 | NR |
| Japan | Sep 15, 1962 | G |
| Mexico | Jan 30, 1964 | NR |
| Netherlands | Jul 17, 1980 | 16 |
| Spain | Nov 9, 1965 | 12 |
Official trailer for Harakiri, via HD Retro Trailers. Open on YouTube
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Who directed Harakiri?
Harakiri was directed by Masaki Kobayashi.
Who is in the cast of Harakiri?
The main cast includes Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsuro Tamba, Masao Mishima.
How long is Harakiri?
Harakiri runs 2h 15m.
When was Harakiri released?
It was released in the United States on September 11, 1963. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.
What is Harakiri rated?
Certification depends on the country: NR in United States. Always check your local rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch Harakiri online?
Availability changes by region and by week. The table above lists the streaming, rental and purchase services reported for major markets. Check the provider page for today's price and quality.
Can I watch Harakiri in HD or 4K?
Most digital stores offer Harakiri in HD, and newer releases are often available in 4K. Check the quality label on the provider's page before you pay.
How much did Harakiri earn?
Reported worldwide gross is against a budget of . Box office figures update over time.
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Data sources: TMDB (titles, cast, crew, release dates, provider listings and user ratings). Availability and box office figures change over time; this page was last rebuilt on November 4, 2026. We publish information only; we do not host or stream video files.
Exact record pages: IMDb record · TMDB record
At a glance: Harakiri runs 2h 15m, opened in US cinemas on September 11, 1963, has 8 licensed options across 2 regions tracked here.