Quicklinks
Top Links
biographyby votesawardsNewsDeskmessage boardFilmographies
categorizedby typeby yearby ratingsby votesby TV series awards titles for saleby genre by keyword power search credited with tv scheduleBiographical
biography other works publicity contact photo gallery resume NewsDeskmessage boardExternal Links
official sites miscellaneous photographs sound clips video clipsNews for
Takeshi Kitano More at IMDbPro »
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 1998 | 1997
1-20 of 29 articles from 2009 « Prev | Next »
Takeshi Kitano's new yakuza film has a title and a still. Woot!
2 December 2009 2:04 PM, PST | Twitch | See recent Twitch news »
The news that Takeshi Kitano was returning to Yakuza films was met with decent reactions from his many fans around the world. For many of us films like Sonatine, Fireworks and Boiling Point were the films that introduced us to this filmmaker. Then opinions and feelings changed as Kitano underwent a personal genesis of sorts with his latest trilogy of films: Takeshis', Glory to the Filmmaker! and Achilles and the Tortoise. I won't say it is good to have him back because every filmmaker has a right to take whatever personal and professional path they choose. And who knows if this new film would live up to our expectations, from those of us who are devoted fans of his Yakuza films. Brother anyone? Shudder.
I digress. The new film will be titled Outrage and yesterday the first still was released. Now as far as stills go it is nothing to get excited about. »
Takeshi Kitano Returns To His Yakuza Roots
2 December 2009 4:29 AM, PST | FilmShaft.com | See recent FilmShaft.com news »
Variety have reported that Japanese auteur Takeshi Kitano, after a nine year break, is returning to the series of films that made him a star in the west. Not since Brother (2000) has Kitano picked up a gun and killed lots of people whilst remaining as cool as a cucumber. It is this zen-like approach that saw films such as Fireworks, Boiling Point and his masterpiece – Sonatine – praised by western film critics. He is a living legend in Japan.
Many people may remember Kitano has the no-nonsense school teacher in Battle Royale. Or even the Japanese television show – Takeshi’s Castle (if you’ve got Bravo).
Now Kitano is back! Starring in co-production between Warner Bros. and his own company. Entitled Outrage, the film is described as “a power struggle between two Tokyo gangsters.” What makes Kitano’s gangster pictures so special is not their horrendous and constant bloody-letting, its the quiet moments in between. »
- Martyn Conterio
Takeshi Kitano returns to the mob with Outrage
2 December 2009 4:19 AM, PST | 24framespersecond.net | See recent 24FramesPerSecond news »
Happy days. Variety has reported that after nine long years in the wilderness of romance movies and Comedy films, Japanese movie veteran Takeshi Kitano ("Zatoichi," “Boiling Point”) is set to make a welcome return to that which we know him best for - Ultra violent, gangland warfare. Kitano has revealed his latest work (that he will write, direct and take the lead) will be titled Outrage and follows the power struggles among Tokyo gangsters. No word on an exact release date yet, but Warner Japan are set to distribute the film next year. Head to the link, to check out a first still from the film. Via Wildgrounds. »
Takeshi Kitano Goes Back To Gangsters
1 December 2009 11:04 PM, PST | EmpireOnline | See recent EmpireOnline news »
It's been nine long years since Japanese icon Takeshi Kitano drew a line under his impressive run of superviolent gangster pics, with Brother. Since then there've been comedies and the brilliant samurai semi-musical Zatoichi, and Kitano has been a bit equivocal about the head-stomping and eye gouging that made his name (at least internationally). "Embarrassing" was one of the words he used.So he's either relented or come up with a new spin on his formula of quiet stoicism interspersed with sporadic bursts of jawdropping maiming. He has written the script and will direct and star in Outrage, which involves "power struggles among Tokyo gangsters". The co-production between Warner's Japanese arm and Kitano's own Office Kitano is scheduled for release next year.Kitano first came to the attention of western audiences with Violent Cop in the early 90s, closely followed by Boiling Point, Sonatine and Hana-Bi. The latter two in »
Takeshi Kitano Reveals Outrage, His Return to Gangster Pictures
1 December 2009 11:59 AM, PST | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »
Here's some great news about a film that, just by virtue of existence, is now high on my 'to watch' list for 2010. I knew that Takeshi Kitano had been shooting a new film (mentioned it in passing here, while talking about Ryo Kase working with Gus Van Sant) but we haven't had any details about it. And while he's talked about going back to gangster pictures, we didn't know for certain that's what this new film would be. Now the details are out: the film is called Outrage and it is indeed a film about Japanese criminals. Will it stack up against Sonatine? If it even comes close, I'll be happy. Variety reports on some of the info. Kitano scripted, directed and stars in the film, which is in post-production now. Movie "depicts power struggles among Tokyo gangsters," which really doesn't tell us much, even when augmented with the fact »
- Russ Fischer
Holiday Preview: Anywhere But a Movie Theater
4 November 2009 11:14 AM, PST | ifc.com | See recent IFC news »
More Holiday Preview: [Theatrical Calendar]
[Repertory Calendar] [Anywhere But a Movie Theater]
On Demand
IFC Films (with whom, full disclosure, we obviously share a parent company) will be delivering new films all holiday season to homes across the country through their Festival Direct and Sundance Selects labels. These include the cross-cultural romantic dramedy "I'll Come Running" (Nov. 4), Josiane Balasko's farce "A French Gigolo" (Nov. 6), the Inuit tribal drama "Necessities of Life" (Nov. 11), the Brit crime thriller "Adulthood" (Nov. 18), the Indian love story "Return to Rajapur" (Nov. 25), the Christopher Masterson-Bijou Phillips celibacy satire "Made for Each Other" (Dec. 2), "Harry Potter" helmer David Yates' gritty two-part drama "Sex Traffic" (Dec. 2 and 9), the Korean comedy "Night and Day" (Dec. 23) and "The Ghost" (Dec. 30).
Meanwhile, in the newly launched Sundance Selects series, there's a pair of harrowing documentaries VOD premieres: Kief Davidson's coming-of-age boxing doc "Kassim the Dream" (Nov. 27) and the unvarnished biopic "Nick Nolte: No Exit" (Dec. »
- Stephen Saito
The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi - Blu-ray Review
30 September 2009 3:24 AM, PDT | Monsters and Critics | See recent Monsters and Critics news »
The Eastwood of Japan, Takeshi Kitano, tackles one of Japan.s most iconic figures with .The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.. The film is a great take on the decades old property of a masterful blind swordsman in 19th century Japan who travels the land helping under the guise of a masseur. A great looking film . that comes recommended for its Blu-ray debut. Takeshi Kitano is mostly known for his outstanding early nineties yakuza pics like .Boiling Point. and .Sonatine. where he also starred in under his performing mark Beat Takeshi. Distinctive and stylish, these films established an international director to watch out for. Most recent yakuza pic, .Brother., which brought Takeshi to L.A. failed to measure up to earlier »
- Frankie Dees
DVD Playhouse--September 2009
26 September 2009 1:01 PM, PDT | The Hollywood Interview | See recent The Hollywood Interview news »
DVD Playhouse—September 2009
By
The Human Condition (Criterion) Masaki Kobayashi’s epic (574 minutes) adaptation of Junpei Gomikawa’s six-volume novel was originally made and released as three separate films (1959-61), and is rightfully regarded as a landmark of Japanese cinema. Candide-like story of naïve, good-hearted Kaiji (Japanese superstar Tatsuya Nakadai) from labor camp supervisor, to Imperial Army solider, to Soviet Pow, and Kaiji’s struggle to maintain his humanity throughout. Unfolds with the mastery of a great novel, beautifully-shot, and a stunning example of cinematic mastery on the part of its makers. Four-disc set bonuses include: Interview with Kobayashi; Interview with Nakadai; Featurette; Trailer; Essay by critic Philip Kemp. Widescreen. Dolby 3.0 surround.
