Scene At The Sea

This movie was a break from previous Kitano fare in that it features no gangsters. Instead it presents a simple story about a deaf garbage collector, played by Claude Maki, who is determined to learn how to surf, and does so almost at the expense of the girl he loves. Kitano's more delicate, romantic side came to the fore here, along with his trademark deadpan approach.

Shigeru is a deaf-mute teenager who works as a garbage collector. When he happens upon a battered surfboard, it plants in him the dream of becoming a surfing champion. He also meets Takako, a young deaf-mute woman who becomes his girlfriend and lends him her constant support during the difficult practice sessions and competitions. Throughout the summer, their profound expression of love transcends their silence.

This lyrical masterpiece from acclaimed Japanese actor and director Takeshi Kitano (Kids Return, Sonatine, Hana-Bi) reminds us that images are often as powerful as words. A heartbreakingly romantic departure from Kitano's usual subject matter of gangs and criminals, A Scene At The Sea also features a beautiful music score by Joe Hisaishi (Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, Sonatine).