Harakiri (1962)
Cinematography as sharp as samurai steel.
Presentation:
When you watch this, you will almost immediately recognize this as a masterpiece of framing and composition. Deep focus anamorphic with acute awareness of symmetry and proportion allows the presentation to have a precision ahead of its time. For some, the cinematography could be considered stiff but I think this style is absolutely masterful and timeless. The camera movement is also unbelievable impressive for 1961 with better composition than modern films fully utilizing tastefully stylish dutch angles and Japanese backgrounds.
Conclusion:
For framing enthusiasts, this is one of the greatest displays of cinematography you could ask for. Each frame leaves you in awe by how technically adept it is. It makes you wonder how Japanese cinema never stayed ahead of the curve. The story is engrossing despite the long winded segments, which has characteristically Japanese over-explained dialogue. But if you have the patience, it’ll reward you with some of the most epic samurai dueling culminating to an explosive climax over the mounting tension. This is probably my favorite Japanese classic, which is the best case to make you fall in love with Japanese cinema.
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Recommendations
Hollywood film noir doesn’t seem that high up anymore.