World Directors: Kitano Takeshi

While reading Aaron Gerow’s book about Japanese director Kitano Takeshi, also named after the director, I would watch any film that I hadn’t seen yet after reading the section on that film and then usually rereading the section. It was a like a mini-course on the films of Kitano. Gerow tends to discuss the films in terms of how they were received by serious critics, Japanese audiences, and international audiences, while paying special attention to the auteur qualities of Kitano as a director. One major aspect of his film making process is repeatedly undermining expectations by changing style and thematics from film to film. In this sense, he reminds me of Steven Soderbergh who also has a penchant for experimentation and different stylistic genres. Essentially this book forced me to pay closer attention to Kitano’s films and that gave me a greater appreciation for his work overall, even though I had seen several films that I admired. It also made me realize that his films were more complex than they appear on the surface. I came to realize that he has a great pride in the artistic traditions of Japan and refrained form pandering to the international community generally speaking (that is not speaking of his only Hollywood co-production, Brother).

Here’s my take on the films discussed in the book: 

Essential viewing: Violent Cop (1989), Hanabi (1997), Zatoichi (2003) 

Well worth seeing: Boiling Point (1990), Sonatine (1993), Kids Return (1996), Kikujiro (1999) 

Somewhat interesting, but not for everyone: Scene At Sea (1991), Brothers (2000), Dolls (2002)

Only for hardcore fans: Getting Any? (1995)

Comments

[Edward]

I saw Hanabi and liked it - very poetic. Our most famous movie reviews here gave it 5/5 each - a rare occurence indeed, which is what made me go along (and because of the Japanese connection of course). I may have seen it shortly before going to Koshigaya (or after returning?), but I remember being shocked at the low brow stuff he was doing for TV over there - some of the almost soft porn variety / comedy shows included (that I just happened across you understand). I've also seen Kid's Return, and found it less moving.

[MC]

Yeah, he still does a lot of low brow comedy on TV and TV commercials.