VENICE 2012: Takeshi Kitano’s OUTRAGE BEYOND

When it comes to Venice Film Festival, Japanese director Takeshi Kitano is definitely not a stranger. I’m sure you all remember his Hana Bi from 1997 (for which he recevied the Golden Lion), or 2003 Zatoichi project (Silver Lion statue).

Well, guess what, Kitano is now back In Competition with his completely new project, titled Outrage Beyond. And, in case this sounds like it has something to do with Kitano’s Outrage movie from last year’s Cannes film festival – relax, you’re not tripping – it’s just a sequel to the original story…

So, this time we have the Sanno crime family all grown into a huge organization, expanding its power into politics and legitimate big business. The Sanno’s upper ranks are now dominated by young executives, and the old-guard members are penting up resentment while being pushed to the sidelines.

This vulnerable spot in the Sanno hierarchy is exactly what anti-gang detective Kataoka has been looking for, as the police force prepares a full-scale crackdown. With secret plots and dirty tricks, the ambitious Kataoka instigates conflict between the Sanno and their long-time ally, the Hanabishi, in the hopes that they ultimately destroy each other.

But Kataoka’s trump card is the arranged release from prison of Otomo, the rumored-dead boss of a family once crushed by the Sanno. Otomo’s surprise return adds to the deception and betrayal among the families as everyone watches out for the other’s next move. It’s impossible to guess who will come out on top in this fierce power game. It’s not over until it’s over.

As you already see from these cool images, Outrage Beyond stars some familiar names. Beside Takeshi Kitano, the rest of the cast also includes Ryo Kase, Tomokazu Miura, Ken Mitsuishi, Hirofumi Arai, Fumiyo Kohinata, Toshiyuki Nishida, Shun Sugata, Shigeru Kôyama, Machiko Ono, Yutaka Matsushige,Kenta Kiritani, Akira Nakao, Tetsuji Tanaka, Sansei Shiomi, Katsunori Takahashi, Kenta Kamiya and Tatsuo Nadaka.

Share your thoughts about this sequel with us, and stay tuned for more!