Violent Cop (1989)

"Her brother's coming... and since you saw fit to rape his sister, you're all going to back me up... We're all going to kill one another... "
Some of the final lines in Kitano's directorial debut, Violent Cop. I guess outta context must seem overblown and pompous but when you're such a thorough and poetic filmmaker, you earn that sort of hyperbole.
As I'm writing this, I'm struggling about what else I can say about Beat Takeshi, that I haven't already said, despite the fact that I really enjoyed his films- Violent Cop is very similar to Hana Bi, the film of his is watched in January. It's about a detached policeman with problems at home and a bad habit of excessive violence in the workplace. It's also persistently funny in that desperately deadpan Kitano way. He sorta like an Asian Shane Black in that way except he doesn't have to rely on a Clapton/Kamen soundtrack of the emotional moments and violence in Kitano's movies is deadly serious and solemn. I don't know why but it never feels gratuitous. I think because it's almost like a release from the tension. Yeah, Kitano uses comedy and violence as a breather after the obstensively moody and tense double crossings and police corruption.
I mean,  in American fare, as the protagonist detached further from society and submitted to his dark predilection for violence, he would be finally given redemption and called a hero. Takeshi has no interest in that- he loves let the main men he plays for wild and maim but redemption is not on anyone's docket. The best they can hope for is the peace in death...

Hana Bi (1997)

I come to Hana-Bi, not knowing anything about it except Takeshi Kitano, and he made Zatoichi and that was my shit, when it came out. 

It was my movie of the year, in 2004. This a Japanese crime movie, which is fine- more importantly, it's well overdue that I take the time to watch some of his other work. 
If it's half as good as Zatoichi, that'll be good enough...


Hana-Bi is a film about regret peppered with moments for slapstick and ultraviolence. 
It would be coarse for me to refer to it as 'awesome' because it succeeds in marrying all 3 of those elements. 
But, tuck your balls back because it's super-awesome. 
That's not to say that Hana-Bi would be everyone's cup-of-tea. Many might find Beat Takeshi's stoicism difficult to empathise with or understand. But this is a man (The man.) trying, struggling to keep hope alive and find joy in life. We initially find out policeman Takashi's wife has a terminal illness in hospital because 3 or 4 of his colleagues approach him saying 'How's your wife in the hospital... Your wife with the terminal illness?' Not the type to suffer pity well, you can only imagine moments like this contribute to his extreme violent reactions when he comes in conflict with  criminals. 
Takeshi has other problems too. He feels an understandable guilt over a colleague paralysed for being in his place at the wrong time and he owes money to the Yakuza; gangsters who to share his lack of interest in suffering idiots when they can just as easily dispatch them.
When Takeshi gets time to spend with his ailing wife, they share this wonderful relationship. While not the most affectionate, you can easily see they share a loving bond where you can see they enjoy each others company.
It's a pleasant escape for Takeshi and the viewer. 
In terms of realistic movie violence, me and Mr. Takeshi are on the same page-make it quick, make it hurt. The end. It's shocking predominantly, in the sense of it's unexpectedness; that it be over so quickly and be so painful.
In his movies, people don't stare-draw-pause-shoot. They kinda just shoot. Or smack. Or stab. 
That said, for all the hyper-realism in the violence- it extends to the over-bright visuals and super-spare writing. Fans of watching people staring off into the distance, will love this. It's no diss, in most scenes- characters are either struggling about what to say to lighten the mood or are struggling with their own despair.
What's left to say?...
It's a real testament to Takeshi that remains such a likable character, when he displays so little empathy for most, displays little of anything really.
Hana-Bi is about a man who is grimly aware that life is fleeting, trying to appreciate it as he sees fit and trying to avoid any waste of that time. That in this world, money and possessions pale in comparison to good health and spreading happiness, where you can. 
Oh yeah, and bludgeoning dudes with 2x4's is good too.


I watched Hana-Bi (1997), on DVD via LoveFilm.
My 2011 in Movies will return with Lonesome Jim (2005)...