Hana-Bi Details

With its fragmentary structure intended to resemble the “fireworks” (the literal translation of Hana-Bi) of the title, this is definitely a detective film with a difference. Winner of the Golden Lion at Venice, it's a lyrical, compassionate tale as ex-cop Takeshi “Beat” Kitano (who also directs) seeks to care for both his dying wife and his partner, disabled while chasing a criminal. To counteract the grim reality of Kitano's problems back in the city there are lengthy passages of contemplative silence and pastoral vistas, as well as symbolic paintings commenting on the action. Although there are still explosive sequences of gun-play, this is a far cry from earlier Kitano films such as Sonatine.

Kitano's Venice prize-winner mixes tenderness, violence and droll humour. A recently retired cop drifts towards a... read more on Time Out