Ichi The Killer (2001)
An ultra dark, deeply unsettling, extreme psychological thriller from the director of ‘audition’, ‘Ichi The Killer’ is probably the most arresting and controversial movie of the last decade.
Based on the ultra-violent ‘manga’ comic of the same name, this ‘delirious cinematic vision in freefall’ painfully unveils a dark canvas on which is played a terrifying battle of wits between the ultimate sadist and the ultimate masochist.
Lunging between chilling surrealism and graphic hyper-reality, Ichi The Killer will shock and amaze you to the core of your foundations, and will forever change the way you look at the medium of film.
Classification: Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over
Starring: Tadanobu Asano, Nao Omori, Shinya Tsukamoto, Paulyn Sun, Susumu Terajima, Toru Tezuka
Director: Takashi Miike
Individual Discs
Ichi The Killer
Ichi The Killer - Extras
Members Reviews
Reviewed by: linea
Deranged, yet strangely mesmerizing
Ichi The Killer is probably one the most misogynistic, violently graphic and sadomasochistic films I have seen yet. In some ways this film could be considered absolutely deplorable; there are scenes of extreme torture, both men and women are horrifically beaten and killed, and the film is openly sexual. But where 'Ichi The Killer' grabs you is in identifying with the extraordinary characters. Kakihara, (really the main character within the film), is probably one of the best screen villains you'll ever see. He is quiet, yet delivers vengeance to others with no mercy, his sadomasochistic inner self lives for pain and is constantly looking for someone to take him to the next level of pain. The other main character is Ichi, a young socially immature man who suffers from past experiences of high school bullying. By manipulating Ichi's inner rage and hatred for all bullies, a member of the Yakuza has converted Ichi into the ultimate killer. The main storyline within the film revolves around the assassination of the head Yakuza boss, the search for his killer (who Kakihara believes is Ichi), the power struggle within the gangs to take his place, and the knowledge that somewhere along the line Kakihara and Ichi's paths will meet. If you can get past the bloodshed and violence, then Ichi The Killer is an enjoyable and visually startling film.
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Ichi The Killer
 
Genres:
Thrillers
Action & Adventure
Horror

Run Time:
120 Minutes

Subtitles:
English

Languages:
Japanese

Countries:
Japan

BFI Classification:
Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over

Release Date:
02/06/2003

Production Year:
2001

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 16:9

Colour:
Colour

Special Features:
  • 16:9 anamorphic version enhance for widescreen TVs
  • Audio commentary from Asian cinema expert Bey Logan, leading lady Paulyn Sun and producer Eliot Tong
  • Interview with director Takashi miike
  • Interview with Paulyn Sun
  • Interview with Tadanobu Asano
  • Interview with Shinya Tsukamoto
  • 'Electronic Press Kit' featuring an interview with director Takashi Miike, out-takes and behind the scenes footage
  • 'Behind The Scenes' vignettes
  • Photo gallery featuring behind the scenes images and campaign artwork
  • Text biographies and filmographies for the principle cast members
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • UK campaign trailer
  • Interactive menu
  • Scene access
  • access
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