Audiences at Cannes this year will get a special treat when controversial Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike‘s Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (Ichimei) is screened in 3D. Today, the first international trailer for the movie debuted on its official site.
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai is a dramatic, 3D re-imagining of the 1962 film Harakiri by Masaki Kobayashi, itself based on the novel by Yasuhiko Takiguchi. Since the trailer doesn’t give any story clues away, here’s a perfectly concise synopsis via the knowledgeable Brad Brevit at Ropes of Silicon:
The story is set during the 17th century and centers on Hanshiro (played by Ebizo Ichikawa), an honorable, poverty-stricken samurai seeking a noble end as he requests to commit ritual suicide at the House of Ii, run by headstrong Kageyu (played by Koji Yakusho). Trying to dismiss Hanshiro’s demand, Kageyu recounts the tragic story of a similar recent plea from young ronin Motome (played by Eita). Hanshiro is shocked by the horrifying details of Motome’s fate, but remains true to his decision to die with honor. At the moment of the hara-kiri, Hanshiro makes a last request to be assisted by Kageyu’s samurai, who are coincidentally absent. Suspicious and outraged, Kageyu demands an explanation. Hanshiro confesses his bond to Motome, and tells the bittersweet tale of their lives. Kageyu will soon realize that Hanshiro has set in motion a tense showdown of vengeance against his house.
Best known in the States for gory, over-the-top violent movies like Ichi The Killer and Audition, Miike’s movie will be one of only two 3D films (the other will be the new Pirates of the Caribbean) playing at Cannes this year. Be on the lookout for more news, including international distribution and release information, after the festival.
Cannes Film Festival runs May 11th to the 22nd.