A reprehensible film...

"Ichi the Killer' is as depraved and vile a film as you are ever likely to see. I watched the film out of morbid curiosity, like those who rubberneck at automobile accidents, because I had heard that it was one of the most violent films ever made. I had to see what the fuss was about.

The plot, if there is one to speak of, is based on revenge, like a Japanese version of 'Death Wish'. I am not going to do the film justice by recounting the details which are highly inconsequential anyway. This film wasn't made to tell a story, but to please some blood-hungry viewers who would rather see a tongue severed by a sword than a romantic tongue kiss.

I don't even know why I am reviewing this trash... it doesn't even constitute a real film. But, apparently, this stuff is tremendously popular in Japan?!?!? Personally, I found it to be a hideous waste of two hours. I hope that this review might prevent a few of you from enduring the same torture.

I was more offended by the heinous plot which is one of the sloppiest messes you are ever likely to witness. It is a sloppier mess than the mangled bodies that are strewn across the walls in some of the nastier scenes.

I suggest you avoid this at all costs!!! It immediately enters my "Worst 10 Films of All Time" list.

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - No Stars F Richard Propes - No Stars F Jacob Hall -

Richard Propes' Comment

I finally found this film at my local video store, and had to see it for myself. I wrestled with this rating quite a bit...There were pieces of this film I found intriguing...and the lead, Ichi, actually held my interest fairly consistently.

Yet, I can't deny that this film violated my value system...This film didn't just violate my values, it massacred them. I've been through some pretty horrendous things in my life, but this film just kept piling violent, repulsive act upon violent repulsive act. The sexual violence, humiliation and absolute cruelty passed the lines of what I can consider entertainment. I do not believe in censorship, and believe that, with only a few exceptions that filmmakers have a right to make their film. I can only hope that the financial reward for making this film was minimal. Under no circumstances should survivors of a violent crime or rape victims see this film.

Jacob Hall's Comment

n/a