Hana-Bi

From the first scene we are introduced to the style that the film will take shape of. Artwork is show with the credits and this will play a huge part in the film. Also, we are introduced to the abrupt change in tone that is present throughout the film. Somewhat dramatic music and peaceful art is playing in the beginning until all of a sudden, a car mit is slapped on the winshield of a car and the music suddenly stops. This is a bit uncomfortable for us, as viewers, and we are forced to look at the scene(and the film) in a different way. More than just changing the tone, in this single ac

From the first scene, it is evident that this is not the typical cop or action movie. Kitano is very still and patient with the camera, and allows the viewer to pick out what they want to see in a given shot. Even in the scenes where violence occurs, the camera remains still and lets things happen. Instead of prying in and shoving every detail in the audience’s face, as does the typical action film, Kitano’s camera sits back and observes. The first violent scene in the film is shocking and could be the most subjective shot in the film. It is a closeup of a man and a gun firing. This comes as a complete surprise to the audience, and we don’t know quite why it’s happening. From here, it is hard to piece together just how events in the film unfold the way they do.

As an audience we observe the character of Nishi and through the objective camerawork, are forced to form our own opinions on him. It is apparent that he has a dark and violent side, and is scared by the tragedy in his life. He kills and harms people in his quest for vengence. He even viciously assults a man for insulting his wife. We see that Nishi also has a tender and fun-loving side when he goes on a journey with his sick wife. Kitano does not ask us to identify or be compassionate for Nishi, he simply lets us observe his situation and his actions. Watching the film, I couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy with all the tragedy that has occurred in his life. It was suprising that he acted so quickly. This was very unique. In other films, it would dwell more on the relationships between the two partners, then Nishi perhaps being depressed for a while before choosing to avenge his partner’s shooting. But Kitano gets right down to business and lets the audience observe a man on a mission. He achieves his success through the objective use of the camera, sound, and cinematography.

This film is highly realistic in its sets and locations. There is no said time or place that the film takes place, but there is a feel that the people and the time are real and

Some topics in this essay:
Takeshi Kitano, HANA-BI Hana-Bi, shot film, opposing forces, shot partner, night shots, audience observe, nishi’s partner, film nishi, allows viewer, scenes violence, throughout film,