The indefatigable Takeshi Kitano is not only a triple film threat (as a writer, director and actor), he also appears on Japanese TV shows several nights a weeks and is an active journalist, novelist and poet.Born Jan. 18, 1947, in Tokyo, Kitano got his start in show business as half of the comedy team the Two Beats, which became popular during the 1970s stand-up comedy explosion. His comedic success led to roles in movies, including 1983's Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, in which Kitano memorably played a concentration camp jailer.
In 1989, Kitano added directing to his credits when the helmsman of a picture Kitano was about to star in fell ill. The result -- Violent Cop -- earned him international acclaim. Since then, he has penned, directed, edited or appeared in nearly a film per year, including Boiling Point (1990), Johnny Mnemonic (1995) and Brother (with Omar Epps, 2000).
OutrageWriter, director and actor Takeshi "Beat" Kitano returns to his roots in this gripping gangster drama that details the intense rivalry between two powerful yakuza syndicates and the efforts of a small crew to prevent all-out war from erupting. Packed with unpredictable characters and volatile... Read More
KikujiroKikujiro (Takeshi Kitano), a loud-mouthed drifter with a chip on his shoulder, is forced to accompany Masao (Yusuke Sekiguchi), an 8-year-old orphan, on a trip to meet his mother for the first time. Their unlikely pairing results in a child's journey of wonder. After leaving the city, the duo's... Read More
BrotherMartial arts star Takeshi Kitano drop-kicks his way through this violent tale, portraying a Yakuza leader who flees to America after a gang war turns against him. He starts anew with a drug ring that comes to rule the mean streets of Los Angeles. Kitano also wrote and directed this cautionary tale... Read More
Blood and BonesWhen Korean peasant Joon-pyong Kim (Takeshi Kitano) emigrates to Japan, his ruthlessness earns him great success as a businessman, but his self-absorption and cruelty destroy everything -- and everyone -- in his path. But even as his business flourishes through the efforts of an exploited labor... Read More
SonatineMob boss Murakawa (Takeshi Kitano) aims to merge his factions of power as he gets closer to middle age. His boss has the perfect assignment for him: to serve as mediator in a town where some of the gang's divisions have become uncooperative with one another. Murakawa fears that he's being forced out... Read More
R | ||
PG | ||
NR | ||
NR | ||
NR | ||
Arakimentari (2004) | NR | |
R | ||
Dolls (2002) | NR | |
NR | ||
Brother (2000) | R | |
PG-13 | ||
NR | ||
NR | ||
NR | ||
Tokyo Eyes (1998) | NR | |
NR | ||
Johnny Mnemonic (1995) | R | |
Gonin 1 & 2 (1995) | NR | |
NR | ||
R | ||
NR | ||
NR | ||
R | ||
 | | |