Review of Ichi the Killer (2001) by Mick K — 04 Sep 2009

I consider this the most violent movie I've ever seen*. It does tend to get silly sometimes with the CG blood, but there is plenty of red stuff to go around, and the sheer brutality that's present throughout the entire movie should be enough to dampen the spirits of even the most experienced gore-hounds. I've seen it a few times since my first viewing, but the first viewing made the biggest impact on me. Never have I been so shaken by movie violence than I was the first time I saw a certain scene in Ichi. The film doesn't always make much sense, but I don't think that Miike really wanted it to. It's sick. It's depraved. It's good.

I have hyped this up too much for it to be as effective to my friends as I want it to be, but it's still definitely a must-see. I recommend watching this by yourself in a dark room, and forget every expectations you had about it.

*Now #3, behind Cannibal Holocaust and Inside.