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Boy

By Takeshi Kitano
Boy
From the internationally renowned filmmaker Beat Kitano comes a rare piece of literary fiction. This collection presents three heart-warming stories of brotherhood, boyhood, and friendship.

Details

Authors: Takeshi Kitano
Copyright: 2007
Format: Hardcover
GTIN13: 9781932234350
ISBN10: 1932234357
Page Count: 128
Dimensions: 5.52x0.78x7.84
Publisher: Vertical

Strand Notes

Takeshi Kitano is an internationally renowned film auteur, beloved Japanese television personality, and acclaimed author. Now, Kitano's insightful collection of stories, "Boy," is presented here, translated into English for the first time. "Boy" features three stand-alone tales, each focusing on aspects of boyhood and coming-of-age. In "The Champion in a Padded Kimono," two very different brothers learn a great deal on Sports Day. "Nest of Stars" is the story of two brothers whose habit of stargazing becomes a way of life. In "Okamesan," a young history buff goes on a field mission to Kyoto, where he meets a girl who changes his life. Tender and poignant, "Boy" heralds the arrival of a true master.

Description

Internationall 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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