State Of Play (Universal) Russell Crowe stars as a veteran Washington D.C. political reporter investigating the murder of an aide to a rising congressional star (Ben Affleck), who also happens to be an old friend. »
- The Hollywood Interview.com
[DVD Review] The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi
22 September 2009 11:00 AM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »
When a movie tries to update an old beloved series into what is called a “re-imagining,” it often results in a disastrous effort that either loses the charm of the original(s) or becomes a pale imitation. Takeshi Kitano’s Zatoichi is one of those rare successes. While he’s made a number of incredible films meditating on the harshness of violence, Kitano at his heart still remains a playful comedian (Americans probably know him best as one of the two hosts of Takeshi’s Castle, better known in the U.S. as its Spike TV dubbed version called Mxc), and his Zatoichi is a reflection of that side.
The original Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman series spanned 26 movies and four TV seasons—all of them starring Shintaro Katsu. It would be hard for any other actor to fill those shoes if he wasn’t a giant like Kitano, who fearlessly »
- Arya Ponto
Blu-ray review: ‘The Ultimate Force of Four’ box set
21 September 2009 1:12 PM, PDT | ReelLoop.com | See recent Reel Loop news »
To the typical American mainstream movie fan, The Ultimate Force of Four Blu-ray box set may be a treasure trove of remastered “Kung Fu” flicks. Though not the best the genre has to offer, it does contain some of the biggest hits on these shores since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon first arrived and opened the eyes of an unsuspecting populace.
Included in the Blu-ray set is the 1994 Jackie Chan film The Legend of Drunken Master which was released in the States in 2000. Directed by Chia-Liang Liu, Chan defends the honor of the Chinese people by kicking, punching and leaping off buildings in order to stop the heinous transfer of Chinese treasures by the evil British. Though The Legend of Drunken Master, isn’t the best example of the genre nor Chan’s best, it’s a favorite for easy Sunday afternoon movie watching. Considering Chan’s energy and dynamic action »
- Erik Buckman
Blu-Ray Round Up: Jet Li, Jackie Chan Highlight ‘Ultimate Force of Four’
21 September 2009 8:56 AM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »
Chicago – Attention martial arts fans, Buena Vista Home Video recently released a wave of martial arts films on Blu-Ray under the title “The Ultimate Force of Four” box set, including one of Jet Li’s best films, the spectacular “Hero,” from director Zhang Yimou. “Hero” is easily the highlight of the quartet of recent HD releases but “Iron Monkey,” “The Legend of Drunken Master,” and “Zatoichi” will all satisfy fans in 1080p (as long as they’re not purists about audio tracks).
Three of the four titles are merely HD imports of special features and films already available on standard DVD. The exception is “Hero,” which includes an all-new featurette and a digital copy, but is actually one of the most divisive Blu-Rays of the year. Miramax/Buena Vista has made the baffling choice to include a higher caliber quality of audio for the dubbed tracks on “Hero,” “Iron Monkey, »
- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
400 Screens, 400 Blows - Asian Melodramas
20 September 2009 7:03 AM, PDT | Cinematical | See recent Cinematical news »
When the average American film fan thinks of Japanese movies, they'll probably picture one of three things: either a samurai or a gangster -- Toshiro Mifune and his sword, or Takeshi Kitano and his gun -- or a stringy-haired ghost girl. Die-hard fans will know that Yasujiro Ozu, Nagisa Oshima and Mikio Naruse also made contemporary dramas about modern-day citizens, often trying to figure out their lives in the post-wwii turmoil. But those dramas were hindered by the times, or by the censors; the characters were polite and functional and hid their own true emotions in an attempt to do what they were supposed to be doing. But there's something in the air over in Japan right now; they're making melodramas, big, roiling, red-blooded ones filled with anguish and torment and heartbreak.
