Sakamoto Junji

[Li Hoo Cheong]

I watched two of Sakamoto Junji's films, his first film
<Knock Out>(89) and his latest <Fool: An Angel with Scars>(98)
on video recently and was impressed by his 
vigorous style and strong characterization.  Here is an
origninal director who is quite unknown outside Japan.
This seems strange as his three boxing films should have
some universal appeal and his two recent road movies
should attract the younger audience.  His attachment to
Osaka can also be a selling point.

Can those who know Sakamoto's work offer some brief comment?

H. C. Li