Hana-bi (はなび HANA-BI), released in the US as "Fireworks", is a 1997 Japanese film written, directed and edited by, and starring Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano.[1] The film's score was composed by renowned Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi. This was their fourth collaboration. Hana-bi (花火 Hanabi?) is the Japanese word for "fireworks". The unexpected international success of Hana-bi, coupled with Sonatine's critical acclaim, established Kitano as a foremost Japanese filmmaker of his time. Kitano's daughter and former singer Shoko Kitano also made a cameo, playing a nameless girl flying a kite in the film's closing scenes.

Kitano plays Nishi, a violent and unpredictable police detective who quits the force after a terrible incident that results in his partner, Horibe (Ren Osugi), becoming confined to a wheelchair. After his retirement he spends much of his time looking after his wife Miyuki (Kayoko Kishimoto), who has leukemia. The film moves at a deliberate pace and devotes much time to exploring their relationship. Nishi has also borrowed money from the Yakuza to pay for his wife's needs, and is having difficulty repaying them. Meanwhile, Horibe takes up painting and creates works of art that are surrealistic and beautiful.