"Beat" Takeshi Kitano, an omnipresent media figure in Japan, has only recently made his way onto US shores.  His first feature to be released in the US was Hana-bi (aka Fireworks).  A few months later Miramax released Sonatine.  Actor/Director/Writer Kitano has created some of the most offbeat (no pun intended), engaging films of the 90s.  This page is just a small tribute to one of our favorite filmmakers; we hope you enjoy it!