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: Audition, Ichi the Killer, The Wind Rises, The Wailing and Shin Godzilla

Credits include: Godzilla 2000, Violent Cop, Solntse, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack and Infection

Credits include: Kamikaze Girls, 2LDK, Unforgiven, Close-Knit and Shokuzai

Credits include: From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea, Our Little Sister, Seance and Charisma

Credits include: Ring, Kurîpî: Itsuwari no rinjin, Ima, ai ni yukimasu, Golden Slumber and Sutekina kanashibari

Credits include: Your Name., The Face of Another, Samurai Rebellion, The Eel and Sweet Bean

Credits include: Ip Man, Charisma, Space Battleship Yamato, Manhunt and Blues Harp

Credits include: Monster, Azumi, Memories of Matsuko, Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai and Aoi haru

Credits include: Sawako Decides, Shigatsu no nagai yume, Sing My Life, Black Gospel and Wonogawa

Credits include: Modest Heroes, The Fable, City Hunter, Love Life and Initiation Love

Credits include: Jûshin densetsu, Initial D: Battle Stage, Be-Bop High School, Aibou the Movie and Black Gospel