kaz_3307 TW: Rape, sexual violence. This is my first Imdb review and i'm writing it partly because this film was tricky for me to rate, partly with the hope that someone who isn't okay with seeing simulated rape can be spared from watching this, and partly because it really unsettled me and affected me. So the movie opens with a brutal and explicit rape scene, which really caught me off guard. I'm still left wondering why they included this. Although i understand that the movie is an exploration of senseless gang/crime related violence, as well as themes of sadomasochism (mostly sadism let's face it), this scene was extremely uncomfortable, and i'd much rather watch simple physical torture scenes over and over than be forced to witness the complete degradation and dehumanisation of not one but two women, repeatedly. This is what really got to me- there are multiple rape scenes and furthermore constant flashbacks to another incident of rape, this left me on edge throughout the whole movie and really distracted me from the core themes of hypermasculinity and violence among these men who seem to be completely devoid of any real emotion or compassion, and all the main characters are totally self involved, obsessed with their self indulgent fantasies. Although it would have had great potential as more of an action comedy with underlying deeper themes exploring violence, in the end it felt lacking in delivering any substantial message or insight, and really just became the very thing it was supposed to/could have been critical of. The characters were completely disgusting, but they seemed to be portrayed as neutral, not bad or good, which didn't make sense to me. Not only this but all 3 of the only women in this movie were brutally raped, beaten and killed. Granted most people were killed in this movie but the thing that really turned me off this movie was the emphasis on gendered sexual violence towards women in this movie. There was no reason for it as far as I can see, and contributed nothing to the plot. Aside from all this the concept of a "superhero" type character completely repressed and devoid of morality killing people who he thinks are bullies and crying while doing so was pretty funny, and as i said i wish this movie played up that comedy more, instead it left me feeling like it was making a mockery out of violence particularly violence against women, whose stories were treated with complete disrespect.

kaseshin Rarely am I so conflicted on a film I dislike like "Ichi the Killer", but I guess that's appropriate for a movie that tries so much. I appreciate its attempt at marrying sadomasochism and abuse with tropes of yakuza films, slasher flicks, exploitation revenge fantasies, and superhero stories. There's some creative kills, trippy editing, and the theme of pain cycling between danger and pleasure is present. But how it's reflected in the story comes off as convoluted, overindulgent, and inconsistent in tone. The portrayal of sexual violence flip flops between cartoonish and disturbing, robbing it of impact despite it's notorious reputation. Ichi and Kakihara overshadow pretty much any character in terms of relevance (even Ichi's handler), yet only one of them has a fully-fleshed out arc. And while the plot points all tie together, it's done in a way that kills any momentum it built during its stretched-out runtime to where the climax is just one pathetic joke. Some of my complaints could be excused with "it's a black comedy", but in execution I found I was laughing at the movie rather than with it.

kluseba Ichi the Killer is a brutal yakuza movie by renowned director Takashi Miike. If you haven't watched any of his movies yet, let me tell you that this film isn't for lighthearted audiences. In the first five minutes alone, we see illegal gambling in a shady bar, a yakuza boss beating up and raping a prostitute and a voyeur masturbating to this instead of helping the poor woman. You will see prolonged torture sessions, people taking drugs and blood-red rooms filled with guts after intense massacres. Anyone who criticizes this movie for these elements or calls the viewers of it sick clearly didn't inform himself what kind of movie he was about to watch. Japanese yakuza movies are usually over-the-top, graphic and for mature audiences only. This is what makes them stand out.Ichi the Killer tells the story of a mentally unstable killer who seems to be manipulated via hypnosis and psychological torture by a lowly yakuza named Jijii who orders him to take out two rival yakuza gangs. Sadomasochistic hitman Kakihara wants to avenge his deceased boss but also desires meeting the killer in order to be domineered and tortured by him.If you think that this movie is only filled with perverted brutality, you've got it all wrong. The film features a lot of cultural elements related to yakuza traditions such as yubitsume, a ritual to atone for offenses by performing self-mutilation. The filming techniques are very experimental, working with unusual camera angles and stop-and-go technology. The authentic settings in form of dirty back alleys, small apartments and shady bars clash with flashy costumes as the sadomasochistic hitman walks around in colorful suits while the unstable killer wears a costume with special hidden weapons. The film works a lot with colors and their symbolism with white standing for the loss of childish innocence, black for darkness and red for violence. The experimental and vivid soundtrack blends in perfectly.The greatest element about this movie might be its stunning finale that actually offers some food for thought. It isn't immediately obvious what actually happens, how it occurs and what the consequences are. Personally, I believe Ichi the Killer, lowly yakuza Jijii and prostitute Karen are one and the same person with multiple-personality disorder since they share the same memories at times but there are many possible theories. No matter how you think about the film's outcome, it's something you will still be thinking about long after you have actually watched the movie.In the end, I can recommend the movie if you are equally interested in Japanese culture, brutal gangster films and intellectual film-making. Ichi the Killer stimulates your brain, your guts and your heart. It's an unforgettable experience based upon a unique manga and directed by one of the best directors of all times.

majiin4 Badass movie. BDSM, sadism, torture, mafia, yakuza, finally one of the most accessible Japanese movie for this kind of genre. Ichi is a freaky psychopath manipulated, despite his kid & shy looking he reacts like a heartless evil monster and kills with no limits or rules. Kakihara is damn "swag", pure masochist mafia boss who dreams of despair situations, only Ichi will give him the ultimate pain he's looking for. The story is really nice, and I strongly recommend you to read the original manga by Hideo Yamamoto which is clearly more gore than the movie. You're also welcome to see the OAV Anime to complete the knowledge of the story. And finally, you can fully enjoy the Original Soundtrack composed by Karera Musication who's a total blast. I have everything : Movie - Manga - OAV - OST > I'm a Koroshiya groupie ^^ Arigato.