A retired Yakuza is forced to help a young boy to find his mother. A comic odyssey ensues as the duo meet a succession of eccentrics during their journey. The film sees Kitano in a lighter mood after 'Hana-Bi', and revelling in offbeat characterisation.
An ageing retired Yakuza is forced to help a young boy find his real mother after the boys grandma dies. What follows is an often comic odyssey as the unlikely duo me... more >
An ageing retired Yakuza is forced to help a young boy find his real mother after the boys grandma dies. What follows is an often comic odyssey as the unlikely duo meet a succession of oddball characters on their ultimately spiritual journey. Kikujiro sees Kitano refuelling his batteries after Hana-Bi, relaxing and trying out some offbeat comic set pieces. Once again, another great Joe Hisaiashi music score, and brilliant lensing from Kitanos regular cinematographer. Some critics have undervalued Kikujiro, comparing it unfavorably with Sonatine and Hana-Bi, but they're missing the point - it is still a beautifully made and visually inventive film that fits better with two other more relaxed Kitano films A Scene at the Sea and Kids Return. < less
