Takeshis' (2005)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(2,741 ratings)

In the latest film by Japanese television comic-turned-cinema auteur Takeshi Kitano, a soft-spoken convenience store cashier named Takeshi Kitano finds his fate inexplicably intertwined with that of ubiquitous Japanese showbiz star Takeshi "Beat" Kitano. At times running parallel and at other times… More In the latest film by Japanese television comic-turned-cinema auteur Takeshi Kitano, a soft-spoken convenience store cashier named Takeshi Kitano finds his fate inexplicably intertwined with that of ubiquitous Japanese showbiz star Takeshi "Beat" Kitano. At times running parallel and at other times unexpectedly intersecting, the radically different lives of the shy everyman Kitano and superstar celebrity Kitano slowly begin to gel into a surreal fantasy of fame as the convenience store clerk and aspiring actor loses himself to fantasies of becoming his famous look-alike. When the unstable fan purchases a variety of handguns under the guise of preparing for an upcoming role, his obsession with the television and film star threatens to erupt into violence. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Takeshi Kitano
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 2, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Feb 24, 2009
Studio: Bandai Visual Company

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a film in need of a therapist for the star.
Anton Bitel, Film4
Bold yet bland, this dreamy survey of all things Kitano sends several bullets into his past and puts a question mark on his future.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
An entirely useless artifact for anyone not already familiar with Kitano's previous eleven pictures.
Bryant Frazer, Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus
Takeshi Kitano's crazy, weird, indulgent, breathtaking, strangely titled fantasy is as entertaining as it is puzzling -- a marvelous movie about movies with a sense of humor and a surreal streak.
Jon Popick, Planet Sick-Boy
I love Takeshi Kitano's films, but around the one-hour mark, I started wondering about the writer/director/editor/star's mental well being

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Takeshis' is a truly original film. It's also a very personal film that I think only Takeshi can explain himself. It does correct a few misconceptions people have of him, but he's so damn mischievous, you never really know what is real and what fake, who is the real… More
Takeshis' is a truly original film. It's also a very personal film that I think only Takeshi can explain himself. It does correct a few misconceptions people have of him, but he's so damn mischievous, you never really know what is real and what fake, who is the real Takeshi? Hard core fans like myself need not worry though, there is so much of him here, what with all the references to his written work, his playful side and his acting and directing career. The cast is also full of previous collaborators, many who have worked with him throughout his film career. If you are unfamiliar with the work of Takeshi Kitano, avoid this film like the plaque, it will be lost on you. Check out his back catalogue, fall in love with his films, then watch it. The only uncomfortable aspect of this film for me was that it almost feels like a Swan song. Still, it was made a few years ago now and he's still very much alive. Narcissistic all the way but I think he's great too, so there it is, you still can't question it's beauty, especially the last scene on the beach.
Dimitris S

Man,that was rock-bottom.Narcissistic to the bone,that's all I have to say.Kitano,you better not disappoint me next time,shit...and why did you have to erupt from the ashes of...twin reality?Orchestrated narrative without the core,veins,hidden sign?Just plain,"amusing"… More
Man,that was rock-bottom.Narcissistic to the bone,that's all I have to say.Kitano,you better not disappoint me next time,shit...and why did you have to erupt from the ashes of...twin reality?Orchestrated narrative without the core,veins,hidden sign?Just plain,"amusing" images of you...and you?
Wu C

The strangest Kitano I've seen. As always, this has random bursts of stylish violence. It's like a ride thru Kitano's mind:looks cool, but never makes much sense.
Christopher B

Excellent film. This film is essential to anyone who is interested in what makes Takeshi Kitano tick as an artist. The different ways he views himself while making the movie in his head while we watch him make the movie he is thinking of would leave any audience member scratching… More
Excellent film. This film is essential to anyone who is interested in what makes Takeshi Kitano tick as an artist. The different ways he views himself while making the movie in his head while we watch him make the movie he is thinking of would leave any audience member scratching their head. But I've thought of this film a lot since seeing it and I think time might shoot it to the top of my favourtie Kitano films.