12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (2024)

Takeshi Kitano is a Japanese filmmaker, actor, and comedian who has become one of the most influential figures in Japanese cinema.

Known for his minimalist style, deadpan humor, and often violent and uncompromising narratives, Kitano has directed and starred in a number of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

Here are some of the best Takeshi Kitano films you should check out:

Sonatine (1993): This is one of Kitano’s most iconic films and a masterpiece of Japanese cinema.

The film tells the story of a Yakuza boss who takes his men to a beach resort to wait out a gang war. It is a haunting and unforgettable film that showcases Kitano’s minimalist style and deadpan humor.

Hana-bi (1997): This film won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and is considered one of Kitano’s most emotional and poetic works.

It follows a police officer who takes a break from work to care for his dying wife and becomes involved in a series of violent encounters.

Zatoichi (2003): This film is a modern take on the classic Japanese character Zatoichi, a blind swordsman who helps defend a village from gangsters.

It is a visually stunning film that features Kitano in the lead role and showcases his skills as an actor and director.

Boiling Point (1990): This early film by Kitano tells the story of a young man who becomes involved in the Yakuza and goes on a journey of self-discovery that takes him to Okinawa.

It is a gritty and violent film that explores themes of masculinity, violence, and honor.

Best Takeshi Kitano Films

Takeshi Kitano is a filmmaker who has made a significant impact on Japanese cinema and continues to inspire and influence filmmakers around the world.

His films are a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese cinema and those who appreciate a unique and uncompromising vision in filmmaking.

1. Kikujiro (1999)

“Kikujiro” is a 1999 Japanese film directed by and starring Takeshi Kitano. The film tells the story of a young boy named Masao who goes on a journey to find his mother, who abandoned him when he was a child.

He is accompanied by Kikujiro (Kitano), a gruff and grumpy ex-yakuza who agrees to be his travel companion.

As they journey through the Japanese countryside, Masao and Kikujiro encounter a series of eccentric characters and have a number of adventures.

Along the way, Kikujiro slowly begins to soften and develop a bond with Masao, and they both learn important lessons about life, love, and family.

“Kikujiro” is a touching and heartwarming film that features Kitano’s signature blend of humor and melancholy.

It is beautifully shot and features a memorable score, and it is often regarded as one of Kitano’s most accessible and emotionally resonant works.

The film received critical acclaim and won the Audience Award at the 1999 Venice Film Festival.

If you like Takeshi Kitano’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (2)

Kikujiro (1999 Film)

  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Milan Records (Publisher)

2. The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

“The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi” is a 2003 Japanese film directed, written, edited, and starring Takeshi Kitano.

It is a modern take on the classic Japanese character Zatoichi, a blind swordsman who helps defend a village from gangsters.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (3)

In the film, Zatoichi wanders into a small village that is run by a gang of criminals. The villagers are oppressed and desperate for a savior, and they turn to Zatoichi for help.

He quickly realizes the extent of the gang’s brutality and sets out to stop them.

The film is a visual masterpiece, with stunning cinematography, choreography, and art direction.

It is also notable for its use of sound design, particularly the use of sound effects during the film’s action scenes. The film’s score, composed by Keiichi Suzuki, is also a highlight and adds to the film’s overall mood and atmosphere.

Kitano’s performance as Zatoichi is also a standout, with his deadpan humor and stoic demeanor perfectly capturing the character’s unique blend of sword-fighting prowess and inner calm.

The film’s supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Tadanobu Asano as the villainous gang leader.

Overall, “The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi” is a visually stunning and thrilling film that showcases Kitano’s talents as a filmmaker, actor, and action choreographer.

It is a must-see for fans of Japanese cinema, action movies, and fans of the classic Zatoichi character.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (4)

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (English Subtitled)

  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Yûko Daike (Actors)
  • Takeshi Kitano (Director) - Takeshi Kitano (Writer) - Masayuki Mori (Producer)
  • (Playback Language)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

3. Violent Cop (1989)

“Violent Cop” is a 1989 Japanese film directed by and starring Takeshi Kitano. The film tells the story of a rogue police detective named Azuma who takes matters into his own hands when his investigations into a drug ring are stonewalled by corrupt superiors.

