- Actors: Takeshi Kitano
- Format: PAL
- Language English, Japanese
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 18
- Studio: Park Circus
- DVD Release Date: 4 Oct 2010
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B003ZIZ2Y8
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 47,580 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Product Description
Internationally acclaimed director, actor and Japanese media phenomenon Takeshi Kitano (Zatoichi, Battle Royale) follows up his well-regarded Kikujiro with this straight-ahead gangster saga with a cross-cultural twist. The film focuses on Yamamoto (Kitano), a Yakuza gangster, who is forced out of the country when a gang war all but wipes out his clan. Armed with a fake credit card, a forged passport and a bag of money, he travels to Los Angeles, where he organises one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in the city. Yamamoto seems unstoppable, until his gang runs afoul of the Mafia. Soon all that he built quickly and bloodily starts to unravel, as every member in his gang is marked for death.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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.
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.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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
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
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
More than just a violent gangster flick
Brother is the story of a Yakuza underboss exiled to America when the head of his family is assassinated. Read more
Published 3 months ago by beovar
mad and bad, you want him to be your dad
Another great Beat Takeshi film about the Yakuza and like all Japanese films is bizarre enough to keep you watching just to see what happens next, definitely recommend this for a... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Simon Hatfield
emperors new clothes
The trademark stylings of Kitano are all here but set against a sterile backdrop and cut and paste supporting characters this hybrid jap/LA gangsta flick ala SCARFACE but half as... Read more
Published on 20 April 2010 by John Tearney
See it!
I have seen all of his films and in my opinion this is the best film that Beat Takeshi / Takeshi Kitano has produced. Read more
Published on 23 Nov 2008 by Londoner
EXCELLENT BEAT TAKESHI FILM
TAkeshi Kitano is simply Japan's best actor. His films are stylish and watchable. This one stands above as one of his best - next to Hana-Bi, Zatoichi and Violent Cop. Read more
Published on 17 Oct 2008 by Sick-o
Something New
Well, This Film is not too bad...I was not sure what influence it would have on me, as Ive watched Many Takashi Kitano Film's. Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2005 by Mr. James Kirkman Roberts
What's the problem?
I don't know what the problem is with those reviewers on this site that have been so negative about this film. Read more
Published on 4 May 2005 by Chainsaw Charlie
Gorgeous artwork of disturbing emotions
Takeshi Kitano made with "Brother" another great movie using his special type of disturbing and "under-your-skin" emotions.
The plot in short is that Yamamoto goes to the U.S. Read more
Published on 15 July 2004 by arekusu
Buyer beware.
As a filmgoer who has so far adored, or at least enjoyed, everything that Kitano has directed (yes, even 'Kikujuro'), I was mightily disappointed by this film. Read more
Published on 5 Mar 2004 by Andrew
Brother where is the plot? the direction? the acting?
I was really looking forward to seeing this film. I'd read another amazon reviewer say that it was the best Yakuza film ever made. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2004 by Mr. S. J. Littler
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