A legendary Japanese film maker has been sharing the secret of his success with young Russians who dream of emulating him.

Takeshi Kitano’s Moscow workshop was a great chance to hear from a man who is sought-after across the world.

Kitano is a true original. The forward-thinking Japanese director balances provocation and modesty, elegance and violence. He has his own off-beat style and doesn’t swerve from it. 

Kitano made his directorial debut almost 20 years ago with ‘Violent Cop’ where he also played the lead.

He was one of the first directors to stylishly blend art and violence.

With little dialogue and lots of action, his films are often described as disturbing, surreal and shocking.

But, as a man regarded as one of the world's most sophisticated filmmakers, he says he doesn't care about public opinion. He sees himself as an outsider fighting against the establishment.

He studies betrayal, foolishness and hypocrisy with cruelty and rigour. Armed with a sense of humour he's always pushing the boundaries of imagination. For this unconventional filmmaker comedy and tragedy always go hand in hand.

“Violence is around us but it’s the question of how you look at it. If you sugar it with a smile and laughter it'll be easier to stomach it,” he says.