‘Street Fighter’ Director Kitao Sakurai Built a Career by Embracing the Ridiculous

The Street Fighter movie, directed by Kitao Sakurai, has been met with mixed reviews, with some critics calling it one of the worst video game adaptations ever made. The director's decision to prioritize a 'gonzo' vibe over a gritty, grounded approach has raised eyebrows. The film's tone is a departure from other recent video game adaptations, such as the Batman Begins-style movie that many fans were expecting. Kitao Sakurai's career has been built on embracing the ridiculous, and this approach is evident in the Street Fighter movie.

The director has stated that he was never going to make a dark, grounded film, and instead chose to focus on bringing the arcade characters to life. This decision has sparked debate among fans and critics, with some praising the film's unique tone and others criticizing its lack of depth. Reporting on the film's reception has been split, with some outlets praising its 'gonzo' vibe and others calling it a misfire. The IGN Africa review notes that the film was never going to be a dark, grounded movie, and that Sakurai's approach is a deliberate choice.

The Khmer Times review, on the other hand, focuses on the film's ability to bring the arcade characters to life, praising its visuals and action sequences. The Yahoo review also notes the film's unique tone, but criticizes its lack of depth and character development.