Azuma’s violent and uncompromising methods lead him into conflict with both the criminals and his own colleagues.

The film is known for its intense and gritty portrayal of police corruption and brutality, and for Kitano’s iconic performance as the hard-nosed and morally ambiguous Azuma.

“Violent Cop” was Kitano’s directorial debut and was also one of his breakthrough roles as an actor.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (5)

“Violent Cop” was a critical and commercial success, and it established Kitano as a major figure in the Japanese film industry.

The film’s brutal and unflinching depiction of violence and corruption was controversial at the time of its release, but it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as a seminal work in Japanese cinema.

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12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (6)

Violent Cop

  • Takeshi Kitano (Actor)
  • Takeshi Kitano (Director)
  • English (Subtitle)

$29.95 −$5.46 $24.49 12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (7)

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4. Fireworks (1997)

“Fireworks” is a 1997 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film is a crime drama that centers on two school friends, Nishi and Horibe, who become involved in the yakuza underworld.

The film is notable for its unconventional narrative structure, which jumps back and forth in time, and for its mix of dark humor and intense violence.

Kitano’s direction is also notable for its use of long, static takes and wide, panoramic shots.

The film’s plot follows Nishi and Horibe as they attempt to pull off a daring heist to fund a trip to Hawaii for Nishi’s terminally ill wife.

However, their plans are complicated by the interference of rival gangsters and the violent and unpredictable nature of their chosen profession.

“Fireworks” is a challenging and deeply affecting film that is not for the faint of heart. It is a raw and uncompromising exploration of the human cost of violence and crime, and it features powerful performances from Kitano and the rest of the cast.

The film is a must-see for fans of Japanese cinema and crime dramas, as well as those who appreciate challenging and unconventional storytelling.

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12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (8)

Fireworks (Hana-Bi) [DVD]

  • Takeshi Kitano, Kayoko Kishimoto, Ren sugi (Actors)
  • Takeshi Kitano (Director) - Takeshi Kitano (Writer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

$29.95 −$16.57 $13.38

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5. Brother (I) (2000)

“Brother” is a 2000 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano, who also stars in the film as the main character, Yamamoto.

The film tells the story of a Japanese yakuza member who is forced to flee to Los Angeles after a gang war in Tokyo.

In Los Angeles, Yamamoto teams up with his half-brother, Ken, who is a small-time drug dealer, and they work together to establish a new criminal empire.

“Brother” is known for its gritty depiction of violence and criminal underworld, as well as its exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and cultural identity.

The film features a mix of Japanese and English dialogue and includes a diverse cast of actors from different ethnic backgrounds.

“Brother” received mixed reviews upon its release, but it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of Kitano’s most memorable works.

The film’s blend of stylish visuals, dark humor, and brutal action has influenced many other filmmakers and has contributed to Kitano’s reputation as one of the most important and innovative directors in contemporary Japanese cinema.

6. Sonatine (1993)

“Sonatine” is a 1993 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano, who also stars in the lead role. The film is a crime drama that follows a group of yakuza who are sent to Okinawa to settle a dispute between two gangs.

The film is known for its mix of violence and dark humor, as well as its exploration of themes of loyalty, isolation, and mortality.

Kitano’s direction is masterful, with his use of long takes and static shots creating a sense of stillness and tension.

The plot of the film follows Kitano’s character, a yakuza boss named Murakawa, as he leads his men through a series of escalating conflicts with rival gangs.

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As the violence escalates, Murakawa begins to question the futility of the yakuza lifestyle and the price of loyalty.

“Sonatine” is a powerful and affecting film that explores the human cost of violence and the limitations of loyalty.

It is a raw and uncompromising exploration of the yakuza underworld, and it features powerful performances from Kitano and the rest of the cast.

