Directed by Takeshi Kitano
Starring-Beat Takeshi and Kayoko Kishimoto
Fireworks has a reputation among Kitano fans as being the director's best work to date. And it is a reputation that is well-deserved. The film is dark and moody with occasional splashes of brilliant color. Visually we're treated to somber city scapes, muted rooms inhabited by silence even when occupied, and stretches of deserted beach. These still tableaus are punctuated by brightly colored, somewhat surreal paintings of families and of animals with flowers for heads and/or eyes. These paintings incidentally, were done by the director himself when he was recouperating after a severe mototcycle accident. We also see scenes of brutal violence and several very tender scenes between some of the principles.
The story concerns an ex- cop named Nishi who is struggling with the shooting and paralysis of his former partner Horibe, and also with his wife's terminal illness. He is also tortured by memories of a stakeout gone bad, leaving one of his colleagues dead. In addition to these worries he has a more pressing concern. He owes a Yakuza loan-shark money and has no obvious way to pay it back. Silently, he hatches a plot to rob a bank. With the money he pays off his debt and takes his wife on one last vacation. He also buys art supplies for Horibe, who had expressed an interest in painting. After the robbery the film follows both the Nishi's vacation and the struggles Horibe faces as tries to adjust to the quiet of his new life.
The issues at the heart of this film; the damaging effects of violence, the strong bonds between family and friends, and the healing power of art are explored in a largely visual, and heartwrenchingly effective way. It is remarkable how much can be communicated considering Firework's' almost complete lack of dialog. Nishi especially rarely speaks, something that would be almost unheard of in a Hollywood "action" film movie. A must see for fans of Japanese gangster cinema. -Jenny Stumps
Rating- 4 Brains
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