Rating: 
Summary: Beat's Whimsy Needs A Sophisticated Viewer
Review: If you follow Takeshi Kitano closely, you shouldn't be confused by his sorties into whimsy. Instead, you should watch closely for his thematic, keenly felt, celebration of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and madness in the human void. I strongly disagree with other reviewers and find "Boiling Point" to be an intellectually strong work that seeks to wreak change from the viewer. Many criticize the film's "slow beginning." On the contrary, I think the opening sequence produces an emotional tone, allowing the viewer to harmonize with the film's principal character, Masaki. All that follows happens to the viewer as it happens to him, bringing one to an understanding of Masaki's final actions. Good film involves the viewer, and you will find yourself thoroughly involved in Kitano's "Boiling Point." It is a must have.
Rating: 
Summary: Simple fun, but the ending ruins the whole film
Review: Takeshi Kitano before his epic Sonatine was a very mixed bag of tricks with his filmography. Violent Cop used most of his trademarks lightly, the only one focused on in Violent Cop was the violence and slience. Even though this is a weaker film, it is a step foward for Kitano with his trademark style of violence, humor, silence and subtlety.But I have some major issues with this film. First off, it's extremely slow. I mean SLOW. It's the slowest film I've ever seen. The first 40 minutes has maybe one or two things that have to do with the plot, it's like Kitano left the film on the cutting floor and took it as it is. Another issue is how shallow the film is, everyone is a negative, unhappy person. Kitano is known for having many different characters in his films that potray all the emotions he should be. But here everyone is gloomy and sad, including the main character. But those issues are the main problems with the film. One thing I found interesting more rather then entertaining was the use of no music. I mean no music at all, no Joe Hisaishi tunes or simple beats. Nothing, it makes the film feel way more real life and it's interesting to see. Another is the weird editing and camerawork. In one scene a guy in a baseball field runs back and forth trapped in between bases, the camera is on the second base in a first person type image. It's actually funny. I won't go too much into the story, try to read the story rundown elsewhere. But the last thing that interested me was the randomness. Humor and violence come out of nowhere in small doses, and have less to do with the film itself. Fights on the sidewalk, car and motorcycle crashes, shootings, beatings and rape seem to come and go, that also makes the film feel more real life. But as a Kitano film, it's a huge letdown if you're expecting something like Hana Bi (Fireworks), Sonatine or Violent Cop. It's a simple story told in the Kitano narrative. Hardly recommended for Kitano fans.
Rating:
Summary: SOPHOMORIC SLUMP FOR KITANO: HE DID MUCH BETTER LATER ON...
Review: THIS IS THE ULTIMATE 'SNAIL'S PACE' MOVIE. IT IS VERRRRRRRRRRRRY SLOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW! YEP, I DID GROW IMPATIENT AFTER ALMOST AN HOUR UNTIL KITANO FINALLY SHOWS UP. THERE ARE MOMENTS OF HUMOR WHEN HE DOES ARRIVE BUT THE FIRST HOUR WAS UGH! THERE'S NOT EVEN A MUSIC SCORE HERE. NOT EVEN THE CLOSING CREDITS HAS ONE! IT'S A SEAT SQUIRMER.
Rating:
Summary: SOPHOMORIC SLUMP FOR KITANO: HE DID MUCH BETTER LATER ON...
Review: THIS IS THE ULTIMATE 'SNAIL'S PACE' MOVIE. IT IS VERRRRRRRRRRRRY SLOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW! YEP, I DID GROW IMPATIENT AFTER ALMOST AN HOUR UNTIL KITANO FINALLY SHOWS UP. THERE ARE MOMENTS OF HUMOR WHEN HE DOES ARRIVE BUT THE FIRST HOUR WAS UGH! THERE'S NOT EVEN A MUSIC SCORE HERE. NOT EVEN THE CLOSING CREDITS HAS ONE! IT'S A SEAT SQUIRMER.
Rating: 
Summary: funny movie
Review: this movie is about a bunch of japanese gangsters hanging out in a deserted small town. some funny jokes and cool shootout scenes. but this movie moved waaaay too slow, so beware people who hate slow movies.
| 