The film is a must-see for fans of Japanese cinema and crime dramas, as well as those who appreciate challenging and thought-provoking storytelling.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (11)

Sonatine (English Subtitled)

  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Ittoku Kishibe, Guadalcanal Taka, Yuko Daike (Actors)
  • Takeshi Kitano (Director) - Takeshi Kitano (Writer) - Masayuki Mori (Producer)
  • (Playback Language)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

8. Dolls (2002)

“Dolls” is a 2002 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film tells three parallel stories of unrequited love, each involving a different set of characters.

The stories are interconnected by the recurring motif of traditional Japanese bunraku puppets.

The film is visually stunning, with vivid colors and striking imagery, and it features a haunting and beautiful score by composer Joe Hisaishi.

Kitano’s direction is masterful, with his use of static shots and long takes creating a sense of timelessness and stillness.

The first story follows a young couple who vow to stay together forever but are torn apart by the man’s ambition and greed.

The second story features an aging yakuza boss who is reunited with the woman he loves, who has become a beggar after he abandoned her many years ago.

The third story focuses on a pop star who gives up her career to care for her ex-lover, who has become catatonic after a failed suicide attempt.

“Dolls” is a deeply emotional and poignant film that explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. It is a visual and auditory feast that immerses the viewer in the world of the characters and their stories.

The film is a must-see for fans of Japanese cinema, as well as those who appreciate beautiful and poignant storytelling.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (12)

Dolls

  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Miho Kanno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Tatsuya Mihashi (Actors)
  • Takeshi Kitano (Director) - Takeshi Kitano (Writer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)

9. Kids Return (1996)

“Kids Return” is a 1996 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano, who also wrote the screenplay.

The film tells the story of two high school friends, Masaru and Shinji, who are both academically underachieving and decide to drop out of school.

Masaru becomes a professional boxer, while Shinji turns to a life of petty crime.

The film explores the themes of friendship, ambition, and the struggle to find one’s place in society. “Kids Return” features Kitano’s signature blend of gritty realism and poetic sensibility, and the performances by the lead actors.

Ken Kaneko and Masanobu Ando, have been praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.

“Kids Return” received critical acclaim upon its release and is widely regarded as one of Kitano’s best films.

The film’s themes and characters have resonated with audiences around the world, and it has influenced many other filmmakers with its unique style and approach to storytelling.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (14)

Kids Return (1996) ISBN: 4872332911 [Japanese Import]

  • ビートたけし (Author)
  • Japanese (Publication Language)
  • Otashuppan (Publisher)

10. Takeshis’ (2005)

“Takeshis’” is a 2005 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film is a surreal and self-referential exploration of Kitano’s own identity and artistic persona.

The film features two versions of Kitano, one a successful actor and director named Beat Takeshi and the other a convenience store employee named Mr. Kitano.

The two versions of Kitano are thrust together in a series of increasingly surreal and absurdist situations, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The film is a commentary on celebrity culture, creative identity, and the blurred boundaries between art and life. Kitano’s direction is playful and inventive, with his use of repetition, visual gags, and absurd humor creating a dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere.

“Takeshis’” is a challenging and experimental film that is not easily categorized. It is a deeply personal work that invites the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with identity, fame, and creativity.

The film is a must-see for fans of Kitano’s work, as well as those who appreciate avant-garde and experimental cinema.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (15)

Takeshis' タケシズ

  • Takeshis' (タケシズ) DVD 2005 / Directed by Takeshi Kitano / Starring: Beat Takeshi, Susumu...
  • Beat Takeshi, Susumu Terajima, Kotomi Kyono (Actors)
  • Takeshi Kitano (Director) - Masayuki Mori (Producer)
  • Hungarian (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

11. A Scene at the Sea (1991)

“A Scene at the Sea” is a 1991 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film tells the story of a deaf garbage collector named Shigeru who discovers a discarded surfboard and becomes fascinated with surfing.

Despite the ridicule and discouragement of those around him, Shigeru becomes determined to master the sport and pursue his dreams.

The film is known for its gentle and meditative tone, as well as its understated but powerful portrayal of a person with disabilities.

