aka: Fireworks (in the US)
Hana-bi is a truly wonderful film. Beat plays a cop who says very little, but when he takes action he does it with the full weight of his convictions.
Moments of contemplation and grace are punctuated with moments of extreme violence. It's the human story laid bare with nowhere to hide. It fills me with great sadness and joy every time I watch it, in part due to Joe Hisaishi’s beautiful piano pieces.
For me, Kitano is the greatest Japanese filmmaker since Kurosawa. Hana-bi is a good place to start if you’re new to his style.
5 but it deserves more out of 5
