Hana-bi (1997)

A work of beauty. The number of Kitano Takeshi films I've seen is very limited so I wasn't sure how I was going to experience this. I can safely say that it was not disappointing in any way.

It is violent, bloody and depressing. But with all that going on, something about it was really sweet.

The film had long periods of silence which was not a bad thing at all and Hisaishi Joe's music makes the whole experience complete.

With that title, I expected more fireworks. An amazing work overall and definitely a must watch.

Beat Takeshi plays a tough cop who is distraught over his dying wife. The story is unique and original. It definitely demands your attention and is quite violent. At times the show is slow and deliberate. At times there is humor. But it always returns to violence and gets your attention. I felt quite empty at the end, so I don't highly recommend it unless you are looking for something violent and quite different.