Kikujiro [1999]

this is definately a film for everyone, an strangely for Kitano a film that i think all the family could watch (a corny phrase to say i know).

The basic outline of this story is that a small boy Masao wants to see his mother, an his grandmothers friends husband (played by Kitano) is rigged into the job of travelling with the small boy, Kitano's character is rather stubborn , and moody, as the two travel together we really see Kitano's character really develop and form a strong relationship with the small boy, he sorta becomes the father Masao never had, and we also see Masao who is really a very lonely child at the start makes the friends on there journey that he always wanted.

anyhow what i loved about this film was the relationship between kitano an masao, it was really quite touching, but also i loved all the other characters that u meet as well, especially the motorcyclists.
Another element of this film that i enjoyed was that there were a lot of high comedy moments, but also very sad moments, definately one of those one minute your laughing and the next minute your crying films. Highlight of the film is when Kitano pretends to be a blind man.

Again like the other Kitano films i've seen so far the film is visual stunning and interesting, definately if your a fan of Kitano's other films i would advise you to see this, an if u haven't seen any of his films this would be a good introduction.

I have to mention the music obviously, as always Joe Hisaishi creates memorable music which enhances the film further.

Ok so i can't stress enough how much i love this film, an how much i advise people to see this, but really a worthwhile purchase for not only a fan of japanese and Kitano films, but anyone who wants to see a good movie !

Buy this!


This may change your life...   October 30, 2006
koneko chan (UK/Japan)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is essentially a road movie where a rubbish, unpleasant low-ranking Yakuza is thrown together with a morose, lonely boy in search of the latter's mother. Unlike most road movies, it could be anywhere, the location is unimportant. The characters take centre stage here.
It's a film of two halves the first part the pursuit of Mother, the second the pursuit of friendship and happiness. The second half is amazing. I'm not going to give the plot away, I hate reviews that do that. But I will say it has one of the best endings ever seen on film. Simple and elegant, it hits you - POW!
Kitano creates a modern day fairy tale with humour, pain and bite without a syrupy, squirm factor thrown in. I'm dreading Hollywood doing a remake of this, it would be vile.



amazing   January 4, 2004
A.l. (Somewhere else)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Very nice(and at moments very funny) road movie..
Strongly recommend it for viewing..

The story is about a small kid, who is living in a small flat with his grandmother. It is the beginning of the summer and all the kids are leaving for holidays with their family..

Having no family , the kid travels to the place where his mother is working.. In order to protect it (??) Kitano travels alongside and creates comical situations..

As with any other road movie, the important part is not the destination but how the travellers characters interact and evolve during the trip.

The ending is brilliant....


Kitano#1   August 26, 2006
M. Spence
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is without a doubt the most accessable Kitano movie so far. A very touching and comedic offering, Kitano is at his wicked best in this movie, look out for the scene at the bus stop which features a cameo appearance from his former 'Two Beats' stand up double act partner, its hilarious. The chemistry between Kitano and the young boy Masao is enchanting.
Once again, the cinematography is stunning, the editing clever, and the music, what can I say, John Williams has nothing on Mr.Joe Hisaishi.
An absolutely breathtaking movie. One of the movies you MUST see in this lifetime.

I wish Kitano was my Uncle.... Genius


Annoyingly Beautiful Movie   August 23, 2007
Antyllus (London, UK)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This wonderful film grows on you, from the first annoying moments to the last. It's a tale of growing up, need, dependency and friendship. Little boy Masao tries to fill the emptiness of his life. So he determines to to find his mother in a distant region of Japan and he hooks up with Kikujiro, a smalltime crook but at heart an adult infant. The characters Masao encounters are rude and tender alike, and often the camera angle, the music, the entire ensmble is annoying but gripping: you want to know what happens in the end.

Very recommendable.