76
Metascore
19 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Village VoiceMichael AtkinsonVillage VoiceMichael AtkinsonHara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai is more than just another bid for respectability, like "13 Assassins" -it may well be Miike's best film, a patient, ominous piece of epic storytelling that conscientiously rips the scabs off the honorable samurai mythology.
- 83The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasArriving on the heels of "13 Assassins," Miike's gloriously irreverent take on the samurai action genre, Hara-Kiri seems conventional by his standards, especially in a long middle section that occasionally dips into sentimentality.
- 80The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawThe endlessly prolific Takashi Miike returns with this superbly acted revenger's tragedy.
- 80Time OutKeith UhlichTime OutKeith UhlichWhat most distinguishes the redo is the often remarkable use of 3-D: Miike turns the format's inherent limitations, especially the tendency toward visual murkiness, to his advantage, fully immersing us in a world suffused with moral and ethical rot.
- 80New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanDeftly weaving double plotlines, gorgeous camera work, and deep compassion, Miike contrasts ritualistic "honor" with the truly honorable, as poor but noble squires face off against powerful lords cushioned by tradition and pride.
- 80The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottMore moving than shocking, it proceeds slowly and gracefully, and the few scenes of bloodshed are emotionally intense rather than showily sensational.
- 60EmpireEmpireIf Miike's re-tune of Masaki Kobayashi's bleak samurai tale is a surprisingly subdued affair, aficionados will still find enough sword-based shenanigans to keep them engrossed.
- 60Total FilmPaul BradshawTotal FilmPaul BradshawThe 3D is completely redundant and the action sporadic but unexpected gearshifts provide plenty of narrative meat.
- 50Slant MagazineSlant MagazineTakashi Miike lets his familiar tastelessness get the better of him, relishing the grisly seppuku-by-bamboo in unnecessary detail.