Will the real Takeshi Kitano please stand up? Over the years, he's been a successful television comic, an arty action-film director and a humble bit player in movies such as Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence (1983) and Battle Royale (2000). But his best work has been in some of the films he wrote and directed himself.
Sonatine (1993, below): Kitano's breakout film was a skewed, surreal take on the yakuza movie. What starts as a plain revenge drama turns strange when the gang heads out of town for some sumo wrestling on a deserted beach. Sonatine perfected Kitano's style of extreme calm pierced by explosive bouts of violence.
Kids Return (1996): This boxing tale about two rebellious school kids is one of the most moving youth films ever produced. After making a mess of everything, the pair simply say, 'Ah well, we're young, we can start over' - and head off into the sunset. Kitano's little-seen drama A Scene At The Sea (1991) - about a deaf-mute surfer - is similarly poignant.
Hana-Bi (1997, above): Kitano's most refined work to date, this skilful police drama is a multi-layered detective story told by using, among other things, Kitano's own paintings. A sub-plot concerning a terminally ill policeman's wife can move viewers to tears.
Kikujiro (1999): This road movie about a grandfather on a trip with his grandson isn't one of Kitano's masterpieces. But it is interesting for an uncompromising, violent view of childhood.
Dolls (2002, above): Some hated this esoteric fable, judging it pretentious and obscure. Others have rated it Kitano's most sophisticated work. Either way, it looks great.