Hana-bi (1997) (Blu-ray) (Digitally Remastered) (Taiwan Version)

Product Description

Over the last few decades, Kitano Takeshi has emerged as one of the most representative figures of Japanese cinema, be it as an actor or as a director. His distinct style & aesthetic, characterized by unflinching violence, bizarre surrealism, & deadpan black humor, has brought him awards & acclaim the world over, & Hana-Bi, a.k.a. Fireworks, is one of his most well-known works. Kitanos signature synthesis of violent yakuza bloodshed & poetic silence reaches a beautiful zenith in this thrilling, yet meditative masterpiece. The film also features brilliant supporting performances from acclaimed actor Osugi Ren & Kitano regulars Kishimoto Kayoko & Terajima Susumu & a sublime film score from renowned composer Hisaishi Joe. Hana-Bi picked up a myriad of awards including the prestigious Golden Lion at the 1997 Venice Film Festival & a clean sweep at the Blue Ribbon Awards (Best Film, Director, Actor, & Supporting Actor).

Decked in dark suit & shades, cop Nishi (Kitano Takeshi) may look as cool, collected, & curiously unemotive as ever, but his life is slowly spinning out of control. His wife (Kishimoto Kayoko) is dying of leukemia & his partner Horibe (Osugi Ren) becomes paralyzed & suicidal after getting shot on the job. While Horibe takes up painting to ease his mind (the artwork featured is painted by Kitano himself), Nishi leaves the police force. In order to pay for the mounting hospital bills, he becomes involved with the yakuza & gets pulled into a destructive spiral of crime & bloodshed.