Violent Cop

Directed by Takeshi Kitano
Film Movement Classics
1989
103 Minutes
Japan
Japanese
Thriller, Asian, Action, Crime, Classics
Not Rated

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.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Takeshi Kitano
  • Starring: Takeshi Kitano

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "[F]or fans of unsentimental police action rooted in commentary on a society, "Violent Cop" packs a punch."
    Lawrence van Gelder, The New York Times
  • "Exhilarating...."
    Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle
  • "...Takeshi displays an eye for unique, viscerally affecting ways to stage action scenes."
    Keith Phipps, The A.V. Club