Fireworks – Hana-bi (1997)

Takeshi "Beat" Kitano wrote, directed, edited and starred in this violent movie about Nishi, a former detective, struggling with the results of his negotiations with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), a crippling injury to his close friend and partner which confines him to a wheelchair, and his wife's illness following the unexpected death of their son. Disguised as a Japanese tough-guy movie, the title reflects the explosive nature of things which can so often be both beautiful and deadly. Full of symbolic imagery, especially the images of flowers which become the main inspiration for Nishi's friend as he discovers painting, the movie does a great job of showing how different people deal with the different crises in their lives.

Sparse dialogue, a good story well told and a collection of unusual characters makes the film well worth watching. The violence, though graphic, is not gratuitous and contrasts nicely with the quieter scenes of reflection and re-evaluation.