Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?
Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?

Movie spotlight

Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?

1995
Movie
49 min
Japanese

One summer day, a group of sixth-grade boys have an argument about whether fireworks are round or flat when viewed from different angles and embark on a journey for the answer during the annual firework festival. Meanwhile, one of their classmates, Nazuna, is troubled by her parents' separation and decides to choose one of the boys to run away with.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users84%
Director: Takeshi KitanoGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A disillusioned detective, Nishi, quits the police force and delves into the dangerous world of the yakuza to secure funds for his terminally ill wife. His desperate actions involve him in a series of violent confrontations, making him a target for both his former colleagues and the criminal underworld. As his life spirals into chaos, Nishi grapples with morality and survival in a brutal landscape.

Critical Reception

Takeshi Kitano's 'Fireworks' is a visually stunning and brutally violent film that received significant critical acclaim for its unique blend of quiet contemplation and explosive action. It is often lauded as a masterpiece of the yakuza genre, praised for Kitano's distinctive directorial style and thematic depth. While its graphic violence is undeniable, it is generally considered an integral part of its artistic expression.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking and artistically directed, showcasing Kitano's signature style.

  • Offers a compelling, albeit violent, exploration of morality and desperation.

  • Praised for its quiet intensity punctuated by shocking bursts of action.

Google audience: Google users frequently commend the film's artistic direction and unique, atmospheric storytelling. While acknowledging its extreme violence, many appreciate the thought-provoking narrative and Kitano's distinctive visual style, finding it to be a powerful and memorable cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival (1997)

Fun Fact

Takeshi Kitano initially wanted to make a comedy film but was inspired to create 'Fireworks' after a near-fatal motorcycle accident which left him partially paralyzed on his right side, influencing the film's introspective and melancholic tone.

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