BoyInternationall renowned film auteu Takeshi Kitano has been applauded for his challenging portrayals of manhood and men, most notably rogue gifures. Discerning fans of his cinematic oeuvre, however, have also appreciated the lyrical sensibility that infuses even his most violent works. In Boy, Kitano's essential vision is filtered through crystalline prose and the prism of childhood; the result is a gem of memory and nostalgia. While his impressive cinematic output has been compared to, and introduced to the American public by, Quentin Tarantino and the like, Kitano's equally delightful gift for pure word-craft has been a better-kept secret of his native Japan. This first American translation of his literary fiction illustrates the notion of "boyhood" that has underlain all his work--as well as that of many a creator valuing generous and bold invention. The three stand-alone tales take place at early, middle and late adolescence. In "The Champion in a Padded Kimono" two brothers--one a bookworm and the other a jock--learn a lesson or two about hope and desire on Sports Day. "Nest of Stars" features a different pair of brothers for whom stargazing becomes a poignant way of life. In "Okamesan", a very young history buff goes on his frst solo "field mission" to Kyoto where he runs into a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Tender and funny, Boy is a perfect introduction to Kitano's world and a must-read for fans of the artist. |
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10-centimeter Airhead already asked began bicycle Big Dipper bike binary star brother called centimeters cheer Chion-in chocolate companion star double stars dragonflies Etsuko eyes face Fat-Ken feel finish line front futon girl go look Goggle-eyed Gran going to go gym clothes hand head Hideo Higashi Honganji high school Homeroom hurry Ichiro felt Ichiro thought idiot Jun's junior high Kamogawa kanji Kenji kids Kondo Kyoto laugh legs look at Sirius Mamoru Nest of Stars night nodded okay Onin War Osaka padded kimono pushed race rain relay Rokko running shouted sixth graders sleep smile someone sound Sports Day staring started stay Sterope stop straight student suddenly sure TAKESHI KITANO tears telescope tell thing Tokyo told tomorrow Toru Toshio turned voice wait walked wearing White Dwarf wondered worried Yutaka