Why so much hype?

Lack of good storyline.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

The big star of the Japanese gangster movies Takeshi Kitano takes a break to make a very different film, half fantasy, half dark comedy making fun of ... himself and of the Japanese cinema system, American films influence, and the film fans culture of fascination with their stars. Takeshi dominates the movie in the double role of himself, the famous actor and himself, the failed clown he could have become if his life hah taken a different turn. There are several layers this film can be read, but at its core are the about 30 minutes of surrealist dreams in which the failed actor fixes his life on an alternate violent and grotesque style. This is where the film fails, as Kitano the director is neither Fellini or Kurosawa, nor a David Lynch with enough imagination for his dream world to represent a true screen alternative to the real (?) life of his screen star alter ego. The film is a nice try, and Kitano aficionados will certainly love all its nuances and connections to the actor's career, but it does not stand strong enough as an original creation.

The story's simple enough. Two men, both called Takeshi, live in Tokyo. One is a well-known actor and one is an actor-wannabe who works in a convenience store. The two Takeshis are being played by the director of the movie Takeshi Kitano. It may sound a bit like "Being John Malcovich" but goes far beyond that.Sure, the movie isn't for everyone but it's definitely interesting and at parts very visual and imaginative. It's without any doubt the most extreme Meta-movie I ever seen. When a movie has many layers you usually describe it as a "deep" movie. Takeshis has an enormous amount of layers but most of them are paper thin, if not shallow. In the beginning you try to keep track of whether you're watching a dream or one of the two Takeshis reality. It turns out to be a futile task, especially after one caterpillar-scene too many (You'll know it when you see it). Do remember that this is not "Memento". It's not really meant to make sense. OK, I've always been allergic to the popular urge to over-explain everything in movies but Takeshis might be a bit too far in the other extreme. A heady cocktail of randomness and logical short circuits but not more than most people experience under a good nights sleep, which is what this movie is all about. Dreams and dreams within dreams. Please, watch Takeshis with an open mind. You either regard it as an aged directors milestone after a long and creative odyssey of ups and downs, much like Fellinis "8 ½", or you can look at it as an overstressed actors brain fart after too many crazy TV-shows and gangster movies. It's a bumpy ride, it may be a bit too long, weird and garish but you might have a few laughs and at least you have something to talk about afterward. A bit like a theme-park then, isn't it?

First up is Takeshi Kitano's "Takeshis'" First off, thank you sweet Jesus, they have replaced the seats at the Ryerson theatre. There is still a sore on my right ass cheek from last years screening of "I Heart Huckabees". You remember those seats don't you Stef! Liked that film… and I thought Mark would love it. Was wrong, he couldn't sit through it.Now, back to "Takeshis'". This is the forth 'Beat' Takeshi film I caught at the Toronto Film festival, and never seen him introduce a film yet. Does he do other festivals? Who knows? Basic Plot : 'Kitano acts opposite himself, playing both the ordinary guy - also named Kitano - and the director's real-life alter-ego, TV and cinema star "Beat" Takeshi.' This is a film for fans of Kitano… if this was your first 'Beat' film I think you would be totally lost. I've seen several... and that didn't really help me much at all. Beat is playing two different characters... (with different hair color... or do they?). There is a ton of foreshadowing going on as well… quick flashes of plot. Me thinks it is a parody of his previous work, just not sure if he is a fan of his image or not. Certainly would have asked him… if he had shown up. Beat must be a song and dance man at heart because just like "Zatôichi" , dance numbers pop up at odd moments. The crowd was quiet during the screening for the most part. The limited action scenes were so over the top they must have parody... or fantasy maybe? Who the hell knows? Overall, Disappointing.

The film has a lot of potential, with tons of funny and impressive scenes and situations, characters who are made complete and alive with only a few brush strokes. It starts off as a wry satirical depiction of Japan's TV land and "Jollywood," and becomes increasingly surrealistic as it moves along (I'm using the word moves very loosely, as I couldn't see much plot development). It's Takeshi's 8 1/2, referencing a lot of the director/performer/producer's earlier work and showing his agony as artist and celebrity... There were also references to several classics (Scorcese's Taxi Driver comes to mind, for one) I'm only giving it a 4, as the last third of the film falls apart in a jumble of disjointed scenes, some of which remain too static too long.I felt that Takeshi's contained enough stuff for several enjoyable movies, but a lot of it went to waste and was repeated ad nauseam. I think viewers could have a better experience with this movie if they were prepared to sit back and relax, enjoying eye candy and little bits thrown on the screen. To expect a follow-able plot would be a big mistake!