Go Seppuku Yourselves Review

Go Seppuku Yourselves is a 2021 short film written and directed by Toshiaki Toyoda.

A slow but calculating samurai short film, Go Seppuku Yourselves builds tension in a beautifully slow moving and cinematic style.

The first thing that must be said about this piece is that it is absolutely gorgeous to look at. Between the costumes and the cinematography, there is a deep attention to detail that rivals any large budget period production. From the very beginning, we are invited to another time.

The style, though, subverts expectations infusing a punk rock aesthetic, especially in the opening/closing credits. Something that felt as if it could have been explored more in the actual film proper, but it was still a treat for the ears.

Reflecting on the music again, everything presented is quite exquisite, with an amazing soundtrack throughout the entire runtime.

The acting as well feels natural and the end monologue by our rogue samurai hits especially hard.

When the short wants to be stylized, it certainly doesn’t pull any punches. When it gets bloody, the blood pours out in quick bursts, feeling like something out of a Tarantino or Takashi Miike movie.

If there is anything that one could ask for more from the film, it will be the length. It feels like an amazing opening act to a proper feature film and showcases a clear talent for the entire creative team.

If you have even a passing fascination with Japanese culture, especially work themed around the samurai, then Go Seppuku Yourselves is certainly a film you will enjoy. Filled with a unique style and amazing sensibilities of the original flavor, this one is especially recommended.

This film was screened as part of Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Film presented by Japan Society. You can follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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