1990s

Poster for Sonatine (1995)

Saw the film Sonatine (1995) directed by and starring Takeshi Kitano. This feature has a mesmerising score. The music is very catchy and does not seem to ‘go’ anywhere. Despite this, it encapsulates sensitively and stylishly everything each film scene needs.

The music is by the gifted Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi (born Mamoru Fujisawa) who is a contemporary of Ryuishi Sakamoto.

I learned much from Hisaichi’s almost minimalist approach. His rhythms while deceptively simple are utterly engaging.

Mamoru Fujisawa (b. 1950)