Netflix Pick of the Week: Hara–Kiri: Death of Samurai

To the untrained eye, "Hara–Kiri" may look like a cheesy B–Movie about ninjas, but this 2011 period drama is much more artful and well made than it seems, with gripping performances and beautiful cinematography. Though this is a retelling of the 1962 Kobayashi classic, about a fallen samurai trying to avenge his family, it stands alone as a film. Takashi Miike, a relatively unknown director, does the near impossible as he constructs a compelling and beautiful look into Samurai culture in 3D. As a side note, "Hara–Kiri" was the first 3D film to premier at the Cannes Film Festival. If you have the two hours and no aversion to subtitles, this is a great Netflix hidden gem filled with action, suspense and classical intrigue.

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