Boiling Point (1990)

People are voting emotionally.

I'll tell you why so serious

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I have recently been going through Kitano's films, and upon seeing thing, I think it's probably the one I like the least. It's kind of a weak film. It has it's moments, but as a whole is too slow and bizarre for it's own good.Just like most Kitano films, it has his signature style. The sudden violence, the comedy, all those things, but in this film it just doesn't work. I think a big gripe is that the story feels too loose. You kind of get lost as to why certain things are happening or how certain characters know each other. It actually begins to feel like two separate films about 50 minutes in. Personally, I found myself more engaged in the story that occurs 50 minutes in then the rest of it. One of the big issues seems to be that Kitano doesn't show up until that later point, and it just feels like not enough of Kitano's character. Also, the ending doesn't help clarify the film. In fact, it makes it more confusing. I won't give it away, but it can be interpreted in different ways. But I will say that if you interpret it one specific way, it kind of explains the general odd-ness of the film.Kitano is known for including some strange things in his movies, but this one just kinda takes it over the top. While the movie can be quite funny, such as a scene involving an M16 hidden in a bouquet of flowers accidentally going off and causing a funny reaction, it just feels like it delves too deep into the comedy and it makes any drama feel odd. There's also some confusing things, like Kitano's character raping his male friend, and then him not really caring the next day. Or Kitano raping a random woman. Some very odd things to include without any reason. There is also a scene where it appears like we are supposed to see the same event twice, but it is all done in one take, which makes it quite confusing, but kind of impressive at the same time. Really strange to see. Although I will give the film credit for somehow making girlfriend abuse funny. (It sounds odd but when you see him hitting her, you can't help but laugh)Overall I think this is a weak Kitano film. It doesn't give me enough drama or character development to keep my interest. I think that's it's biggest problem. It's slow but not for the right reasons, such as building characters and relationships before the big climax, but just feels slow so it can include silly and odd scenes. Only recommended for Kitano fans.

A lot of the comments have been about the film's relationship to the nature of violence, and it's true that it is a violent film. However, that's not the point of the movie. The film starts showing a young man sitting in the dark. He comes out into the light and walks slowly to where the action is taking place. He is dull, uninvolved, uninterested in what's going on. In the beginning, events happen to him. It is only after he is attacked by a hoodlum that he begins to take action himself. He volunteers for the mission to buy a gun and while on that expedition he is exposed to a wide variety of experiences that force him to become a more active personality. After his return he shows himself to be a take charge guy. The symbolism of the butterfly eggs is one of metamorphosis. The title "Boiling Point" has a meaning of change, the point at which water turns to steam. Finally, the last scene is of him in the same darkness as he was at the beginning, but this time when he emerges his movements are quick and jaunty. He is a different man.

Well it's not a good film to watch on Sunday with your family. It's not a good movie if you're looking for some action. It's not a good movie if you're looking for philosophical dialogs.But it's a great movie if' you're a Kitano fan. It's a great movie if you're interested in Japanese culture. It's a great movie if you like to sit back for a while and think deeper about what you're watching - it seems that throughout the film there's not much going on - the main character remains mute for most of the time, there is no music soundtrack in the background, the plot itself is not a straightforward one - you'll get the point right only after the last scene.In some moments "Jugatsu" seems to be telling a simple and seemingly a little boring story - but a second after it blows in your face with aggression so intense that you start to think were it came from. It is not about blowing guts out or shooting people in the head. It's deeper.What "Jugatsu" is about ? It's about revenge, loyalty, love and violence.

I saw "Hana-bi" and thought it was good so I rented this with a friend.It was going to be a comedy but after about 20-30 minutes we was wondering what we was watching.A weird film that is almost impossible to understand and IT´S NOT A COMEDY. When the film had end I thought it was awful and bad but a couple of weeks later I started to think about it and I now I like the acting and some scenes but see "Hana-bi" instead.2/5