Although known for his humour throughout Japan, Kitano's films are often cynical, but his own directorial flavor is what makes these films more than just "edgy". Beat Takeshi's unique method of filming, editing and acting creates a style and feel distinct to only Kitano films. Violent Cop is his first attempt at being a filmmaker, and it's one of his most cynical story, although, compared to his later films like Sonatine or Fireworks (with Sonatine being my favorite of his), this one feels cynical for cynical's sake, especially with its ending, and therefore lacks the rewatchability of said titles.
Unlike most directors who have to go through quite a few films before figuring out their own thing, Kitano's unique style is already visibly present throughout his directorial debut, so for Kitano fans, this will still scratch that itch for the melancholic cynicism that only he can deliver, but with a script that lingers on a bit longer that it needed in certain places, the film is far inferior to his later works. Worth a watch, but not if you're not already a Kitano fan.
Unlike most directors who have to go through quite a few films before figuring out their own thing, Kitano's unique style is already visibly present throughout his directorial debut, so for Kitano fans, this will still scratch that itch for the melancholic cynicism that only he can deliver, but with a script that lingers on a bit longer that it needed in certain places, the film is far inferior to his later works. Worth a watch, but not if you're not already a Kitano fan.