synopsis
Takeshi Kitano plays himself, a director who is trying to make a hit film which will be appreciated by the audience all around the world, and in the process faces many rejections of his projects. When he starts to make a film about a ruthless crook and her cruel daughter who try to lure a rich man into their game, many unexpected things happen in front of and behind the canvas. It even leads to the director's struggle not only to finish the film, but to save humanity.

about the director
Takeshi Kitano was born in Tokyo in 1947. His fist public performance was in 1972 as a stand-up comedian: As an actor in film he first performed in 1980. He began as a director in 1989. So far, he has directed 15 films, and many of them have been screened at festivals around the world. His most successful festival films are: Hana-bi (the Golden Lion in Venice, 1997) and Zatoichi (2003) which has won numerous awards in Venice, and around the world.

festivals and awards
World premiere: Main program (out of competition) Mostra, Venice, 2007
Toronto International Film Festival 2007

from the director's filmography
2008. Achilles to kame (Achilles and the Tortoise)
2007. Kantoku · Banzai! (Glory to the Filmmaker!)
2005. Takeshis'
2003. Zatôichi (Zatoichi)
2002. Dolls
2000. Brother
1999. Kikujirô no natsu
1997. Hana-bi (Fireworks)
1996. Kizzu ritân (Kids Return)
1993. Sonatine (Sonachine)
1991. Ano natsu, ichiban shizukana umi (A Scene at the Sea)
1989. Sono otoko, kyôbô ni tsuki (Violent Cop)

about the film
Takeshi Kitano wrote the screenplays for most of the films that were directed by him. He also played main roles in them, and edited them. Mostra is especially fond of Kitano whose last five films had world premiere screenings in Venice during the last five years.