Watch Violent Cop

Violent Cop is a Japanese crime-thriller movie directed by Takeshi Kitano and released in 1989. The film follows the story of Azuma, a police detective whose aggressive methods of law enforcement land him in trouble. As the movie progresses, Azuma's colleagues and family begin to suffer the consequences of his reckless behavior, leading him down a path of extreme violence.

The film opens with Azuma (played by Takeshi Kitano), stalking the streets of Tokyo on a seemingly routine patrol. However, it soon becomes apparent that Azuma is anything but a conventional cop. He resorts to physical violence and intimidation tactics in order to subdue suspected criminals, often causing unnecessary injuries or death. Azuma's colleagues, who initially tolerate his behavior, begin to see him as a liability and attempt to rein him in.

The movie's plot thickens when Azuma's sister is kidnapped by a gang of drug dealers, forcing him to take the law into his own hands. What follows is a series of brutal confrontations between Azuma and the criminals, culminating in a climactic finale.

One of the strengths of Violent Cop is the way it portrays the characters. Even though Azuma is the main protagonist, he is far from a hero. In fact, he is often portrayed as being just as corrupt and violent as the criminals he is trying to bring to justice. His methods of law enforcement also lead to a great deal of collateral damage, including the murder of innocent bystanders.

The movie delves deep into the psyche of Azuma and explores his motivations for being the way he is. It's revealed that Azuma's father was also a police officer who died in the line of duty, which may explain his obsession with justice. However, it's clear that his methods of law enforcement have become twisted and warped, and he is unable to distinguish right from wrong.

Another compelling aspect of Violent Cop is the use of dark humor. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, there are moments of levity throughout the film. For example, there is a scene where Azuma tricks a suspected criminal into thinking he is giving them a massage, only to slam their head into the wall in the next moment. These moments of humor may be jarring, but they serve to humanize Azuma and add depth to his character.

The acting in the film is also top-notch. Takeshi Kitano, who is renowned for his stoic and reserved acting style, delivers a powerful performance as Azuma. He conveys a great deal of emotion through subtle gestures and facial expressions, and is convincing as both a ruthless cop and a grieving brother. Maiko Kawakami, who plays Azuma's sister, also delivers a strong performance, portraying the character's fear and desperation with realism.

Violent Cop is a gritty and intense film that explores the dark side of law enforcement. Its portrayal of a corrupt cop and the consequences of his actions is both thought-provoking and disturbing. The movie's use of dark humor and excellent acting make it a compelling watch, even for those unfamiliar with Japanese cinema.

In conclusion, Violent Cop is a classic Japanese crime-thriller movie that has aged well over the years. Its themes of violence and corruption are still relevant today, and its portrayal of a flawed protagonist is refreshing in a genre often dominated by heroes. The film's use of humor and strong acting make it a must-watch for fans of Japanese cinema or crime thrillers in general.

Violent Cop is a 1989 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.