Takeshi Kitano is a Japanese film director, comedian, singer, actor, film editor, presenter, screenwriter, author, poet, painter, and one-time video game designer who has received critical acclaim, both in his native Japan and abroad, for his idiosyncratic cinematic work. Many of his films express a bleak or nihilistic philosophy, but they are also filled with humor and affection for their characters. Kitano's films leave paradoxical impressions and can seem controversial.

Credits include: From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea, Sukiyaki Western Django, Tokyo Sonata and Tokyo!

Credits include: Confessions, Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, Aoi haru, Beyond Outrage and Helter Skelter

Credits include: Fireworks, Kikujiro, Takeshis', Glory to the Filmmaker! and Shôwa kayô daizenshû

Credits include: Operetta tanuki goten, Megane, Nerawareta gakuen, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun and Legend of the Eight Samurai

Credits include: Letters from Iwo Jima, Tekkonkinkreet, Gantz, Gantz: Perfect Answer and The Blue Light

Credits include: Shoplifters, Like Father, Like Son, Our Little Sister, After the Storm and Yakuza Apocalypse: The Great War of the Underworld

Credits include: Dai-Nipponjin, Gachi Boi, Kakushi toride no san akunin - The last princess, Deadman Inferno and Aka medaka

Credits include: Princess from the Moon and Aka medaka