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Kikujiro Director: Takeshi Kitano Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Letterbox Format: Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Running Time: 116 minutes Studio: Columbia/Tristar Studios Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2000-12-12 Buy from Amazon |
 "A good movie without real excitement"This is the perfect example that shows how a movie can be exceptional without any action or excitement. For the narrow-minded movie-viewer, Kikujiro is just another boring foreign movie. As for the ones that are open, this film shows how kind some people can be even when things around them are harsh. One of the best things about Kikujiro is the music. At certain times, it can have an upbeat and happy tempo. When it is necessary, the music expresses a sense of being down, but still going on. Takeshi Kitano's character is a bad example for a father figure, but he learns to care for the boy that he guides. Nothing of significance is accomplished. However, that does not matter. Kikujiro is simply about life and the adventures we can have. That is why this film is one of my favorites that I can never get tired of. "Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!"This was funny funny funny!! Hard to believe that such a film was made by director known in the states for more "hard-hitting" action films. For some, it will seem a little long and a tad slow, however, I thought the dialog alone negated those "faults". It has a sort of "Life is Beautiful" feel to it and Kitano tries to "paint" his scenes rather than just film them. Not everyone's cup of tea but they should at least take a sip!! "Let's Play Statue!"Okay, for those of you who know Takeshi Kitano, you'll know that most or all of his films are a must see. He usually does the action genre and does it well. But with Kikujiro( his character ), the story is more of a Land of Oz kind of adventure, but in the real world. Definitely a family flick with a lot of comedy and sad bits. You'll need a hanky. *sniff* Kikujiro needs to be owned, it's just one of those damn movies that leave you feeling that you need to stop watching movies and get a job. "Immensely Satisfying"I didn't expect very much going into this movie, but I found myself slowly warming to the characters in this Kitano film. While not the kind of movie most expect to see when viewing Kitano, this movie is most likely greater proof of his genius than some of his other works. The musical score is absolutely beautiful. It will definitely stay with you. The characters are slow to develop, but slow in a way that pays off, not in a way that puts you off. The characters the two leads (Kikujiro & Masao) run into along their journey add to the overall entertainment factor of the film, but the underlying story of their shared loss is paramount. Kikujiro is a gem, highly recommended.  "Kitano does a family film..."I'm a huge fan of the films from Takeshi Kitano. I've seen all of his films he's directed (including the newer Dolls and Zatoichi) and I can say that I enjoy almost *cough Boiling Point* all of them and I really like his style of filmaking. This plot here is about a young boy named Masao who just got out from school for the summer. He doesn't have many friends nor does he have much to do. After getting what appears to be a package of photos from his mother who Masao has never met before. A friend of his grandmother decides to let her husband Kikujiro (Kitano himself) take Masao on the journey. Misadventures and comedy follow. Kitano has always been known for his crime films and dramas but this is the first time he's made a tolerable comedy-drama with his trademark subtle humor, slow pace and un-cilched style. If you've seen his films then you know what I'm talking about. He takes those qualities and makes a unique film with them. The acting here is pretty good for the most part, especially from Takeshi who is known for being a more silent actor, here he's a sluggish, rude and mean loudmouth with an attitude against almost everyone. It shows in some scenes where he lashes out on everyone around him. It's funny but almost absurd. Now one gripe I have with the film is an almost gratuitious scene where a pedophile comes onto Masao. Nothing sexual happens but Kitano does get the sick bastard back in a funny way. That scene really takes away from the film. Still this is a funny film. It's great to watch on a warm summer afternoon with the volume up loud. The soundtrack is done by Joe Hisaishi who's done some excellent work with Kitano in the past. The music makes you feel real good inside and it flows awfully well with the pace of the movie. I recommend this highly. |
