Auteur 80: Kitano

Kitano pays homage to a classic character, while creating humor through parody and even throwing in a musical number for good measure. This film is wildy entertaining, self-effacing and with some strong action sequences. A definite treat for samurai fans. It's also amazing how Kitano modernizes the whole thing.

Solid characters are thrown together in a priceless story with Kitano playing his trademark mute. The extreme violence is nicely balanced with complex characters. Easily one of Kitano's best.

Kitano is the consumate auteur. He writes, directs, stars, edits and even paints in this film. Once again, he proves that he can balance violence with tender character moments. His alter-ego "Beat" is wonderfully understated and comical. The restraint in this gem of a movie is matched by its distinguished operatic moments.

Kitano showing signs of what's to come. The violence is clearly intact but the characters are slowly beginning to emerge more complete with even a hint of a love story. Brutal, funny, stylish, touching and very clever.

This was the first Kitano film I saw. I was taken by its honest and slightly offbeat approach. Who would have thought that he would eventually emerge as one of the finest Japanese filmmakers working today?

Powerful imagery and unusual character dynamics help make this film very original, if somewhat awkward. Sakamoto's score is simplicity at its finest. First-rate filmmakers trying something new.