A couple of things first. One, sorry for not posting so far this month guys. If you read the forum, you’ll know I’ve taken on some awkward living situations as of recent and don’t have a whole lot of time to myself these days. So, look for stuff on Sundays more than likely, but even then sometimes I can’t get to a computer. Anyway, the second thing, I may be the only person in the world who hasn’t enjoyed Takeshi Kitano’s recent forays. I thought Zatoichi was overyhyped, Takeshis was overywrought with silliness and truthfully I’ve lost a little bit of that anticipation for Kitano’s latest. However, hearing he’s returning to his Yakuza roots is definitely promising. It could be just more of his recent arthouse pap, but I’m hoping he really gets something out there with this one. Here’s the report from ryuganji.

Kitano ‘Beat’ Takeshi’s 15th feature film looks set to go before the cameras in August.

“It hasn’t been officially announced yet, but it’s unmistakably going to be about modern yakuza society. Also, in line with the wishes of investors, the cast will not feature actors from Kitano’s regular stable, but has Shiina Kippei as well as Kitano himself in the leading roles, with Miura Tomokazu and Kase Ryo in support.” (according to a film industry insider)

We also understand that it will be shot on location in Kobe, the home ground of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

“It seems Kitano was a bit spooked when he first learned he’d be filming in Kobe, but then he heard from local film people that the gang had shifted their base to Nagoya, and also found out that only recently lawyers had held anti-mob demos around the gang’s offices, so he was relieved to hear that their influence in Kobe was diminishing.” (according to a TV producer close to Kitano)