The Hidden Blade

Spoiler alert!

Multiple references to hara-kiri illustrate the role of this specific type of suicide in feudal Japan.

Samurai Katagiri tells the story of his father who "had to commit hara-kiri." (0:05)

More references to hara-kiri: (0:49, 0:56)

Katagiri tries to convince his friend samurai Hazama that it would be more honorable to commit hara-kiri. (1:35, 1:38, 1:42)

Hazama tells Katagiri he has instructed his wife to cut her own throat (Note he has not told her to commit hara-kiri.) if he dies.

Katagiri grieves the death of his friend (1:44)

Katagiri discovers his friend's wife has killed herself. (1:52)

Bereavement | suicide