Written, directed and edited by, and starring Japanese Filmmaker Takeshi Kitano in the lead role, there is a feeling of doom for his character Hashi from the outset. An ex cop who's past and present problems are intertwined and will follow him on his route to an inevitable destruction. This emotionally moving, character study moves along at a steady pace to its bleak conclusion, which is heartbreakingly satisfying with a real sense of solace. Despite the excessive use of violence with no reason other than fury and loss of tolerance. For me the film restores an ability to see the glass half full perhaps, and demonstrates how beauty can be found within the most unsavoury of circumstances.
Hana-bi (Fireworks) washes over you with a colourful depth, which emphasises a powerful morality that bubbles beneath the surface of each of it's scenes. How far can a man be pushed? What are his limitations when all he holds dear has slowly perished. At what point does he shed all care of right and wrong, and live by his own laws? At what point does his own existence and outcome become secondary to him? These are the question Hana-bi raises. Whilst exploring a man's actions when the last dearest thing to him is under threat, with virtue of tolerance absent from his entire being.
Hana-bi has imagery as powerful as that of a silent film, and is only enhanced by colour and sound, which results in a feast for the senses. And despite the presence of basic dialogue speaks volumes in the moments without words. An on screen stare, a touch, a moment alone with a character, or most profoundly Hashi in the company of his dying wife. These are the most touching scenes of the film and they resonate loyalty and sentimentality throughout. The soundtrack is heartfelt and embodies the emotional content of the story, sweeping us to views of the the cityscape and the master shot closing in.
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