It's nearly impossible not to watch 'Violent Cop' without thinking of Kitano's masterpiece 'Hana-bi' ('Fireworks'). As the latter is a brilliant achievement and one of the most outstanding movies of recent years, Japanese or otherwise, 'Violent Cop' must obviously be slightly disappointing in comparison. Many of Kitano's subsequent themes and style are evident in slightly embryonic form here, only not quite as successfully handled. A lot of that has to do I'd guess with Kitano having no involvement with the sometimes pedestrian script. Even so, that's not to say that 'Violent Cop' is a bad movie, far from it! It may not be Kitano's best work, but personally I enjoyed this one much more than his recent attempt at a Hollywood crossover 'Brother'. Kitano is one of the most charismatic actors currently working and every time he's on screen he is mesmerizing. He plays a tough cop with unconventional methods who finds himself caught between loyalty and duty when he discovers that one of his fellow cops is in cahoots with some local drug pushers. When his beloved sister is kidnapped, doped up and raped by members of this gang it's inevitable that he will seek his revenge. The title of the movie gives a very clear message of how he plays the game! This is probably a great place to start for newcomers to Kitano, especially those who are anticipating some kind of Woo/Lam Hong Kong action-fest. Kitano's yakuza movies are very different in approach, slower, more thoughtful and with much greater depth. I'm not a fan of Hong Kong cop movies as to me they are all style and very little substance. This is certainly not the case with 'Violent Cop' or Kitano's subsequent movies in a similar vein. It may take some a little time to grow accustomed to their style and approach, but once you have I'm sure you'll be hooked like I am. If you enjoyed this movie run immediately to your local video/DVD outlet and rent 'Hana-bi'. You will be amazed!
