The new film by Takeshi Kitano is entitled ‘Outrage,’ which reflects the state of mind of the yakuza involved in deadly mind games over territory. It’s a return to the crime films that Kitano made earlier in his career, and reflects his peculiar sensibility, mixing deadpan humor with nasty bits of bloody violence.

For Kitano fans, therefore, it’s essential viewing. For new fans, it’s an introduction to his work that will be bracing, shocking, and head-turning. The film played last summer at the Asian Film Festival of Dallas, where it met with a good reaction. ‘Outrage’ opens tonight at the Texas Theatre for an exclusive, one-week engagement.

The Dallas / Ft. Worth Film Critics Association, of which I am a proud new member this year, announced its annual awards this morning.

Best Film for 2011 is ‘The Descendants,’ with star George Clooney awarded Best Actor, Shailene Woodley Best Supporting Actress, Alexander Payne receiving the Best Director accolade, and Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash winning Best Screenplay.

Michelle Williams won the Best Actress prize for ‘My Week With Marilyn’ and Christopher Plummer was recognized as Best Supporting Actor for ‘Beginners.’ Emmanuel Lubezki was award Best Cinematography for ‘The Tree of Life.’

‘A Separation’ was voted the Best Foreign-Language Film, ‘Cave of Forgotten Dreams’ was named as Best Documentary and ‘Rango’ as Best Animated Film. ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ won the Russell  Smith Award, named for the late Dallas Morning News film critic. The honor is given annually to the best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association consists of 29 broadcast, print and online journalists from throughout North Texas. A complete list of award-winners and runners-up can be found at the association’s official website.