cityonfire.com | A Scene at the Sea

	A Scene at the Sea "I really enjoyed A Scene at the Sea, non-existent Yakuza plot and all." - Equinox21 A Scene at the Sea (1991) Director: Takeshi Kitano Producers: Masayuki Mori, Takio Yoshida Writer: Takeshi Kitano Cast: Kurodo Maki, Hiroko Oshima, Sabu Kawahara, Susumu Terajima Running Time: 101 min. Plot: See Equinox21's review below. Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com Reviews EQUINOX21'S REVIEW: More like "An Entire Movie at the Sea". This was my first Kitano film in which Kitano doesn't actually make an appearance. Was I let down in any way despite his absence? Not at all. Shigeru (Claude Maki) is a deaf-mute (must have been tough to do a movie without ever having to say a word!) garbage man who finds a broken surf board along his route one day. He takes it home and fixes it, then goes out to test it with his faithful girlfriend Takako by his side. Eventually he breaks the board again, so he goes out to buy a new one. This begins his obsession with the sea and his dream of winning a surfing competition. Yes, it's pretty simple and straight forward, but it has Kitano's ever present touch. I really enjoyed A Scene at the Sea, non-existent Yakuza plot and all. It was a very simple movie but was quite moving at points. Of particular note are the scenes where the surf shop owner takes it upon himself to help Shigeru in various ways. I also quite liked the interaction between Shigeru and Takako (even though he seems to almost ignore her much of the time, when he does pay attention to her it's portrayed well). Susumu Terajima as the taxi driver was also terrific. I'm really happy that Kitano has put him in just about every one of his films. Of course, the Joe Hisaishi score is a treat, as well. I own a couple CDs of Hisaishi scores for Kitano films, and love every second of them. Expect a typical Kitano movie, however, one without violence this time around. There are lots of long shots, lots of silent stares and lots of great moments. I recommend it for all Kitano fans. EQUINOX21'S RATING: 8/10

A Scene at the Sea

"I really enjoyed A Scene at the Sea, non-existent Yakuza plot and all."

- Equinox21

A Scene at the Sea (1991)

Director: Takeshi Kitano

Producers: Masayuki Mori, Takio Yoshida

Writer: Takeshi Kitano

Cast: Kurodo Maki, Hiroko Oshima, Sabu Kawahara, Susumu Terajima

Running Time: 101 min.

Plot: See Equinox21's review below.

Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com

Reviews

EQUINOX21'S REVIEW: More like "An Entire Movie at the Sea". This was my first Kitano film in which Kitano doesn't actually make an appearance. Was I let down in any way despite his absence? Not at all.

Shigeru (Claude Maki) is a deaf-mute (must have been tough to do a movie without ever having to say a word!) garbage man who finds a broken surf board along his route one day. He takes it home and fixes it, then goes out to test it with his faithful girlfriend Takako by his side. Eventually he breaks the board again, so he goes out to buy a new one. This begins his obsession with the sea and his dream of winning a surfing competition. Yes, it's pretty simple and straight forward, but it has Kitano's ever present touch.

I really enjoyed A Scene at the Sea, non-existent Yakuza plot and all. It was a very simple movie but was quite moving at points. Of particular note are the scenes where the surf shop owner takes it upon himself to help Shigeru in various ways. I also quite liked the interaction between Shigeru and Takako (even though he seems to almost ignore her much of the time, when he does pay attention to her it's portrayed well). Susumu Terajima as the taxi driver was also terrific. I'm really happy that Kitano has put him in just about every one of his films. Of course, the Joe Hisaishi score is a treat, as well. I own a couple CDs of Hisaishi scores for Kitano films, and love every second of them.

Expect a typical Kitano movie, however, one without violence this time around. There are lots of long shots, lots of silent stares and lots of great moments. I recommend it for all Kitano fans.

EQUINOX21'S RATING: 8/10