Search - Joe Hisaishi :: Hana-Bi

Amazingly Moving...

Stephen Moore | Westport, CT | 01/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the things I noticed immediately while watching HANA-BI (or FIREWORKS, as it was known during its brief US release) was Jo Hisaishi's masterfully understated but incredibly emotional score. The tracks "Sea of Blue" and "Smile & Smile" stand out in this score, compositions which are so lovely they can bring one to the brink of tears with their piano and forlorn harmonica motifs. The fact that Hisaishi was able to do so much with so little (if you compare this to a score by, say, Jerry Goldsmith, you'll see that Hisaishi is substantially more minimalistic) tells volumes. "Angel" embodies the main theme of the film, which is much peppier and perhaps even a bit retro, but it sets up the rest of the soundtrack well. Absolutely, buy this CD--I received it as a gift from Japan, and you won't be disappointed."

Beautiful and perfect for the film.

Minato | England | 11/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The soundtrack to Hana-Bi is much like the film itself:
Quiet
Reserved
Subtle
And about as close to perfect as anything can get.
With a film so beautiful and well made as Hana-Bi, Takeshi Kitano needed a soundtrack that would suit it down to the ground. Once again, Joe Hisaishi has done him proud, and listening to this CD is one of the best ways of re-living the film. As well as watching it. Obviously."