Review: I finally get around to see what many critics' and Kitano's fans call his quintessential work. Well after viewing the film I still believe that all his films, that I've seen, are quintessial. Though I cannot help but feel that the excerpts of reviews on the back paint a completely different image of the same film. With quotes such as "Like A Charles Bronson Death Wish Movie" or "A Masterpiece In Violence" I think it proves how people, when presented with violence, see nothing but the violence and miss out on development and the theme. Fireworks certainly is violent (though nowhere near on the same level as Violent Cop) but the violence is an aspect of the film, a characteristic of Nishi's world. Fireworks presents an emotional ride that leaves you heartbroken and distraught in the conclusion.

Say, you guys know that Kitano film where he plays that emotionally withdrawn (for the most part), dark-witted, violent, police officer/gay hit man/yakuza with the still movements; well he does it here and to perfection. Nishi knows of the violence he is capable yet exposes different side to the audience with his wife: It's the trivial subtle actions like how his wife would steal a dessert of his dish which leaves him with a short though honest simile, or when they're only in the field at night lighting of fireworks. Hirobe, Ren Ousgi, conveyed the depth of his character's sadness due to his confinement to a wheel chair and abandoned by his family. Nishi's wife, played by Kayoko Kishimoto, had a glint of happiness in her eyes that she and her husband would ultimately share. Her relationship with Nishi resembled that of a child's: She provides Nishi with Innocence. Tetsu Watanabe as the junkyard owner highlighted the film's comedic moments with the Beat Kitano style.

The slow yet attention grabbing pace of the film follows that of his other gangster films: Sonatine and Violent Cop. The violence in the film is exhibited in such a sophisticated manner that it becomes viewable yet at the same time just… occurs, and when it occurs, leaves you desensitized almost but gives you a greater understanding of the characters. Fireworks overflows with the portrayal of isolation, loneliness, joy, and ultimately sadness. The emotional impact of the film owes its existence not only to actors/actresses but also due to the editing (The first third of the film is mixed with flashbacks) and a beautiful film score to boast from Joe Hisaishi (Also did the wonderful film scores to Kikujiro and Princess Mononoke just to name a few).