Takeshi Kitano Double Feature: ‘Violent Cop’ & ‘Boiling Point’ Blu-Ray Review – A One-Two Punch Of Memorable Crime Films

In his explosive directorial debut Japanese renaissance man-cum-comedian-extraordinaire Takeshi “Beat” Kitano plays vicious rogue homicide Detective Azuma who takes on a sadistic crime syndicate only to discover widespread internal corruption in the police force. Facing criminal charges for his unorthodox “Dirty Harry” type methods, Azuma finds himself caught in a web of betrayal and intrigue that sends him on a bloody trail of vengeance. But when his sister is kidnapped by a sadistic drug lord, Azuma’s tactics escalate towards an apocalyptic climax.

In enfant terrible Takeshi Kitano’s explosive second feature film, Masaki (Yûrei Yanagi) is an unassuming gas station attendant and amateur baseball player for underdog team The Eagles. After he enrages a local yakuza, setting off a feud between the gangsters and his coach, Masaki heads to Okinawa on a haphazard quest for guns with his friend Kazuo (Dancan). There they are befriended by the uber-eccentric yakuza boss Uehara (played by Kitano), who initiates them into the strange and brutal world of organized crime.

For thoughts on Takeshi Kitano Double Play: Violent Cop & Boiling Point, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:  

Video Quality

Violent Cop and Boiling Point return to Blu-Ray courtesy of Film Movement Classics sourced from digital restorations in the original 1.85:1. This new release contains the exact same discs released in 2016 from Film Movement Classics, only with the addition of an optional slipcover through OCN Distribution. While it would be easy to break each of these down individually, the quality is uniformly high across the board and there would be a lot of repeating thoughts. 

The picture thrives with a fine sheen of natural film grain intact that resolves effortlessly. The hues on display do not seem to be anemic in any particular way. Highlights are handled quite well with neither title experiencing blooming. Black levels are mostly deep with no distracting instances of black crush or compression artifacts. There is a fine amount of detail present with nice texture on the clothing and production design. Even after the restoration process, there are still a few small blemishes, but there is nothing that takes away from the viewing experience. While these two films could possibly be refined a bit more with another remaster with modern advancements, the transfers look impressive as they are. 

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with LPCM 2.0 stereo tracks in the original Japanese (with optional English subtitles). While both have memorable sequences of pulse-pounding thrills, the typical scene provides more of a dialogue-driven approach that allows for more distinct character moments and plot development. Exchanges emerge with nice clarity without sound effects or the score impeding important information. Both films employ sound effects when violence comes to pass that are given the appropriate weight within the mix. The utilization of the score comes through favorably in relation to the competing sounds. These tracks present everything accurately with worthy fidelity and without major damage or other unwanted issues. 

Special Features

Violent Cop

• The Man Is Dangerous – The Birth of Takeshi Kitano: A nearly 21-minute featurette in which various collaborators discuss the directorial debut of Takeshi Kitano, the search for his directorial style, the opposition to his aesthetic choices, his love of improvising, and more. 

• Trailers: This disc provides the 2016 Trailer (1:22) and the Original Japanese Trailer (2:16) for Violent Cop. There are also trailers provided for Boiling Point, Kamikaze ‘89, The Quiet Earth, Sea Fog, Key of Life, and The Pillow Book.

Boiling Point

• Okinawa Days – Takeshi’s Second Debut: A 20-minute featurette in which various collaborators discuss the sophomore effort of Takeshi Kitano, the expansion of his directorial style, his work with the performers, and more. 

• Trailers: This disc provides the Original Japanese Trailer (2:12) for Boiling Point. There are also trailers provided for Violent Cop, Kamikaze ‘89, The Quiet Earth, Sea Fog, Key of Life, and The Pillow Book.

• Booklet: A multi-page booklet is included featuring a new essay by film critic Tom Vick that provides a nice observance of Kinji Fukasaku. 

Final Thoughts

Takeshi Kitano was likely not the first person Japanese film lovers would have chosen as the artist most likely to craft gritty, unconventional crime films. With Violent Cop and Boiling Point, Kitano dashed away any preconceptions anyone had based on his earlier comedic persona. The first two directorial efforts are startlingly assured with a distinct style and wildly entertaining execution. While much within the crime genre can feel the same, these two stand apart as something unique and worthy of your attention. Film Movement Classics has released a Blu-Ray set which features a strong A/V presentation and a couple of engaging supplemental features. If you have yet to dive into the world of Kitano, this is a great starting point. Recommended 

Takeshi Kitano Double Play: Violent Cop & Boiling Point is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.  

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Film Movement Classics and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.