In a Nutshell. Mini reviews of movies old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. And often no sleep.

Thursday, 17 April 2014

Violent Cop (1989)

Kitano is a pissed-off cop with some unorthodox methods in his directorial début. He uses violence often because he knows it gets results. It's methodical but can appear casual. He’ll bitch-slap and humiliate anyone he feels deserves it, but when events turn personal, when his role as protector is compromised, the level increases and is sustained.
He’s not credited as writer, but his revisions to the original script are clear to see and his persona dominates all parts of it. The transposition of honed comedy timing into filmmaking style makes the changes in tone swift and unexpected, like a good joke or a cutting remark.

4 wild acts out of 5

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