Takashi Miike has a reputation of being one of the most versatile Hollywood directors. His films explore the violence in the world and also tell you tender stories, fit for children. Dramas, commercial movies and art house films are some other productions.
Born on August 24, 1960 in Yao, Osaka, Japan, Takashi Miike completed his film studies from Yokohama Vocational School of Broadcast and Film. The dean of the institute, Shohei Imamura was his mentor and guide. He started his career with television and then went on to make direct-to-video V-Cinema. “Shinjuku Triad Society” in 1995 was his first theatrical project. This highlighted the creative genius of Takashi Miike. This project provided him with finance to fund his future projects. This afforded him independence both financially and creatively.
“Shinjuku Triad Society”, “Rainy Dog” in 1997 and “Ley Lines” in 1999 completed his “Black Society Trilogy”. He tasted success with the “Audition” and yakuza epic Dead or Alive in 1999. Both these films were screened at different international film festivals.
Takashi Miike has experimented with various ideas that include dark comedy, horror and romantic ventures. Violence in his films has been depicted with enthusiasm. Crimes and social issues have fascinated him and are reflected in many of his works. His rather offbeat sense of humor has been portrayed with a brilliance that forms the signature trademark of this filmmaker in Hollywood. He has been credited with a versatile label, proof of which is evident in films like:
- Zebraman
- The Great Yokai War
- Sabu
- The Bird People in China
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These are moving, sensitive movies that has been narrated with compassion. “The Happiness of the Katakuris” is another example of his experimental works. This film is a musical horror film with splattering comedy episodes. Some of the commercial productions of Takashi Miike include “One Missed Call”. The philosophy behind each of his works will amaze you. “Izo” and “Visitor Q” bear evidence of his philosophy that borders on reality.
Some works of Takashi Miike are listed below:
- Last Run : 100 Million Ten's Worth of Love & Betrayal (1991)
- A Human Murder Weapon (192)
- Shinjuku Outlaw (1994)
- Osaka Tough Guys (1995)
- The New Generation (1996)
- Young Thugs: Innocent Blood (1997)
- Andoromedia (1998)
- Japan Underworld (1999)
- City of Strangers (2000)
“Yattaman” and “God's Puzzle” are his latest projects. The latter is slated to release in 2008 and work is in progress for “Yattaman”, which is due to be launched in 2009.
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