We’re back with part three of our Japanese Cinema series and this week we’re talking about a film that is the antithesis of everything we covered last week when we got into Studio Ghibli and “Kiki’s Delivery Service”. We’re going freak mode with the totally bonkers, perverted, and hyper-violent yakuza action film “Ichi The Killer” from acclaimed director Takashi Miike. This movie is NOT for everyone and we should state right here, right now, that we describe and discuss some very violent scenes and adult themes including sexual assault, BDSM, mental abuse, and more. TRIGGER WARNING.

“Ichi The Killer” is a cult classic film that is filled with stomach-churning scenes of hyper-violence and perverted insanity. Seriously… this film starts out weird and continually gets worse. It is relentless and wild and weird and kinda funny but also very upsetting? Miike plays on the tension between surrealist dark humour, hyper-stylized and experimental film-making, abrasive gore, and themes of sex/fetishism in a way that makes some sort of sick sense. It’s DEFINITELY NOT a film to watch with your mom and pop.

We break down the film’s sadistic fever-dream narrative, unpack some of the insanely violent scenes and surrealist moments, and muse on how every character is essentially evil or broken. We talk about the film’s reception, the controversies, the stuff that works and the stuff that doesn’t hold up at all, the subversive subtext to the film, the editing/pacing and how it guides your experience with this film, and the way the main characters function as a metaphor for BDSM. We also talk about the strange choices Miike makes when it comes to CGI vs. practical effects and the wild, weird world of “Ichi The Killer”. This leads us into a discussion on violence and the influence of the Japanese perspective on sex and violence in Western media. Plus, we chat about Takashi Miike - his career, his diverse filmography, and his influence.

Again, this movie is NOT FOR EVERYONE and this episode deals with mature themes and violence. This movie is considered a masterpiece and beloved by many but is a tough watch. Lots to talk about. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.

Next week, we will be joined by Brian Lockyer, writer and director of “Snow Blinded”, to talk horror films, making movies, and more.

STREAM “THESE THINGS HAPPEN” by ANXIETY WEEKEND:

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STREAM “HOOK THE BARBER 50/WENDIGO” by DR. MEATSSS:

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