"Dolls" Review (2002)

Takashi Kitano is one of the coolest presence in world cinema. In front or behind the camera, Kitano is one powerful presence. He delivered memorable performances and directed himself in great movies like "Sonatine", "Hana-bi" and the remake of Zatoichi. "Dolls" is kind of a surprising project coming from the hard boiled Kitano, however, as the film progresses, it is evidently very Kitano. Which is to say that it is funny, weird, sweet, touching and unexpectedly violent.
The story is based on a Japanese puppet show (sort of) as the prologue and ending shows an actual puppet show performance. The main story itself takes place in modern day Japan. There are three loosely interconnected stories about 1.) a man who deserted his fiancee for a rich girl and then has a fatal case of guilt when the fiance attempts suicide and becomes crazy. 2.) an old gangster remembers the love he abandoned years ago and revisits the place where they used to meet and finds that she is still waiting for him. 3.) a construction worker who is obssessed about a teen pop idol in the most unexpected way. As with other Kitano films, the ending is kind of grim but the film feels sweet overall.
I believe Kitano is trying to make a point that extreme love is mad and that people cease to reason and live when love dominates everything. In a way, this movie is a cautionary tale about how obssesive love can destroy lives. It is overall a pretty pessimistic film but peppered with genuine feelings and gentleness. I wish the role of the old gangster was played by Kitano himself, as he is not acting in this movie. That would of been really cool as his presence would of made the film edgier.
Overall, an important work in the Kitano cannon but not one of his best. The performances are somewhat wooden, doll like (maybe intentional) and restrained even by Japanese standard. There are some really good images in this film and the music by Joe Hisaish is sweet and haunting.
Rated PG-13 for some violence
Aspect Ratio: 1.85
Japanese