Synopsis: A Yakuza boss disappears along with 100 million yen. His number two, the sadomasochistic Kakihara (the bad-ass looking guy on the DVD covers) leads his gang on a mission to find the boss, using unorthodox torture methods, which draws the anger of the Yakuza. This part of the plot is pretty straight-forward, but its only a fraction of the overall story. I won’t bother to try to explain the Ichi character here because its way too complicated and bizarre. This one definitely requires multiple viewings for every little piece to fall into place, as there are tons of minor charcters and subplots. Let’s just say that this is not going to be what you expect.
My take: Wow. Definitely one of the most unique films I have ever seen. Most of Takashi Miike’s films are wildly creative; Ichi is the culmination of all of his innovative storytelling techniques. Many will take offense at the excessive ultra-violence (people getting things cut off – tongues, nipples, faces, brutal prostitute beatings, Kakihara chewing off someone’s hand, plenty of blood spraying out of open jugulars, gotta love Miike) but I feel it is so over-the-top and humorous that it often becomes cartoony and can’t be taken too seriously. The story, the characters, the acting, the directing, all top-notch. Nearly flawless.
Best death: The deaths really aren’t a big deal here, its more about the general carnage and gore that doesn’t necessarily result in death (just lots of pain and disfigurement). If I had to pick a death though, it would be the pimp getting cut in half by Ichi.
Favorite scene: The final rooftop showdown between Kakihara and Ichi.
4 out of 4 Zombie Faces
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