The Films of Takeshi Kitano: 3-4x10月 (BOILING POINT) (1990)

[@capitalcrow1533]

I absolutely love the karaoke scene in this movie, just the entire vibe and the way the guy is singing while people are just getting their asses kicked, it’s one of my favorite movie scenes ever.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh yes, that is such a brilliant scene!

[@ImperialCaleb]

I really struggled to find a point with this one. His films are fairly interpretive, but this one felt like it was just a bunch of silly (and depraved) character moments that were struggling to reach an ultimate goal. The ending is important for sure, that being after his suicide attack, it just shows him back in the outhouse on the baseball field again like at the start. Kitano likes surprise endings that alter the meaning of the rest of the movie, and I think this one is his most drastic. Obviously the main character cannot be alive after exploding, so it really does seem to imply the movie is some sort of bizarre fantasy. The reason for this I believe is that he's in the outhouse out of a dissatisfaction from life, probably stemming from nervousness, insecurity, and a lack of ambition. He doesn't really want to go out and play, just like how he doesn't really want to go to work, or put in the effort to get a girlfriend. He's imagining a grand adventure where he effortlessly gets a girlfriend, gets put on a path towards an epic revenge story, and ultimately dies in a fight against his enemies. It's the sort of thing losers fantasize about, I would know. But his lack of drive and his insecurities sabotage his own fantasies. He can't land a punch, can't get a homerun without getting disqualified, can't even fire a gun when he really needs to. Takeshi and his Yakuza brother may be some sort of fantastical version of the main character and his friend. The main character is such an insecure loser, in his own fantasy, he can't actually act out the way he wants to, so he conjures up another person to do what he wants to do. Both are on similar journeys and both die once getting their revenge. But perhaps Takeshi and his brother are just supposed to make his fantasy more exciting, either way, the majority of the movie is just a young man's daydream into a life where he gets whisked up into an exhilarating yet pathetic world of violence and sex beyond what will ever be possible or even make sense for his insignificant existence. The title, Boiling Point, may imply that the character is reaching such an event, where his nerves are finally going to make him snap, and violence will be in his future.

[@TOKYOTOYBANZAI]

I love this film. Kitano's early films all have an interesting style and feeling that isn't as present in his films post-Zatoichi. His first few films are truly some of my favorites.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much and yes, there is a kind of atmosphere that marks his early works really nicely. Cheers and I hope you are well.

[@RareDivers]

This one threw me for a loop. I did not quite understand, or like it as much as Violent Cop and Sonatine. The comedy parts just surprised me, as I was expecting another somber and more serious film. Like you said, individual pieces work extremely well on their own, but together, it just struck me as very odd. I love the Japanese Blu-ray cover art of these. Going to revisit this very soon. Thank you for sharing!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Cheers my dear friend. Yes, it is a surprising film, and I think one that is worth watching multiple times if possible. Have a nice and safe weekend.

[@denzelromero4796]

One of the few movies I resonated with heavily . There is no violence like Kitano’s violence

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for this. What a film this is, and I am so glad to hear that you too are fan of the works of Kitano.

[@marcl4000]

Hello Daisuke, hope you are well. I think it’s fair to say that Kitano was probably the japanese filmmaker that introduced me to «recent» japanese cinema (in lack of a better word and if I compare his work to Kurosawa, Uzo, etc). I know that we only have a glimps of his personnality through films, he was very popular on tv in Japan, if i’m not mistaken. (On seeing his first films I realized that he was the sergent in «Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence»!). Thanks for reminding me that I have to catch up on Kitano’s films! :-) (P.S. 1: Had a list of films from Sean Connery that I wanted to see. Recently I saw «The Hill» and «The Molly Maguires», two films that I liked). (P.S. 2: Hope the streams on Bond are going well. A few months ago I wrote about how they were so many Bond related books. I saw one that was talking about the architecture of 007 films. The cover of the book had a shot of «You only live twice» and reading the back cover it got my attention on Ken Adam a production designer who worked on many Bond films. I learned he’s the one responsible for the sumptuous sets with which we associate James Bond with: Dr. No, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You only live twice, Diamonds are forever, The spy who loved me, Moonraker, etc. Interesting for those who love set designs). Cheers Daisuke and «bon cinéma» !

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! Yes, there is a lot in terms of his cinema that make his films really fascinating and wonderful examples of modern Japanese cinema in my opinion. Cheers my dear friend.

[@tomsear1]

Terrific, revealing review - thx!

[@dinginternet5199]

Great film.The actor who played Kazuo,Duncan also play the lead in my opinion an underrated Japanese film called Ikinai/Suicide Bus.Maybe you could talk about it since it tackled a very interesting subject matter.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! Yes, Duncan!

