Japan Icon Kitano Takeshi Shooting Untitled Mov...

Kitano Takeshi, one of the biggest names in contemporary Japanese cinema, is directing an untitled movie for Amazon MGM Studios

Published Time: 19.06.2024 - 02:31:42 Modified Time: 19.06.2024 - 02:31:42

Kitano Takeshi, one of the biggest names in contemporary Japanese cinema, is directing an untitled movie for Amazon MGM Studios.

Other details of the movie, such as cast and synopsis were also scant. Amazon said only that it, “will produce globally acclaimed Japanese director Takeshi Kitano’s feature film. Kitano will also star in the film.”

Kitano hinted at the picture’s production status with a prepared comment: “We are currently filming diligently, so please stay tuned for further updates.”

Kitano, who also performs as an actor and stand-up comedian under the name Beat Takeshi, has ranged widely as a director. Since his directorial debut in 1989 with “Violent Cop,” Kitano has directed 19 feature films. His 1997 “Fireworks” (aka “Hana-bi”) won the Golden Lion at the 54th Venice International Film Festival. At the same festival he won a Silver Lion for best director for “The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.”

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Zatoichi”), to contemporary crime (the 2010-2017 “Outrage” trilogy). His most recent film as director was “Neck” (aka “Kubi”), a period actioner with homosexual themes.

“Kitano is an icon, not only in Japan but in the sphere of global film and media entertainment, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him on the project, soon to launch on Prime Video,” said James Farrell, head of international originals, at Amazon MGM Studios. “This collaboration further augments Amazon MGM Studios’ vision to be the home for talent, which will lead to many more successful collaborations in the time to come. We’re confident that fans and followers of Kitano-san will be excited with anticipation to watch what the genius filmmaker has in store.”