Earlier this year, Kiyoshi Kurosawa -- who is thus far best known for his truly terrifying films like »
- Jeffrey M. Anderson
Legend Of Drunken Master, Iron Monkey, Hero and Zatoichi Blu-ray Reviews
19 September 2009 5:29 PM, PDT | Collider.com | See recent Collider.com news »
For the film fanatic, there was an evolution. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Hong Kong cinema came to a prominence because of the great works of filmmakers like John Woo and actors like Jackie Chan. This was the second boom of the industry after Bruce Lee invigorated youths in the 70’s, but died all too young. And from that there was also a loyal following for the Shaw Brothers from some, and an interest in Chan - among others - but you had to live near a Chinatown or have a kick ass video store to find this stuff. Not everyone was so lucky. The crossover appeal was there, but mostly for film nerds willing to watch some shitty ass copies of great films. As time progressed Asain cinema of all stripes made a huge dent in nerd culture, with Japan and Korea following, as filmmakers like Takashi Miike, »
- Andre Dellamorte
Takeshi Kitano returns to Yakuza eiga
14 September 2009 1:57 AM, PDT | Affenheimtheater | See recent Affenheimtheater news »
Tokyograph has posted some first details for director/writer/actor Takeshi Kitano next project. According to the report, Kitano will finally return to “his” violent Yakuza eiga genre with this yet unnamed project after several years.
Filming has already started in August with Kitano starring next to Tomokazu Miura, Kippei Shiina, Ryo Kase, Soichiro Kitamura, Renji Ishibashi, Jun Kunimura and Fumiyo Kohinata. Distributed by Warner Bros. Japan, the film is supposed to open in Japan in 2010.
[via @wildgrounds] »
- Ulrik
Stallone To Be Honoured At Venice Film Festival
12 August 2009 11:56 AM, PDT | WENN | See recent WENN news »
Hollywood action man Sylvester Stallone will be feted at the upcoming Venice Film Festival with the prestigious Glory to the Filmmaker award.
The Rocky star's career as an actor and director will be one of the highlights of the Italian event as his peers celebrate his lengthy career in the movie industry.
Organisers have hailed Stallone as a "very original filmmaker" whose projects are "capable of tenderness even when dripping with blood".
They add in a statement, "(Stallone's work) has explored the brightest and darkest areas of the American dream."
And Stallone is delighted with the career recognition, because it fulfils one of his lifetime goals.
He says, "Being honoured at the Venice Film Festival is something I have always hoped would become a reality and now that it's actually happened, it's been well worth the wait."
The accolade is typically bestowed upon "a person who has left a mark on contemporary cinema" and previous honorees include France's Agnes Varda and Japan's Takeshi Kitano.
The 66th Venice Film Festival kicks off on 2 September and runs until 12 September. »
Yay! Sylvester Stallone to be Honored at Venice Film Festival! Parts of "The Expendables" to be Shown!
12 August 2009 10:47 AM, PDT | Manny the Movie Guy | See recent Manny the Movie Guy news »
Sylvester Stallone is set to be awarded with the, repeat after me, Jaeger-lecoultre Glory To The Filmmaker Award, at this year's Venice Film Festival.
It's an "auteur" award "dedicated to an artist who has left his mark on contemporary cinema." I agree with that about Stallone, don't you?
Takeshi Kitano, Agnes Varda, and Abbas Kiarostami were previous Jaeger-Lecoultre awardees.
Why are the event's organizers giving Stallone the award? They said:
"Through all of his movies -- even the ones he has not directed or are considered 'less important' -- Stallone has shaped his own character with much care, and reflected upon it, giving us an iconic exploration among the most coherent and lucid of contemporary America cinema.
"Stallone has shown an original eye and an auteur's determination. His is a cinema capable of tenderness even when dripping with blood."
Go Rocky!