[@Sude1089]

Daisuke, I am so excited to be writing you this comment as I was able to enjoy your video on this film once again after having finished my Film Movement Classics blu-ray of Boiling Point as well as read the Daisuke approved stapled booklet that features photos from the film & an essay by Asian film expert Tom Vick that fully affirmed my opinion that this film is a masterpiece. I would like to first point out that Violent Cop was released in 1989, my birth year and the title of Boiling Point can also be referred to as "October", my birth month and just an all around great month. Just a weird coincidence and I am just weird in a way that through that I can further claim attachment to this amazing one-two punch I've received by the genius artist Takeshi Kitano who is no doubt a kindred spirit of mine. These first two movies of his are of such a uniquely cool, Japanese style and I believe Kitano-San had a lot of fun making Violent Cop & Boiling Point. My first comment on the film Boiling Point is that it is a beautiful film to look at. The cinematography is of a style that is something exciting and new for me. That famous scene in the karaoke bar you mention.. The use of no soundtrack or music and a focus on extended or lingering shots that speaks volumes in, like you say, a near invisible way. Images of Masaki riding his Honda motorcycle with the girl from the cafe, the baseball game on the beach, the characters black teethed smiles that lend such a lighthearted tone in the balancing act that is this movie; Beat Takeshi's face telling me so much with almost no words that this is a man of total confidence and control that I believe the character of Masaki is after in his imagination. This is something I believe only Takeshi Kitano can convey with just his face that we like him in spite of the violent and horrible acts he commits. It's the Kitano style that I am no doubt a mega fan of now. Here he is again slapping people almost non-stop and that double bottle-smash! Lol! I felt the purpose of his character was to help Misaki achieve a perspective on claiming "manhood" but in a comedic or satirical spin on everything. The baseball game on the beach showed me also that Kitano's character could help show Misaki a way of NOT following the "rules" he seems to show no understanding of anyway. Brilliant scene reminding me of Kikujiro in a way. The pace of the film was perfect to me and lent to the English title of "Boiling Point" as it all led to the frustration of the main character reaching his final point with dealing with the hierarchy or rules of society. I am such a fan of Takeshi Kitano's way of showing the crime scenes. His character's death sequence was so brilliantly violent and the foreshadowing to it was masterfully done. He was clearly inspired by other crime films but his take on violence in the genre is so wholly his own that is so great to watch. Also, holy cow, was that finger cutting scene hard to watch! Ouuuch!!! Reminded me of a particular Chris Farley SNL skit. Haha! Learning about Takeshi Kitano through his work with my own eyes has been epic. I love this Takeshi Kitano quote featured in the Violent Cop essay: "If I'm asked who I am, I say "I'm the man who plays Beat Takeshi and Takeshi Kitano." Wow.. What an inspiring master artist. I found the ending to be sublime. As soon as the film ended and I said "this is a whole movie dreamed up while this man was on the toilet." the Tom Vick essay mentions my take on the film. Although, who knows, this was such a brilliantly surreal film and maybe Misaki did go on an explosive revenge scheme... It just is so funny and epic to me to think that maybe Takeshi Kitano came up with this film while using the bathroom as isn't that sometimes where our deepest, randomest thoughts are had? Lol. Reminds me of the quote in Clerks about needing to either "S*** or get off the pot." Just inspiring to me that Takeshi Kitano made this film in such a way that it isn't a throwaway film, but a full display of his insightful views of society he had to have picked a lot of up during his comedian days or even just through growing up in Japanese society. Driving that truck into that building in an explosive finale that I took as Masaki finally receiving the release from the confines of societal structure as represented through baseball and the, as you say, playing on the playground social representation that I believe also show the humanist qualities that Kitano seems to be showing me in his films. Comments on how the characters should be getting laid or doing things they seem to have no clue about but it's just done so well in this film you know what it's really trying to say without having to say anything.. Hope these comments on the film are comprehensible and not so scatter-brained.. I loved this movie, Daisuke. Masaki and his friend's strange journey through an incredibly filmed sequence that will maybe bring them a sense of taking control or breaking the rules to win the game of life. Thank you as always for being such an inspiration and friend to me. My Kitano journey so far has been such a special, heartfelt treat. Thank you as always for your telling me of the man Takeshi Kitano. I hope your 2021 is off to a terrific start! I look forward to my next Kitano feature! Cheers, "(Daisuke)..... - San"!! 🇯🇵🤓👓🎬📀⚾

[@DaisukeBeppu]

WOW!!! My friend, your comments are really making me very very happy. I am so thoroughly enjoying how you are willing to share with us your cinema journey here. I am very honored. Thank you for your generosity.

[@TheCinemathequefilms]

Tremendous analysis Daisuke! I have recently been exploring the early works of Kitano and this was a film that really stood out to me 😀

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello, and wow, thank you. I am flattered by your compliment. It is a very rich and absorbing and wonderfully quirky work that ages very well I think. I hope you enjoy your Kitano journey. Which ones are your favorites so far, by the way?

