The “stupid” film director, Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi) is unusually troubled about his next film. So far, all his representative works were gangster films, but of all things, he declared never to make violence films again. This was certainly rash, and he was totally lost. Despite that, he is determined to turn out a hit film. One after another, he tries his hand in genres he had never before attempted. The first is a human drama in the Yasujiro Ozu style, which should be appealing to film festivals abroad. But in this age, a slow paced film about the happiness of the common folks will not attract the movie-goers. Then, why not ride the wave, and go for a nostalgic piece set in the 1950s to the 60s? “I grew up during that time. Who else can cook that up better than me?” …Although his intentions are good, his pursuit of realism results in a piece far worse than a violence flick. So, this, too, is aborted. What about a horror film, which Hollywood may remake? Or a tear-jerker romance? A period flick full of sword play and wire action? Better yet, a sci-fi spectacle? But all are denied on grounds that the projects are improbable. “A film director forsaken by talent is who I am.” Though he finds himself in a dead end, Director Kitano decides to shoot a film, an ultimate piece for the movie-loving mankind!
A con-artist mother (Kayoko Kishimoto), who relies on her cunningness and will do anything for money, and her daughter (Anne Suzuki) set their target on a man in a school uniform. This man seems to be the son of an economic bigwig, Higashiohizumi (Tohru Emori). The mother schemes to marry his daughter to this man for his money. But the man turns out to be the bigwig’s honest and straightforward secretary, Futoshi Kichijoji (Beat Takeshi), who has been in his service for more than 30 years. Not only that, he is the son of a poverty-stricken family…
With the story kicking off as such, a series of chaotic, unpredictable events follows. With this outcome, the God of Cinema may be disgusted if not enraged. An unprecedented catastrophe in the history of mankind is about to befall on Earth!
“Beat” Takeshi Kitano is widely considered to be Japan’s foremost media personality. In addition to his work in the film industry he is an active newspaper columnist, an author and poet, and a ubiquitous presence on Japanese television where he can be seen in up to eight prime time shows per week.Kitano first found fame, as well as his “Beat” nickname, in the early ‘70s as one-half of the manzai comedy duo The Two Beats, a fast-paced, cross-talk act that thrilled audiences with their off-color humor and satirical bite. Throughout the early ’80s, Kitano acted in a number of films, most memorably in Nagisa Oshima’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983).
In 1989 Kitano added another facet to his career — serious film director. He was set to star in a police thriller that was to be directed by gangster film veteran Kinji Fukasaku. When Fukasaku had to leave the film, the film’s producers offered Kitano the directing chores. He reworked the script and the result was Violent Cop, a… read more
this might be something more appreciated if you are both a fan of Kitano and Japanese film itself. there are a lot of jokes pertaining to both, and i imagine it would be easy to feel left out if you weren't aware or knowledgeable in both. i don't think either of those are much reason to not watch this movie and laugh a little, but they will certainly help your experience.
