“Ichi: The Killer” is one of those films that I find difficult to discuss because, truthfully, I find them difficult to watch. I am quite impressionable, and if there is one thing that defines “Ichi: The Killer,” it is its excessive blood, gruesome deaths, and an extreme level of sadism rarely seen in cinema. Directed by Takashi Miike, a master of the genre, this film is much more than just gore, but it undeniably relies heavily on shocking scenes to elicit extreme reactions from viewers—and it succeeds completely.
If, knowing this, you still plan to watch it, consider this your warning: this film is not suitable for minors. In this review, I will discuss its plot, what you can expect from it, and what you should not.
Plot Summary
“Ichi: The Killer” is a film adaptation of the manga Koroshiya 1 by Hideo Yamamoto. It belongs to the gore genre and tells the story of the disappearance of a Yakuza boss along with a large sum of money. While most assume he has escaped, his right-hand man, Kakihara—portrayed brilliantly by Tadanobu Asano—believes otherwise. Determined to uncover the truth, he embarks on a ruthless investigation to clear his boss’s name.
Although this is just the starting point of a much more intricate and perverse plot, the main focus of the film is an unstoppable assassin who executes his victims with brutal efficiency. Ichi, played by Nao Omori, is a shy and emotionally troubled young man who spends his free time playing video games. As the story unfolds, we learn about his disturbing past and psychological perversions.
A Visceral Cinematic Experience
The film maintains constant tension and delivers distressing imagery from start to finish. If you are not a fan of the genre, you might find it impossible to endure. Personally, I had to watch it through my fingers because the violence was overwhelming. However, beyond its shocking content, “Ichi: The Killer” is an incredibly well-crafted film. The characterization is profound, the cinematography is stunning, and the film maintains a lingering sense of uncertainty that will make you revisit its ending multiple times.
Cast and Characters
- Tadanobu Asano (47 Ronin, Vital, Tori) as Kakihara: The right-hand man of a Yakuza clan who relentlessly pursues Ichi after his boss disappears. Initially seeking the truth, he gradually comes to believe that Ichi is the only worthy opponent who can give meaning to his own twisted, sadomasochistic existence.
- Nao Omori (Ask This of Rikyu, Sweet Little Lies, Golden Slumber) as Ichi: A seemingly introverted and tormented young man who transforms at night into a ruthless killer dressed as a superhero. His mind harbors dark perversions, which appear to be a result of his traumatic past.
- Shinya Tsukamoto (Nightmare Detective, Marebito, Kotoko) as Jijii: A manipulative figure who controls Ichi through hypnosis, planting extreme scenarios in his mind to push him into madness. Using Ichi’s deadly power, he orchestrates conflicts between rival Yakuza clans to have them destroy each other. Jijii’s true motives are far deeper than they initially seem, making him a crucial figure in the story.
Final Thoughts
Explaining all aspects of this film without spoiling key moments is challenging, as many character revelations are crucial to the plot. However, one thing is certain: this is one of the most intense and brutal films you will ever see. It is definitely not for everyone, and in some cases, not even for those with a strong stomach.
That said, I highly recommend watching it because I firmly believe that experiencing all kinds of storytelling is essential to understanding what makes narratives stand out and differentiate themselves.
No trailer is included in this review—for the sake of sensitive stomachs. 😛