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Poster for Kikujiro

Kikujiro

Seen it?

1999 | 121 min | Comedy, Drama

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (61% on Rotten Tomatoes) and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Hunt for the Wilderpeople or Road to Perdition, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 1 min.
What might put you off
It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

Brash, loudmouthed and opportunistic, Kikujiro is the unlikely companion for Masao who is determined to see the mother he has never met. The two begin a series of adventures which soon turns out to be a whimsical journey of laughter and tears with a wide array of surprises and unique characters along the way.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    61% on Rotten Tomatoes, 44 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 43K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Takeshi Kitano

  • Takeshi KitanoKikujiro
  • Yusuke SekiguchiMasao
  • Kayoko KishimotoKikujiro's Wife
  • Yuko DaikeMasao's Mother
  • Kazuko YoshiyukiMasao's Grandmother
  • Beat KiyoshiMan at Bus Stop
  • The Great GidayûBiker Fatso
  • Rakkyo IdeBiker Baldy
  • Nezumi ImamuraAn-chan
  • Fumie HosokawaJuggler Girl