Sonatine (1993)

This Japanese yakuza film directed, written, and starring Takeshi Kitano, offers a minimalist yet powerful narrative. Kitano plays Murakawa, a Tokyo yakuza sent to Okinawa to mediate a gang war, only to find it trivial. The film's direction combines contemplative moments with sudden bursts of violence, defying traditional yakuza film expectations. Kitano's portrayal of a weary gangster and the subversion of genre norms make the film a compelling and unique cinematic experience.