Kikujiro

2000 • 121 minutes

About this movie

In the tradition of Central Station comes KIKUJIRO, the highly acclaimed new film from Takeshi "Beat" Kitano, the award-winning director of (Fireworks, Hana-Bi and Sonatine). Lonely nine-year-old Masao leaves Tokyo in search of his mother, a woman he's never met. He's accompanied on his journey across the Japanese countryside by surly, middle-aged petty crook KIKUJIRO (Kitano), who is none too happy being the chaperone. When KIKUJIRO gambles away all of Masao's travel money, the two must rely on their wits and the kindness of colorful strangers. Along the way, as the two share a series of wild and unpredictable adventures, they end up at a destination that neither of them could have imagined. (Original Title - Kikujiro) © 1999 Office Kitano. All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

I've checked this movie out many, many times from the library (work at a uni). Easily one of my favorite films. Touching, and endearing. Beautiful music, interesting visual themes, and great acting. It's a journey of growth, showing the hope, and pain, of youth from the eyes of the adults accompanying the child. The movie is a wonderful experience.

Seriously...it sold school long and takes awhile to get through, but the payoff is enormous. One if those movies we used to see that made you feel better for watching it. One of the best I have ever seen.

Heartwarming, yet unconventionally so, with only a smidgen of Takeshi Kitano's trademark yakuza violence apparent. The real magic lies in this films final 45 minutes.