(aka "Kidzu ritan" )
Japan 1996
The night of August 2, 1994, Kitano was leaving a party. He was extremely drunk. He got on his brand new scooter, that he had bought the same day, and took on his helmet, but left the chinstrap unfastened. Driving home, he fell asleep and crashed into guardrail in Tokyo's Shinjuku nightlife district. He was rushed to the Tokyo Medical College Hospital with a scull fracture and a broken jaw, where he spend the next ten days in a coma, while the doctors feared he would suffer brain damage. Awake again, his mother told him, "If you want to kill yourself, do it in a Porsche, so you get famous like James Dean. Only an idiot gets killed on a scooter!"
Kitano spend the next four months at the isolation unit at the Tokyo Medical College Hospital recovering from the massive nerve damages that caused paralysis in his right side of the body and face. Even a year later, when Tony Rayns interviewed him in the summer of 1995, Kitano was still waiting for feeling and full muscular co-ordination to return to the right side of his face and wore a patch over his right eye because he couldn't yet close the eyelid, which is obvious in “Gonin”.
This was a period of change for Kitano. Disappointed about "Getting Any?" he wanted to give up most of his television and comedy work and dedicated himself to film making and writing. Traumatized by the accident he was determined to change the way he lived. Then again, the daredevil within him told him to show everyone that he was ok, that nothing had changed: "Right after the accident, even in the hospital, I drank probably twice as much as I used to. I wanted to show that Takeshi hadn't slowed down."
But one thing is the public "I can do everything" Kitano, another thing is the private Kitano, and he did change. He cut down on drinking and smoking. He began to value time instead of wasting it. He matured. While he downplays his accident and how it affected him, and looking at the pace by which he lives and works today, it doesn't look like it did. But looking at his film after the accident, there are distinctive differences in his motifs - a more mature approach: “Kids Return” marks a phase, where Kitano not only spends all his art reflecting upon life, but also, by doing so, becomes the genius filmmaker we celebrate today.
Masaru and Shinji are the local school bullies. Not really paying attention in class, they spend their time at school making fun of the teachers and being bullies. One day a kid pays another bully to beat them up. Having lost face, and having been kicked out of school, they have to deal with life. Where Masaru joins the local yakuza, Shinji gets more and more into boxing.
At times autobiographical, “Kids Return” is the most atypical film by Kitano. Almost completely stripped of his usual motifs and themes, and lacking the complex ellipses, this is a straight forward narrative, full of honest and raw pictures with very little playing around. There is focus. The new elements are the introduction of his paintings, especially the angel motif, and colour coding: note the effects and use of red and blue. Simply a wonderful and warm film.
Henrik Sylow of Kitanotakeshi.com
Poster
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Theatrical Release: July 27, 1996
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Comparison:
Image - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC
Big thanks to Henrik Sylow and Will Kelly for the Screen Caps!
(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - RIGHT)
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| Distribution |
Image Region 1 - NTSC |
Spectrum Region 3 - NTSC |
Chinese
Bootleg Region 3 - NTSC |
| Runtime | 1:43:20 | 1:47:34 | 1:47:48 |
| Video |
1.60:1
Aspect Ratio |
1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate:
Image
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Bitrate:
Spectrum
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Bitrate:
Chinese Bootleg
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| Audio | 2.0 Dolby Digital Japanese |
2.0 Dolby Digital Japanese |
2.0 Dolby Digital Japanese |
| Subtitles | English (burned) | English, Korean, None | English, None |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Image Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
Chapters 16 |
Release Information: Studio: Spectrum Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Chapters 16 |
Release Information: Studio: Chinese Bootleg Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Chapters 11 |
| Comments |
The Image DVD is possible the
worst representation of any Kitano film. The picture almost seems out of
focus, its squeezed horizontally (giving it an aspect ration of 1.6:1), it
is dark, there are edge enhancements and add to that burned subtitles.
Additional, the shorter time suggests that the Image DVD is a NTSC
transfer from a PAL source, as its 4% shorter. Do not buy this DVD. The Chinese bootleg is once again, as the other bootlegs, a copy from the Bandai DVD. It just looks great. If actually looks better than the Korean DVD. Look at the back of the boxer and the spots on the floor in image number five: The Korean DVD has a higher contrast level, which takes away detail. |
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Recommended Reading for Japanese Film Fans (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)
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The Japan Journals : 1947-2004, by Donald Richie |
The Midnight Eye Guide to New Japanese Film by Tom Mes and Jasper Sharp |
Kon Ichikawa (Cinematheque Ontario Monographs) by James Quandt, Cinematheque Ontario |
Shohei Imamura (Cinematheque
Ontario Monographs, No. 1) by James Quandt |
Eros Plus Massacre: An
Introduction to the Japanese New Wave Cinema
(Midland Book, Mb 469) by David Desser |
The Films of Akira Kurosawa by Donald Ritchie |
Ozu by Donald Richie |
A Hundred Years of Japanese Film by Donald Richie |
Check out more in "The Library"
DVD Menus
(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs.
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(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - BOTTOM)
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(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - BOTTOM)
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(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - BOTTOM)
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(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - BOTTOM)
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(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - BOTTOM)
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(Image - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Spectrum - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Chinese Bootleg - Region 3 - NTSC - BOTTOM)
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Report Card:
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Image: |
Chinese Bootleg |
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Sound: |
Chinese Bootleg / Spectrum |
| Extras: | Spectrum |
| Menu: | Spectrum |
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Many Thanks...
Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - 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Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano's - Kids Return - Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review Takeshi Kitano Kids Return Kidzu ritan DVD Review