The best part? There will be a sneak preview »
- Manny
Remains of the Day: Mamet Does Anne Frank, Sly Does Venice, Avatar Does August 21st
12 August 2009 | ioncinema | See recent ioncinema news »
- A bizarre kind of news day highlighted by House of Games/The Spanish Prisoner/State and Main/Spartan and Redbelt helmer taking on Anne Frank, followed by Rocky/Rambo director Sylvester Stallone joining previous winners Takeshi Kitano, Agnes Varda and Abbas Kiarostami for the Glory to the Filmmaker Award at the upcoming edition of the Venice Film Festival. Here is a look at eight and 1/2 news items that we didn't have enough time to cover but are worth mentioning here for the 12th of August. 1. The 2nd Best Selling Book Heading Back to the Big Screen Disney has set David Mamet to direct The Diary of Anne Frank. No joke. (Via Variety) 2. Thrifty "Beeswax" Reverse Shot’s Eric Hynes interviews filmmaker Andrew Bujalski in a unique setting. (Via IndieWIRE) 3. Now You See them, Now you Don'tControl + Left Click for Atom Egoyan's Chloe. Via ThePlaylist) 4. After the Run David Schwimmer (Run, »
Big Directors Small Films: The Coen Brothers Short Film ‘World Cinema’
11 August 2009 7:53 AM, PDT | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »
In 2007 an omnibus film called Chacun son cinema (To Each His Own Cinema) played at festivals. Made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, the collection featured short films about cinema made by an amazing variety of directors: Takeshi Kitano, Gus Van Sant, Zhang Yimou, Jane Campion, Atom Egoyan and many more. Among those 'many more' were Joel and Ethan Coen, who enlisted their recent star Josh Brolin in a three-minute movie called World Cinema. Problem was, World Cinema didn't show up on either of the DVD releases of Chacun son cinema, making it very difficult to see. (I was lucky enough to see it at Toronto that year.) But now it has found its way onto YouTube, and you should watch it after the break, right now, before it goes away again. World Cinema features Brolin as a rancher named Dan (who looks a lot like »
- Russ Fischer
A closer look at South Korean Cinema at Fantasia
17 July 2009 11:31 PM, PDT | SoundOnSight | See recent SoundOnSight news »
Far from being one-dimensional, South Korean cinema is recognized for tackling every possible genre with intelligence and success. The industry continues to prove itself as a cradle of creativity as confirmed by the numerous selections and awards garnered by South Korean movies on the international circuit this year. Hailing from The Land of the Morning Calm we here at Sound On Sight have decided to focus on some fresh works from renowned veterans such as Lee Yoon-ki and newly discovered classics in the making . Here's an overview of must-see debut features in 2009: Crush And Blush South Korea Dir: Lee Kyoung-mi A side-splitting burlesque comedy from newcomer Lee Kyoung-mi, this movie credits Park Chan-wook (Thirst) as producer and co-writer. Kong Hyo-jin, winner of the best actress prize at this year's Korean Film Awards, shines in a stellar cast in a performance that is somewhere between Almodovar's first works and a »
- Ricky
Is Takeshi Kitano heading back to his yakuza ways?
12 July 2009 10:10 AM, PDT | Twitch | See recent Twitch news »
Not sure how this one got past us here at Twitch, but it seems like Takeshi Kitano is back to his usual ways with a return to form for his next film. While nothing is yet set in stone, several sources have pointed out that the director’s 15th film will indeed be a modern yakuza film.
This is a sigh of relief for many followers of Kitano whom were beginning to grow tire of his last few self-loathing films. I for one thoroughly enjoyed Takeshis’ but felt Glory to the Filmmaker! and Achilles and the Tortoise were borderline disasters.
It is also said that the investors of his latest opus want him to cast the likes of Shiina Kippei, Miura Tomokazu and Kase Ryo in place of his regular players. As with most of his pictures, Mr. Beat Takeshi, will step in front of the camera in the lead role. »
- Aaron Fowler
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 1998 | 1997
1-20 of 29 articles from 2009 « Prev | Next »
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles. News articles are published for the entertainment of our users only. The news items do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the site responsible for the article in question to report any concerns you may have.
Home
| Search
| Site Index
| Now Playing
| Top Movies
| My Movies
| Top 250 |
TV
| News
| Video |
Message Boards
Register
| 
RSS
| Advertising
| Content Licensing
| Help
| Jobs
| IMDbPro
| IMDb Resume
| Box Office Mojo
| Withoutabox
| Follow us on Twitter
International Sites: IMDb Germany
| IMDb Italy
| IMDb Spain
Copyright © 1990-2009
IMDb.com, Inc.
Terms and Privacy Policy under which this service is provided to you.
An 
company.
