Wanting to die with dignity, Hanshiro, a destitute samurai, asks to perform a ritual suicide in the residence of the Li clan, led by Chief Kageyu. Trying to discourage Hanshiro, Kageyu tells him the tragic story of a young ronin, Motome, who recently came with the same request. Hanshiro is traumatized by the horrifying details of Motome's fate, but he perseveres in his decision to die with honor. At the time of making himself hara-kiri, he presents a final request: he wishes to be assisted in his act by three lieutenants of Kageyu, who are all three absent, by a strange coincidence. Suspicious and furious, Kageyu asks Hanshiro to explain. The latter reveals his links with Motome and delivers the bittersweet story of their lives. Kageyu will soon realize that Hanshiro has embarked on a showdown. The codes of samurai chivalry will be challenged in their certainties, the better to reappear in their humanity.

Compétition officielle Festival de Cannes 2011

Released on November 30, 2011