Scene by Scene
Scene by Scene
Justin Johnson & Joe Lefeber
Sonatine (1993) | Dir. Takeshi Kitano
1 hour 31 minutes Posted Aug 7, 2026 at 10:00 am.
0:00
1:31:53
Download MP3
Show notes

In this episode, we discuss Takeshi Kitano's Sonatine, including the film's balance of comedy and violence, how the film subverts expectations, and how Kitano structures scenes like jokes.


See where Sonatine is available to watch.


Supplemental Material:

Takeshi Kitano on Sonatine

Akira Kurosawa & Takeshi Kitano Discussion

BFI's Takeshi Kitano Collection

Film Movement Classics' Takeshi Kitano Double Play: Violent Cop & Boiling Point Blu-ray


Additional Audio Sources:

Sonatine Original Trailer

Sonatine II (In the Beginning) - Joe Hisaishi (Sonatine Soundtrack)


If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.


If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at [email protected]


Follow the Scene by Scene Instagram account for announcements and updates.


Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin