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Film Description
Deranged, perverse and teeth-gnashingly violent, this ultra-dark and unsettling psychological thriller, replete with brutal sadism and copious blood spilling, was one of the first films for a long time to receive cuts from the BBFC.
Anjo, the boss of a Yakuza clan, has made off with all the clan's money, and the gang begin a merciless and bloody campaign to track him down, led by sado-masochism addict Kakihara who is suffering withdrawal symptoms from Anjo's incessant cruelty and violence. The main culprit emerges as Ichi, a mysterious psychopath with a dark childhood secret, who works for a retired Yakuza as an unstoppable killing machine. Kakihara is thrilled to have found a sadistic substitute for his departed boss, and is desperate to experience Ichi's ultimate brutality, even if it means death.
Man what a great film, confusing, but great, with the special effects emphasising the dark ultra-violent plot. Which got me very confused, however this is not because... more >
Man what a great film, confusing, but great, with the special effects emphasising the dark ultra-violent plot. Which got me very confused, however this is not because it is a rubbish plot, but because its very cleverly put together and the fact that it is in Japanese doesn't help. Its interesting to see the actor playing Ichi deal with such a complex role, as getting into the mind of a sadistical killer seems challenging. The acting in this film is generally good. This film is definitely not for the weak stomached, it is full of bloody, grotesque scenes, however they aren't randomly put together like some japanese psycho thrillers. The special generated effects help to emphasise these scenes, and damn what a great weapon, I mean who would have thought of a blade coming out of the end of a shoe! < less
Barry Forshaw on 1st July 2003
Miike’s Audition made a considerable mark, and instantly identified him as one of the most distinctive (and disturbing) Asian directors around. This remarkable film (a... more >
Miike’s Audition made a considerable mark, and instantly identified him as one of the most distinctive (and disturbing) Asian directors around. This remarkable film (already being described as the most violent ever made) is not as impressive, but still takes the viewer’s breath away with its kinetic imagery and virtuoso staging. Ludicrously, the BFI has removed some of the violence (why would anyone watch this film who was disturbed by filmic violence?); but it still remains an exhilarating (and unsettling) experience. < less
Miike has been around for a long time now, making movies mostly for the straight to video market. In interview he makes points about the conservative nature of cinema ... more >
Miike has been around for a long time now, making movies mostly for the straight to video market. In interview he makes points about the conservative nature of cinema owners in the region and how hard it is to get aired. His films are attacked as being of merit only in their shock value and I feel sure this will attract a lot of horror film fans. Ichi is a victim of abuse who becomes the abuser, Miike using anime levels of violence to make his point.
Ichi the killer is availible in several versions, there is an uncut version out there on DVD, but the British version probably follows the Hong Kong lead and removes around 10 minutes. Herein lies the problem, those missing minutes not only can shock you silly, but without them scenes start, then finish, leaving you to figure out from the wreckage what happened. This is extreme cinema at its most potent, is there a point in watching the cut version? Maybe the BBFC made a better job in retaining plot, but while there is censorship, Miike will be ground up and butchered like many of the characters in his films. < less
