rivalry and honor

His samurai epics like 'Sanjuro' and 'Harakiri' profoundly explore honor codes, personal rivalry, and the clash between individual pride and social duty.

Films like 'Raging Bull' and 'The Departed' intensely examine masculine rivalry, obsession with honor, and the destructive nature of competitive pride.

His works including 'The Handmaiden' and 'Oldboy' masterfully weave complex rivalries with honor and betrayal into psychologically intricate narratives.