Carefully composed and meditative long takes interspersed with quick flashes of aggression which take you by surprise, Kitano’s work often utilizes violence in a spiritual or comedic way.  On closer inspection they offer even more existential insight, sometimes as an expression of inner anguish and pain.

“I personally do not find much difference between violence and comedy. An event can be regarded as a violence by the participator, but for the spectator it can be comedy.”
– Takeshi Kitano

Takeshi also acts in many of his own movies, as well as other various Japanese gangster films (sometimes under the name of “Beat” Takeshi).  He often portrays his characters with a penetrating shark-like stare who preys on those around him, precipitating savagery, comedic pranks or both.  His acting style is a wonderful microcosm of his larger body of work.

Treat yourself to any of his classic films:

Dolls (2002)
Kikujiro (1999)
Kids Return (1996)
Sonatine (1993)
A Scene at the Sea (1991)

For more in-depth analysis take a look at these links:
Kamera.co.uk
Senses of Cinema