Ichi the Killer/Koroshiya 1 (2001)





    







          Yakuza boss Anjo disappears with 100 million yens. His loyal gang members, lead by Kakihara, start a search but their aggressive and gory methods worry the other yakuza gangs. Kakihara’s most scary counterpart is the mysterious Ichi, a psychopathic killer with a dark childhood secret, who is controlled by a retired yakuza boss. These 2 will battle a historic battle and it’s gonna get messy.


          Overall: Well although this isn’t truly a horror film – it’s an action film, frankly the Japanese are kicking butt in the “gore” category and that in and of itself makes my horror review. That and I seriously doubt many people have seen this film. Blockbuster isn’t gonna put this in the “Children’s section.” What can I say other than “Wow” when it comes to describing this film. People tell me I gotta appreciate the works of “Kevin Smith” more because I didn’t like “Clerks.” Frankly I think those Smith fans need to catch the Japanese films such as this film and tell me which is more “indie.” This might be mainstream for Japan but its extreme for the U.S. Rather than tell you what the film has, let me copy from a website indicating what the Chinese Govt. cut from this film before they would let it air...


o 2 Graphic shots of needles jammed through "hooks" victim, one through the cheek and the the other up through the chin. Close up of grease scalding victim and horrific 2nd grease pouring (over the head!) An additional 3rd needle is then jammed into his chest!

o Bloody close ups of the "tongue cutting".

o All of the drug lady's fingers are broken off, not only one!

o 2nd rape features additional punch to the face as well as shots of pimp thrusting into her. As pimp's body splits in half, there is additional shot (and classic sound effect) of his entrails pouring out. When Ichi slices the girl after killing the pimp, she turns her head to the side and a huge gash opens spraying blood as she thrusts around the room.

o Extreme close up of "tv set" victim's eye socket.

o Additional shots of "cheek pull" including excited looks between Kakihara & the girl.

o The bloody face slides all the way down the wall after flying out of the room.

o Scene of Kakihara picking up a string of guts and admiring it.

o Horrific close up of kidnapped girl's nipples being pulled out with clamps and then sliced off with a knife! The later kicking of this girl goes on much longer.

o During blowjob in apartment, earlier throat slicing is again cut from Ichi's flashback. Foot cutting is the same as H.K. but final slash to the throat in the hallway is much longer with more blood.

o Close up shots of victim of "needle throwing". Same victim has his arm graphically ripped off.

o Throat cutting on the rooftop is much longer with geysers of blood.



          Folks, if you ain’t watching this movie…everything else is just horror sequels with cheesy porn stars (or wanna be porn stars). If you aren’t watching this movie....frankly, you don’t know what you are missing.


          Comparison: Nothing like you could ever imagine














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