Kikujiro is a Japanese comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Takeshi Kitano and released in 1999. The film follows the story of Masao, a nine-year-old boy who is searching for his mother. He lives with his grandparents and one day finds a photo of his mother in an old album. He decides to leave his home and travel alone to find her.
Kikujiro is a middle-aged man who lives a dull and uneventful life with his wife. He is approached by Masao who is in need of help. At first, Kikujiro is reluctant to get involved, but eventually, he agrees to accompany Masao on his journey to find his mother.
The two embark on a road trip journey and encounter a variety of unique characters along the way such as a pair of bikers, a group of street performers, and an old lady who runs a small inn. They also face several challenges such as losing their money and getting lost in the mountains, but eventually, they arrive at their destination.
The movie is a mix of comedy and drama, and the dialogue is in the Japanese language. It received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, and was praised for its emotional depth, humor, and the performances of its cast. Kikujiro features a memorable musical score by Joe Hisaishi, who is known for his collaborations with Hayao Miyazaki.