It's like 8½ crossed with Mulholland Dr., by way of Kitano, but nowhere near as interesting as that union sounds. It brings up ideas and themes like questions of identity, doppelgangers, and the nature of dreams well, but never really connects them to form a cohesive thematic whole, or even an interesting one. And the end really goes off the rails, narratively as well as thematically.

Still, it uses Kitano's past work (specifically Sonatine and Fireworks) well, developing a kind of meta self-awareness that's especially witty for those knowledgeable with those films. When Kitano robs a bank with a barrage of firepower, it's a clever nod to another bank robbery in Fireworks; the over-the-top action is a clear distinction from the casual robbery of the earlier film, and serves to fulfill the type of scene that film was mocking. A bit contrived, maybe, but still clever.

Probably my favourite Kitano film yet, despite the ridiculous ending. It's not nearly as fluffy and abstract as his other works. There's really something to chew on here.