Sonatine ***** (1993, Takeshi Kitano, Aya Kokumai, Tetsu Watanabe) – Classic Movie Review 6528

In his masterwork so far, Japanese writer-director-star Takeshi Kitano plays Aniki Murakawa, a world-weary Tokyo mobster whose boss orders him to Okinawa to resolve a dispute with a rival Yakuza gang.

This is a masterly, explosive Yakuza saga from the Violent Cop (1989) film-maker and superstar Takeshi Kitano, who goes for spare grace in a movie that remains original while springing from the Hollywood gangster picture and Japan’s own storytelling, as well as specifically recalling Le Samourai (1967).

Takeshi Kitano’s characteristically quirky, stylish film, with a mesmerising atmosphere of stillness broken by furious bursts of ritualistic action, probes its theme of violence and the idea that you live to the full only if you are ready to die.

Sonatine is an exceptionally taut, smart and breathtakingly thrilling movie, the acme of Kitano’s brilliantly sharp and quirky style.

Also in the cast are Aya Kokumai, Tetsu Watanabe and Masanobu Katsumura.

It is shot by Katsumi Yanagishima, produced by Masayuki Mori and scored by Joe Hisaishi.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 6528

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