3.6 Stars A slow cinematic film with frequent punctuations of aggression and violence. Sonatine has some very beautiful scenery, shots and sequences some of which are infused with the slightest hint of bleak humor. The soundtrack is  unique and understated. I didn't really get a feel for the film till I was just under half way through the runtime, until then I was ready to abandon it. Don't expect it to leave you uplifted or happy after it's over.