1947-
Kitano, already a popular face on TV in Japan made his film debut starring in Motoku Chan. But was virtually unknown in the rest of the world until he starred in Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence as Sgt Gengo Hara.
Kitano's first experience with directing came about under strange circumstances. Whilst working on Violent Cop, the original director (Fukusaku Kinji whom Kitano later worked with on Battle Royale) pulled out at short notice. Giving Kitano little choice but to take over or the movie would never be completed on time. The official reason for Fukusaku dropping out is that he fell ill, but the common theory is that it was due to constant pressure from Kitano who kept saying he could do the job better. Whichever version is the truth, the movie was a success and established most of the Kitano movie staples. The emotionless violent main character, slow-motion bullet shots etc which would also feature in some of his later films Boiling Point and Sonatine.
After a near-fatal accident on his moped while shooting the comedy film Getting Any? in 1994, Kitano's films took a less violent and more soul searching turn with movies such as Kids Return, Hana-Bi and Kikujiro.
His most recent film, Dolls is a complete departure from his usual style as it is a simple love story which may annoy some of his older fans. However Kitano is anything but predictable. Not only has he shown his ability in acting and directing, Kitano has also written over 50 books. Composed the memorable score for Hana-Bi himself and is an active painter. Some of his paintings can be seen in his movies. Most notably Hana-Bi and Battle Royale.
2000 - Battle Royale (Kitano)
Brother (Yamamoto Aniki, director)
1999 - Gohatto aka Taboo (Captain Hijikata Toshizo)
Jam Session (as himself)
Kikujiro No Natsu (Kikujiro, director, writer, editor)
1998 - Tokyo Eyes (Yakusa)
1997 - Hana Bi aka Fireworks(Yoshitaka Nishi, director, writer, editor)
1996 - Kids Return (director, writer)
1995 - Gonin aka The Five (Kyoya)
Johnny Mnemonic (Takahashi)
1994 - Minna Yatteruka aka Getting Any? (Scientist, writer)
1993 - Kyouso Tanjou aka Many Happy Returns (Shiba Daisuke, writer)
Sonatine (Murakawa Aniki, director, writer, editor)
1992 - Erotikkuna Kankei aka Erotic Liasons
1990 - 3-4x Jugatsu aka Boiling Point (Uehara, director)
Hoshi o Tsugumono (Man in Mountain)
1989 - Sono Otoko, Kyobo ni Tsuki aka Violent Cop (Azuma , director)
1986- Komikku Zashi Nanka Iranai! aka Comic Magazine (YakuzaKiller)
1985 - Yashi aka Demon (Yajima)
1983 - Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (Sgt Gengo Hara)
1981 - Manon (Shinobu)
Danpu Wataridori (police 1)
1980 - Mokoto Chan