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A Film directed by Takashi Miike

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A Quick Tip by woopak_the_thrill

Jul 16, 2012

by woopak_the_thrill
posted in ASIANatomy

After Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins” which was an amazing remake of the 1960’s original, Miike is now poised to make another mark in a new era of chambara and Jidai geki films. Miike’s “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai” is a remake of Masaki Kobayashi’s classic chambara black and white film “Hara-Kiri”.

I am both hopeful and excited, as well as scared to death that Kobayashi’s highly acclaimed, scathing film about the code of Bushido would see a remake. Miike may be the right man for job, and I am excited to see this one!

Update: see FULL Review here.

Ebizo Ichikawa in "Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai."

Ebizo Ichikawa in "Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai."

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FM_ALEX July 23, 2012

Oh yeah

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rbuchanan July 18, 2012

Miike is very nearly so talented as prolific, but he's proven time and again that neither his proficiency nor visual ingenuity can elevate - much less salvage - a poor script. If Kikumi Yamagishi adapted Takuguchi's novel to the screen in preservation of its profundity and tension anywhere near so ably as Shinobu Hashimoto did, this might be a worthwhile effort. However, Hashimoto was arguably the best of all jidaigeki screenwriters; to my knowledge, Yamagishi hasn't produced anything save the script for The Happiness of the Katakuris - by no means a superlative effort.

As I can't muster enthusiasm for yet another remake of a classic, I should reiterate my adoration for its source material: Harakiri is among the best of Kobayashi's efforts produced in his prime, a devastating cultural critique and phenomenal drama that can't be bettered. I'm relieved that this production wasn't assigned to Kitano for inevitable ruination, but Miike must be subject to the most supreme criterion if he intends to renew one of the gems of chanbara.

woopak_the_thrill July 22, 2012

I agree with your comment. Now as I have seen the film, I have to say, I am still undecided why such a remake would be necessary since Kobayashi's film is as timely and as incredible even to this day. Miike did a good job, he came at the material from a different approach and paid tribute to Kobayashi's film. But he could not even match the fantastic original. Seen THE HUMAN CONDITION?

rbuchanan July 22, 2012

Of course - though not in a single sitting! Of all the humanist cinema predominant in Japanese theaters during the postwar era, none were so maturely developed nor somber as Kobayashi's works, every one a devastating classic save perhaps Moeru aki, in which he unearthed little that hadn't been plumbed in his preceding Kaseki. I've no especial interest in socialism and am no one's mistake for a humanist, yet it's among the most touching motion pictures known to me. However, my favorite of his films is still Kaidan, which hasn't more than a passing hint of political import.
To address your second sentence: it isn't necessary so much as profitable, but I am curious to see this if Miike's treatment of the narrative is so distinct from Kobayashi's.

woopak_the_thrill July 22, 2012

My experience with THE HUMAN CONDITION was indeed one of the most memorable but emotionally draining movie watches I've had. It was a fantastic experience and I still remember watching the new Criterion collection three nights in a row. My review of that trilogy was one of the most challenging ones I've had to write. I loved Kwaidan also, I do think I have seen most of Kobayashi's films, but I would not be surprised if I had missed some. I would like to read your take on this remake when you do get a chance to see it.

rbuchanan July 22, 2012

As a teenager, I was convinced that Kobayashi's trilogy was the most pathetic of all filmic narrative. Then, I saw Imamura's Black Rain and Au Hasard Balthazar, both of which left me despondent (and astonished!) for days.

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review by woopak_the_thrill. July 21, 2012

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William (woopak_the_thrill)
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