Outrage

When the bosses of the rival Yakuza syndicates are sworn blood brothers, it leaves the uber-boss a little squeamish especially when the rival is dealing drugs. The task of shaking things up falls upon Otomo (Takeshi Kitano), a lower level head honcho with a flair for violence. As this setup unfolds, you are almost lead to believe that Kitano is back to what he does best… blood soaked Yakuza films with a linear plot. Alas, the myriad of twists and turns, back stabbings and the insane number of characters only leave your head spinning and reaching for a glass of scotch…

Rating: * *

Violent Cop

The first Takeshi Kitano movie with him playing a Dirty Harryesque detective chasing after drug dealers. You can see the early writings that would become his signature later. But on its own this is just a sullen and violent film with a very thin plot.

Rating: * +

Zatoichi

In Takeshi Kitano's version of Zatoichi, the blind masseur wanders into a remote town that is being held hostage by the yakuza. Like always Ichi decides to lend a helping hand or I should say, helping sword. Though following the regular plotlines of an Ichi flick, Kitano cleverly massages other characters and storylines into it plus his own brand of humor. What you finally have is a very slick flick with blindingly fast sword fights and a cunning background score.

For those who are curious as to why Kitano would make a Zatoichi flick, here is a good article that explains it.

Rating: * * * +

Brother

Beat Kitano in a classical role as a Yakuza on exile. Makes his distinct mark on America in a few ways - especially, on how to make a gangster movie with no more than 1 expression. Lots of blood and comedy. Perfectly enjoyable.

Rating : * * +

Kikujiro

Kitano reprises his role as Beat Takeshi in this film. One of the funniest films I have ever seen. Beat Takeshi is a loud mouthed ex-Yakuza who is handed the role of a companion to a young shy and awkward boy who is looking for his mother. This unlikely pair go on a road trip that will leave you rolling on the floor with laughter.

Rating: * * *

TAKESHIS'

This one is 500% Kitano. And nothing to add!

So says the tag line, and on reflection thats exactly what it is. TK does a double act - one of himself, and the other of a wannabe extra. Filled with repetitions (of scenes, dialogues, actors), lots of casual violence, bizzare sequence of sex, music, colour and more killings. Complete fantasy flight for a person from the outer world into the world of a movie star.

I think this was an outcome of his unwinding - from all the subtleties and complexities and sensitivities of his earlier movies.

Rating: Much as it was cool, think it just about gets to a * *

Dolls

They say that intense lovers start to resemble each other in spirit after a while. But what do you do to make up for what your love has lost? Takeshi Kitano in his first stab at a love story inspired by a Bunraku play, has portrayed not one but three pairs of lovers. The difference in this movie is the extreme nature of the love.

Kitano is very much like our very own Kamal Hassan. He can do comedy (Kikujiro), action (Zatoichi) and sombre thought provoking (Hanabi) with the same aplomb.
Here again he proves his mettle as a director.


Rating: * *