Hana (2006)

52% of users liked it
(391,811 ratings)

Director Hirokazu Koreeda turns the popularly held conventions of the typical samurai {revenge} tale on their head with this story of a man whose quest to avenge the death of his father gradually takes a back seat to his emerging role as a key figure in the community. The year is 1702, and young… More Director Hirokazu Koreeda turns the popularly held conventions of the typical samurai {revenge} tale on their head with this story of a man whose quest to avenge the death of his father gradually takes a back seat to his emerging role as a key figure in the community. The year is 1702, and young samurai Sozaemon Aoki (Junichi Okada) has arrived in Edo to seek revenge against Jubei Kanazawa (Tadanoby Asano). Kanazawa is the man responsible for the death of Aoki's father, and now it's up to the grieving swordsman to settle the score. When Aoki begins teaching the children of Edo to read and write, however, his bloodlust slowly begins to subside as he cones to realize the true value of his useful place in society. Upon falling in love with the beautiful Osae (Rie Miyazawa), Aoki comes to realize that although the sword may be a powerful symbol of strength, allowing oneself to fall victim to its savage allure may not always be the best way to realizing ones true heroism. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 7 min.
Directed By: Hirokazu Koreeda
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

On DVD: Jun 24, 2008

Critic Reviews

Leslie Felperin, Variety
A humanistic, charmingly off-kilter samurai story of sorts.
David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
Despite a whimsical approach to the material, Koreeda allows too many scenes to drag and too many themes to repeat.

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Featured Audience Ratings

danny d

a beautiful film. koreeda blends period drama with a strong fusion of humor and adds great shot sequences to create a surprisingly understated samurai film. the entire film doesnt feature a single sword fight, but this is fitting considering the period of japanese history that the… More
a beautiful film. koreeda blends period drama with a strong fusion of humor and adds great shot sequences to create a surprisingly understated samurai film. the entire film doesnt feature a single sword fight, but this is fitting considering the period of japanese history that the film takes place in, a peace period. instead of action we get a more realistic look at what samurai life might have looked like during this period. a solid film.
Bruce B

An Outsanding Movie, Not for your Average American Movie Buff. This is more of a Multi Story which combines into one. Must read subtitles for 2 hrs so that eliminates most of those living in America. Great Story line, if you like Samurai or early history of Japan you must see this.… More
An Outsanding Movie, Not for your Average American Movie Buff. This is more of a Multi Story which combines into one. Must read subtitles for 2 hrs so that eliminates most of those living in America. Great Story line, if you like Samurai or early history of Japan you must see this. The settings were out of this world. Try this one and you might just might fall in love with foregin films.
Lesley N

A different kind of samurai film, as the hero, although a samurai out to avenge his fathers death, would really rather be teaching school and hanging out with the local widow. And since it's directed by the thoughtful Kirokazu Koreeda (AFTER LIFE, MABOROSHI), instead of… More
A different kind of samurai film, as the hero, although a samurai out to avenge his fathers death, would really rather be teaching school and hanging out with the local widow. And since it's directed by the thoughtful Kirokazu Koreeda (AFTER LIFE, MABOROSHI), instead of swordfights, you get a colourful slum background, plenty of lively characters, comedy and a bit of philosophizing on revenge and wisdom. Different is good.