Ichi the Killer (2001) Koroshiya 1

Movie Rating NR Contains: Strong Language Violence Graphic Violence Gore Sex Nudity Mature Situations

Director: Takashi Miike Movie Genre: Yakuza, Action Country: Japan Ichi the Killer Score Card The following scores are based on a 0.0 to 10.0 rating scale Hover your mouse pointer over the name of each scoring category below for a description Direction: 7.0 Writing: 6.8 Acting: 8.0 Cinematography: 7.0 Sound and Score: 6.0 Functionality: 6.9 Presentation: 8.0 Genre Comparison: 8.1 General Comparison: 6.0 Overall: 7.1 Reviewed 2006-05-16 19:16:33

Ichi the Killer is one of Takashi Miike's most well known films. In this movie Tadanobu Asano stars as Kakihara, an irrational, masochistic yakuza officer seeking to avenge the death of Anjo, his boss and sadistic counterpart. Kakihara discovers that Anjo was brutally murdered by a man known as Ichi. Kakihara's quest for vengeance soon becomes one of necessity, as he realizes that Ichi is the only person sadistic enough to fill the void in Kakihara's life left by Anjo's death.

Ichi the Killer is one of the goriest, most violent yakuza movies ever made. In this instance, the constant blood, guts, torture and brutality quickly becomes commonplace. Many of the scenes that would be horrifying in other movies come off as comical and over exaggerated in this context.

The score performed by Karera Musication is highly effective and blends well with the on screen action. This ambient group consists of members of Japanese noise punk band, The Boredoms. Compared to the hyperactive temper tantrums of The Boredoms, Karera Musication's sound is more understated and less invasive.

It is easy to assume that Ichi the Killer is nothing more than a standard yakuza action movie, with its nonstop action and typical yakuza movie themes. The slapstick violence and unexpected ending help to set this movie apart from the pack. Upon further examination, the audience realizes that this movie is a statement about societal attitudes toward violence. With Ichi the Killer Takashi Miike wanted to make his audience examine their own reactions to the decadent excesses to which they were subjected. Miike never once made his opinion of the content of this movie known and there is a valid argument for both major points. Whether you find the unrelenting instances of gory and disgusting imagery hilarious or despicable, Ichi the Killer is a movie that most definitely demands a response.