Starring: Takeshi Kitano, Kippei Shiina, Ryo Kasse, Tomokazu Miura
Running Time: 109 minutes
Genre: Yakuza/crime thriller
I must confess that I have not seen all of Takeshi Kitano's work (he is an actor, director, poet, painter, comedian, presenter and singer to name but a few) such as his critically acclaimed Hana-Bi (Fireworks). Known mainly to people this side of the world as the guy from Takeshi's Castle, or maybe as the evil teacher (named Kitano) in Battle Royale. From what I have seen of Kitano's writing and directing; he is a wonderful film-maker. Zatoichi was my first experience with his work and it make a lasting impression on me and Outrage has left me feeling the same, in total awe of a wonderfully entertaining experience.
Outrage is a highly effective Yakuza crime thriller, with a good solid cast of two-faced, evil, conniving characters with plenty sprinklings of blood and violence throughout (a visit to the dentist has never been so painful). Kitano plays Otomo, who provides muscle for Ikemoto (Kunimura Jun) and eventually this leads to a bitter and ultra-violent gang war. His crew are are not merely the usual filler stereotypes either, with Kippei Shiina's Mizuno in particular a highlight and Ryo Kasse as the sneaky Ishihara. As the film progresses, rather than focusing on Otomo, we get a more detailed and expanded view of his crew and this does wonders for setting up the final act.
The film looks fantastic, highly stylistic throughout, with the shiny clean cars, the finest of suits to the Japanese setting being visually magnificent (maybe just to my Western eyes) and unique. Once things go sour, there is no let up and the violence hits brutal levels and the tension becomes palpable and the final pay-off is well worth the wait and unexpected. Kitano has crafted a highly entertaining crime thriller that contains many moments of brilliance that will leave the viewer gasping in awe.
83
(review written on 8/3/12)
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