[@TheCinemathequefilms]

@@DaisukeBeppu So far the films that have stood out to me the most have been, Scene at the Sea and Kids Return. That being said, all of them are marvelous works.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

@@TheCinemathequefilms Very interesting... the films you chose are not directly Japanese gangster films (though there are those elements included). Have you seen the film Kikujiro yet? (If you have, forgive me for asking again about it my friend.)

[@TheCinemathequefilms]

@@DaisukeBeppu Yes I have seen Kikujiro and I will also admit that it is a tremendous piece of work. It is particularly striking how Kitano is able to blend different genre elements so effortlessly. I would like to make a video essay on this particular topic someday. :)

[@DaisukeBeppu]

@@TheCinemathequefilms Oh that is a great idea. If you make that video essay, please let me know. I would love to watch it.

[@dandeef598]

Just saw this movie today for the first time, i liked it. A lot actually, and am looking forward to checking the directors other movies out. I liked the long shots too, very cool and felt really real on some of them.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for this... yes, if you liked this film, then I think you will also enjoy his other works very much.

[@EddyTheMartian]

Fantastic review. Subbed!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh wow, really!?? Thank you very much for that! WOW! I am very honored. And it is via this discussion of the Kitano film too!!! That is a double honor for me. Thank you so much!!

[@classicpinball9873]

only kitano movie ive seen so far. im interested to see what he has going forward especially from what i've heard about fireworks

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much my friend. I hope you enjoy the other works of Kitano as well! Cheers.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Sounds like an interesting film, perhaps it’s streaming somewhere like on Amazon Prime. I hope you’re having a great day Daisuke!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you my friend and first!

[@dakotaplaysvhs8039]

On Tubi app for free right now! Along with Fireworks and violent cop

[@thesagar2068]

just watched it on KZbin.. mind is blown

[@Jeronimus8090]

This movie blows my mind. Is frightening in a weird way. Sonatine and Boilling point are masterpieces.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much!!! I love this comment!! Cheers and warmest regards.

[@Stealthborn]

I haven't seen this though it sounds interesting. It may be his second film he directed but it was his first as a screenwriter I believe. Although I've seen quite a few things with him in it I have yet to see any films he has directed. So this is something I'd like to do before too long.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you my friend. Yes, this is another brilliant and complex film from Kitano. I can strongly recommend it.

[@kiy5278]

The greatest karaoke scene in film history

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Haha, yes!!

[@vinnydeathgrinder2409]

Good video you made. Maybe do one on Kairo as well please

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. And it is a great suggestion. While I am not sure I can do something, I will definitely consider it! Thank you very much again and cheers.

[@nickbirkhead7238]

one of the most tricky films of Kitano's to understand. its all about 'diffusion' apparently, which has some of the silliest and hard-edged humour. critics praised this one even more than violent cop & sonatine. I was always disappointed that kitano does not appear until halfway thru the film. I think this was also known as his second 'debut' where kitano is really able to put his auteur stamp on film because with violent cop he was forced to run with certain ideas, boiling point is declaring his independence in a way. I think the original japanese title refers to some concept like 'snatching victory from failure at the last minute'? hence boiling point

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much, yes, there is a way in which this film could be seen as his "debut". And this marks the kind of trend and concern that we will see in the films to come. Cheers my dear friend Nick! I hope you are well.

[@vinnydeathgrinder2409]

Was it all a dream?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

That is certainly possible as an interpretation! Personally I do not see it as a dream, but I think it could work.

[@vinnydeathgrinder2409]

@@DaisukeBeppu reason I say that is bcos at the end takes back to baseball game

[@vinnydeathgrinder2409]

Pls help me understand this movie or is it just to be experienced with no plot line

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much for your comment and for trying this film! I think actually there can be many interpretations possible, depending on how you see it. I personally see a “plot”, but it has a kind of episodic nature (i.e. our main protagonist goes from one situation to another, which leads him to his ultimate goal), and along the way, in each of these situations, he gets into various trouble and meets different persons. So in a way it can be seen as a kind of “sketch” comedy film that goes from scene to scene to scene.

[@AffyisAffy]

I felt like this was a good film, but I did not enjoy the second and third act. I did find its structure very interesting, symbolically I feel like this movie has tragic and existential motifs that bear further watching, I just have a hard time enjoying something that felt very well made, but also extremely technical in it's insistence on doing things it's own way. Its pace felt more deliberate than Kubrick, which is pretty damn deliberate. Again, I think this is a gem and I can recognize it as an art piece, but as entertainment it's a tough watch.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello AffyisAffy, and thank you for the comment! That is very interesting regarding your reaction to the 1st act versus the 2nd and 3rd acts. And I can see what you mean regarding how you describe “extremely technical in it’s insistence on doing things it’s own way”. That is a very fair assessment.