“A Scene at the Sea” is also notable for being one of Kitano’s few films without any on-screen violence, and for its focus on the beauty and power of nature.

“A Scene at the Sea” received positive reviews upon its release and has since become a beloved classic of Japanese cinema.

The film’s simple yet profound message about the human spirit and the pursuit of personal fulfillment has resonated with audiences around the world, and it has been praised for its stunning cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and masterful direction by Kitano.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (16)

A Scene at The Sea

  • French (Subtitle)
  • French (Publication Language)

$129.00

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12. Glory to the Filmmaker! (2007)

“Glory to the Filmmaker!” is a 2007 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film is a self-reflexive and self-deprecating comedy that explores the art of filmmaking and the creative process.

The plot of the film follows a struggling director (played by Kitano) who is hired to make a film but finds himself constantly blocked by a lack of inspiration and a series of strange and absurd obstacles.

As he struggles to complete the film, he becomes increasingly frustrated and starts to question the very nature of his art.

The film is a playful and irreverent exploration of the filmmaking process and the creative struggle.

Kitano’s direction is witty and inventive, with his use of absurdist humor and visual gags creating a sense of lightheartedness and playfulness.

“Glory to the Filmmaker!” is a highly entertaining and engaging film that is a must-see for fans of Kitano’s work and those who appreciate clever and self-referential humor.

The film is a testament to the creative spirit and the power of laughter in the face of adversity.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (17)

Glory to The Filmmaker

  • French (Subtitle)

$185.04

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3 Characteristics of Takeshi Kitano Films

Takeshi Kitano, also known as Beat Takeshi, is a Japanese filmmaker known for his distinctive style and unique approach to storytelling.

Here are three characteristics that are often associated with his films:

Blending of violence and humor: Many of Kitano’s films are known for their combination of graphic violence and dark humor.

He often depicts brutal acts with a detached and almost comical tone, creating a sense of absurdity and irony.

Exploration of human nature: Kitano’s films often focus on the inner lives of his characters, exploring themes such as isolation, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life.

He has been praised for his ability to create complex and nuanced characters who are both sympathetic and flawed.

Use of visual imagery: Kitano is also known for his distinctive use of visual imagery, with a focus on stillness and silence.

He often uses long, static shots to create a sense of calm and contemplation, while also using color and composition to convey emotion and meaning.

These characteristics, among others, have helped Kitano establish himself as one of the most influential and unique voices in contemporary Japanese cinema.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Takeshi Kitano Films

Unique Style: Takeshi Kitano’s films are known for their distinct style that blends elements of violence, humor, and poetry.

His use of visual storytelling and offbeat humor make his films a joy to watch, even when the subject matter is serious.

Social Commentary: Kitano’s films often contain social commentary and critique on contemporary Japanese society.

His work explores themes of alienation, existentialism, and the search for meaning in a world that can be cruel and indifferent.

Masterful Direction: Kitano is a masterful director who knows how to bring out the best in his actors and create visually stunning scenes.

His films are visually striking, with a keen eye for composition and framing. Whether he’s working with humor or serious drama, Kitano’s direction is always assured and confident.

Best Takeshi Kitano Films – Wrapping Up

Takeshi Kitano has made many great films over the years, each with its own unique style and approach to storytelling.

Some of his most acclaimed works include “Sonatine,” “Hana-bi,” and “Violent Cop,” which showcase his ability to blend violence and humor, explore the complexities of human nature, and use visual imagery to convey meaning and emotion.

Other notable Kitano films include “A Scene at the Sea,” “Boiling Point,” and “Zatoichi,” each of which has its own distinct flavor and tone.

Fans of Japanese cinema and art-house films will likely find something to appreciate in Kitano’s work, as he has carved out a distinctive niche for himself within the world of international cinema.

Overall, Takeshi Kitano’s films are known for their artistry, emotional depth, and unique perspective on the human experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or simply looking for something new and different, Kitano’s films are definitely worth exploring.

12 Best Takeshi Kitano Films: The Unpredictable Japanese Maverick (2024)
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