I think sometimes the language and cultural barriers are a bit too much to really "get" a film, and this is a prime example.
Ichi the Killer is considered a classic of Asian cinema, but I cannot figure out why. I guess people really dig the violence and cheesy blood spraying, but the story is terrible.
Actually, I read one person comparing it to Dead Alive, so I kind of get that due to the gore. There is one scene late involving Jijii that had me cracking up, but overall, there isn't a ton of humor in the film. Unless you think brutal mass murder is "dark comedy" somehow?
Anyo is a mob boss who gets killed, and his favorite henchman seeks revenge. That henchman is Kakihara who is a sadist, and loved his boss because of the pain Anyo inflicted upon him. Also in the mix is Anyo's loyal to a fault bodyguard (later his kid gets involved too). What really motivates Kakihara though is the thought of Anyo being killed by Ichi, who is a vicious killer, and whom Kakihara believes can give him pleasure through pain unlike anyone else. What nobody knows is that Ichi is being mind controlled by Jijii who is using Ichi to take out the Yakuza.
That is as deep as the plot gets. The problem is that everyone is motivated by events that are never described, shown, or even talked about. Why should I give a shit about any of these characters?
The movie also drags. Asian filmmakers could take a cue from their American counterparts and spend more time in the editing room. Way, way too many unnecessary scenes and shots.
One thing I do love about Asian cinema though is that they aren't afraid to use subtlety where American filmmakers bash you over the head with little jokes. There's a scene late in the film that's actually funny even though it involves two people dying. In fact, it involves brothers, but it's funny because of their relationship, and because of a comment that is made by one of the brothers about as close to off camera and in the background as one can get. This is followed up by his death, and the punchline.
I think this is probably worth seeing once for those of you who liked Dead Alive or are exploring Asian cinema, like a few of us seem to be doing (Yay Netflix!).
5 out of 10.
Ichi the Killer
Nope, different film.
I noticed that blind girl film too when I was searching for Ichi the Killer.
I've got some more on my list I'll be viewing soon too.
I noticed that blind girl film too when I was searching for Ichi the Killer.
I've got some more on my list I'll be viewing soon too.
“Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.” - Dr Thomas Sowell
I actually enjoyed this film. The violence is so over the top, it's hilarious.
If you want to see a more interesting Asian action flick, check this.
If you want to see a more interesting Asian action flick, check this.
Diogenes of Sinope: "It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours."
Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC, SSC: "Better dead than smeg."
Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC, SSC: "Better dead than smeg."
Not available for streaming.Malcolm wrote:If you want to see a more interesting Asian action flick, check this.
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid."
Started watching Ichi the Killer on Netflix.
I got past the semen dripping from the potted plant, the dude hanging from hooks having boiling oil poured on him, and half way through the scene where the tongue is getting cut off. That's where I turned it off.
Is the entire movie like this?
I got past the semen dripping from the potted plant, the dude hanging from hooks having boiling oil poured on him, and half way through the scene where the tongue is getting cut off. That's where I turned it off.
Is the entire movie like this?
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid."
I believe the blood spurting in Kill Bill is a nod to this movie. I know Ichi is represented somewhere in Kill Bill.
Did you see Dead Alive? That's Peter Jackson's first film. That's a gross out movie, and I don't think Ichi comes close to that, but yeah, it's gross.
And if you make it to the end, it gets weird. The scene with Jijii when he reveals his "true self" is so damn funny though.
Did you see Dead Alive? That's Peter Jackson's first film. That's a gross out movie, and I don't think Ichi comes close to that, but yeah, it's gross.
And if you make it to the end, it gets weird. The scene with Jijii when he reveals his "true self" is so damn funny though.
“Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.” - Dr Thomas Sowell