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| Originally released: 2000 |
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An oddly disappointing ultraviolent follow-up to Kitano’s stunning
Kikujiro and Hana-Bi. His first film in (mainly) English, set in LA,
it's the story of a yakuza (Kitano), who exiles himself after his boss is
killed. The theme, like so many gangster flicks, is bonds and
brotherhood. The LA cityscape is rendered flat, expressionless and
cartoon-like by the cinematography. The film mirrors this mood, and is
rarely convincing in its portrayal of the city’s underworld. The few
scenes set in Japan are far more arresting, and include a truly
sh(l)ocking disembowelment. Otherwise, the strongest feature is the
performance of Omar Epps, who effortlessly fills the screen and charms
the audience.
David Peter
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