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Kikujiro [1999]
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RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £5.99 (subject to change)
Editorial
Synopsis
In Takeshi Kitano's KIKUJIRO, the actor/writer/director (billed as Beat Takeshi) portrays the brash, mischievous title character, a middle-aged man living with his wife in Tokyo. When Masao (Yusuke Sekiguchi), a sullen neighbourhood boy, embarks on a quest to find his estranged mother, Kikujiro's wife instructs him to accompany the child. Unfortunately, before they even leave town Kikujiro squanders all of their travelling money by gambling at the cycle races and as a result these two unlikely companions must hitch a series of rides on the open road. As Kikujiro and Masao trek along the Japanese countryside, they encounter strange characters and circumstances, leading to a series of misadventures.
Given Kitano's reputation for violent gangster films, KIKUJIRO is a surprisingly gentle departure. However, the film still bears many of the director's stylistic trademarks (such as lingering shots of characters and landscapes) that often recall the more humorous and meditative moments of his other films like SONATINE and FIREWORKS. Kitano and the young Sekiguchi are superbly subtle in their roles, allowing their unusual chemistry to carry the film. Heart-warming without being predictable or overly sentimental, KIKUJIRO is a welcome comic addition to Kitano's accomplished body of work.
VERY disappointing
Review date: 2008-06-17 Rating: 4 out of 10
I'm usually a big fan of Beat Takeshi (aside from Violent Cop) but I found this to be a real let down. I did laugh a few times, but the rest of the film meanders aimlessly along and is often in very real danger of being overtaken by a snail. The plot - such as it is - relies on complete strangers being so easily bullied by Kikujiro that within seconds of meeting him they're running about stark naked pretending to be fish. Sonatine's a magical film, but for me Kikujiro's a complete misfire.
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Reviews
surprisingly bad but not all bad
Review date: 2008-02-20 Rating: 6 out of 10
I was expecting something more impressive and unusual. It is a slow movie and surprisingly and dissapointingly predictable. Even the eccentric supporting characters seem to be hackneyed and the niceness of it all is a little boring. Still, there are several funny moments in it and towards the end I was almost sorry I was going to have to, finally, say good bye to the story.
Annoyingly Beautiful Movie
Review date: 2007-08-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
This wonderful film grows on you, from the first annoying moments to the last. It's a tale of growing up, need, dependency and friendship. Little boy Masao tries to fill the emptiness of his life. So he determines to to find his mother in a distant region of Japan and he hooks up with Kikujiro, a smalltime crook but at heart an adult infant. The characters Masao encounters are rude and tender alike, and often the camera angle, the music, the entire ensmble is annoying but gripping: you want to know what happens in the end.
Very recommendable.
This may change your life...
Review date: 2006-10-30 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is essentially a road movie where a rubbish, unpleasant low-ranking Yakuza is thrown together with a morose, lonely boy in search of the latter's mother. Unlike most road movies, it could be anywhere, the location is unimportant. The characters take centre stage here.
It's a film of two halves the first part the pursuit of Mother, the second the pursuit of friendship and happiness. The second half is amazing. I'm not going to give the plot away, I hate reviews that do that. But I will say it has one of the best endings ever seen on film. Simple and elegant, it hits you - POW!
Kitano creates a modern day fairy tale with humour, pain and bite without a syrupy, squirm factor thrown in. I'm dreading Hollywood doing a remake of this, it would be vile.
Kitano#1
Review date: 2006-08-26 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is without a doubt the most accessable Kitano movie so far. A very touching and comedic offering, Kitano is at his wicked best in this movie, look out for the scene at the bus stop which features a cameo appearance from his former 'Two Beats' stand up double act partner, its hilarious. The chemistry between Kitano and the young boy Masao is enchanting.
Once again, the cinematography is stunning, the editing clever, and the music, what can I say, John Williams has nothing on Mr.Joe Hisaishi.
An absolutely breathtaking movie. One of the movies you MUST see in this lifetime.
I wish Kitano was my Uncle.... Genius
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
'Beat' Takeshi Kitano
Yusuke Sekiguchi
Kayoko Kishimoto
Creators:
'Beat' Takeshi Kitano (Primary Contributor)
Kayoko Kishimoto (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Pathe Distribution
Manufacturer: Pathe Distribution
EAN: 5060002832066
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2005-09-26
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Running time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2000-05-26
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: Japanese (Original Language)