Dolls - 偶斷絲連

Dolls (偶斷絲連) is a 2002 film out of Japan. The movie is written and directed by Takeshi Kitano. The movie is an emsemble cast that includes Miho Kanno and Hidetoshi Nishijima.

The movie is broken up in to 3 stories. The main story for me were the 2 drifting love birds. Matsumoto is engaged to be married but remembers a past wrong. Matsumoto sets out to right this wrong, but instead leads to a life of drifting.

The movie was slow and the stories didn't always seem what it should. I was drawn to watch this movie by the well made trailer. But in hindsight, I don't recall liking this movie much.

Sonatine - 奏鳴曲

Sonatine (奏鳴曲) is a 1993 film out of Japan. The movie was written, directed, and starred Takeshi "Beat" Kitano.

The movie follows Murakawa, played by Takeshi "Beat" Kitano, a yakuza member in Tokyo. Murakawa is a "boss" due to his many years in the yakuza. But he's not popular and is sent to Okinawa to settle a dispute. The scene in Okinawa is vastly different than that of Tokyo. Murakawa is not happy that he's sent there. But his office in Okinawa is bombed and his crew retreat to a beach house. There, hijinx ensue and they befriend the lovely Miyuki, played by Aya Kokumai. But the hard life of the yakuza disrupts their beach get away. Murakawa is forced to put the Okinawa situation to rest.

The movie was super slow, but when it picks up, it really impresses. There's not a lot of action and there is not a lot of dialog. Scenes are cut long and the effects a little B movie grade. But the point of the movie isn't about effects and a tight story. It's about the hard life of yakuza.

Kikujiro - 菊次郎之夏

Kikujiro (菊次郎之夏) is a 1999 film out of Japan. The movie stars Takeshi Kitano and Yusuke Sekiguchi. The film was also written and directed by Takeshi Kitano.

The movie follows the adventures of Kikujiro, an ex-yakuza, that is totally obnoxious. Kikujiro helps Masao look for his mom. Masao has an address and that's enough to go on as the two set out from the hustle and bustle of the city to the countryside of Japan. Along the way, lots of different situations happen that put Kikujiro's resolve and character to the test. These situations include the funny and touching.

I actually feel asleep watching this film with a group of friends. There were so many walking scenes and I was extremely tired that night. But I rented it again later to re-watch it and it was a blast.

The movie is extremely slow paced and the character development can get frustrating, but the payoff is nice. If you're looking for a quirky and to a certain degree, light hearted movie, you can check this one out.

The Blind Swordman: Zatoichi - 座頭市

The Blind Swordman: Zatoichi (座頭市) is 2003 film out of Japan. The film stars Beat Takeshi and Tadanobu Asano.

The movie is follows The Blind Swordman named Zatoichi to a village in Japan. The village is in a middle of Yakuza war between two powerful gangs. Zatoichi fights fot the common man and eradicates those that use their force with prejudice. Zatoichi helps out the villagers by taking down the Yakuza of the town.



I am not actually that familiar with the Zatoichi mythos. I didn't grow up watching too many Japanese imports, so this Zatoichi film was fresh for me. Although the manga and talk of Zatoichi has been around for many many years.

The movie had great pacing and dealt with everyday life of the villagers well. As well as Samurai trying to make ends meat in a changing society. The tales of villians and heroes were at times black, white, and very grey.

This is a must watch for all you samurai loving fans.