Broken Rage, Kitano Takeshi’s New Yakuza Flick: Pretty Enjoyable, Pretty Weird, Blissfully Short

The legendary Kitano “Beat” Takeshi is back with a new film on streaming. Broken Rage will likely shock audiences — but greatly amuse fans.

It was only about a year and a half ago that Kitano Takeshi, icon of Japanese film and television, released his most recent theatrical film, the violent samurai period piece Kubi. Given the six-year drought following that film’s preceding theatrical outing, Outrage Coda, it came as some surprise when it was announced only weeks ago that Kitano had a new film soon to premier globally on Amazon Prime. At a glance, Kitano’s new Broken Rage looks much like his latter-period yakuza Outrage trilogy — a violent crime thriller with the aging Kitano in the starring role. But it turns out the film is something more enjoyably off-kilter.

Here’s what you should know about Broken Rage before clicking play on Amazon Prime Video: it’s not just one thing. If you go in looking for the deadpan but reflective Kitano crime flicks of yore, prepare for disappointment. Heck, at just about a single hour-long, Broken Rage can hardly constitute a fully-fledged film.

But, if you’re willing to be surprised, you’ll likely have a good time. (Especially if you’re already a fan of both Takeshi personas — Kitano and “Beat.”)…