Brother [DVD] [2001] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Takeshi Katano isn't very well known in this country, all though he should be, like in his native Japan, where he is somewhat of a superstar. In none of his films is he ever reserved about displaying gut wrenching violence for the sake of realism, and this is no exception.
Brother takes you through a roller-coaster of emotions, from being intrigued right from the start, to being disgusted by some of the violence, to being shocked by the mad-as-a-brush plot, to being in fits of laughter at the subtle humour of the cute Japanese director who stars in the film himself.

Despite some poor acting early on, which you learn to see through, to the pure genious of the hard to follow story line, which i still dont fully inderstand, but this is not a fault of the director, more that there are so many themes running through it, that it can be watched over and over with increasing enthusiasm.

The film climaxes with a macabre ending, true to the style of Takeshi (Hana-Bi anyone?) that leaves you stunned and gasping for more, although you've probably had enough. Although violent, the film is in no way mindless and tackles some very deep points, mainly of the brotherhood of the yakuza and what it means to everyone concerned.

I would deffinately recomend this to any type of film watcher, but be warned.... over exposure could lead to an overwhelming urge to cut off your finger.

Brother is *not* the compromise that some suggest, and is very much a worthy contribution to the oeuvre that contains two of the greatest films ever made: Sonatine and Hana-Bi. Yes, it is sickeningly violent at some points, but it surrounds the kind of violence that one sees regularly in Hollywood action movies with an entirely Un-American structure of social brotherhood and honour. If Kikujiro is your favourite Takeshi film, avoid ;O)

Kitano comes to America and again shows he is one of the best, most versatile and underrated (in the West) directors. Brother has a lot of action, violence, humour, and style but Kitano still finds time for his usual existential ponderings and quiet, contemplative scenes. It is a film about comradeship, about overcoming racial (amongst others) boundaries to gain respect and friendship.

Kitano stars, with shades, as Aniki Yamamoto a Japanese Yakuza member famed for his abilities, loyalty, and strengths. He is forced to leave the country and goes to America in search of a younger brother he has not seen in years. There he realises that his brother is a small-time gangster, and that he can help his gang to become the most powerful in the city. Soon he sparks up an unlikely friendship between himself and his brother's gang and earns their respect by his coolness under pressure and knowledge of the trade. His plan works well, but soon other local gangsters decide to team up against him leading to death, revenge, and honour.

Again there is more said in a single glance than by five minutes of dialogue, though Kitano realises the difference between West and East in this regard, and the Americans are shouty from the start. There is the usual sadness throughout the film which permeates most of Kitano's work, but there is plenty of humour too. Kitano gives another cool performance, Epps is good as Denny, as is Maki as Kitano's brother Ken who has become Americanised. The violence is not as shocking as in his other films, but is just as sudden, fast, and meaningful. There are few directors around at the moment with this style- emotionally strong, character driven stories with stylish violence, and Kitano is one of the even fewer who can repeatedly pull it off.

The DVD has a couple of interesting extras which add to the value and viewing experience. At under a tenner, it's a worthy addition to fans of Asian and World cinema