I had this film stored in my computer for more than a year. From its imdb page i had built up this image of a bloody, fast paced japanese cop movie in my head which had pushed it back on the rack along with other no brainers. The ones i keep for absolutely and irritatingly idle times when all i need is a treat for my senses. I was wrong.
It is a different movie. A rare and subtle blend of violence and quiet that exposes the limits that exist to the decisions a person can make given what he is in his circumstances. The interweaving of themes - thankless lives of cops and the bloodless violence in their personal lives, loss of loved ones both dead and alive, the solace in making our closest ones happy - gives a unique clarity to the hinges we build our lives upon. When one falls, we try to find another. Sometimes art takes its place. At other times nothing can. What follows is glaring emptiness. A certainty of nothingness. The futility of carrying on.
Kitano lends his acting perfection to his directing self. The use of art was brilliant given the space and context. Kishimoto is wonderful with her expressions sans words and in their numbered smiles together that burst out of acceptance of a foregone fate. A characteristic work that crafts its own end in style.
Moment of the film - The simplest bank robbery ever
Watch it for - A poignant placating evening
3.5 on 5.
Hana-bi @ Rotten Tomatoes
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