★★★ Ichi the Killer

[Twinkletoes: 3.0]

Twinkletoes says: 'Here we have probably Takeshi Mikke's most famous/infamous film, Ichi the Killer. I'm not what one would call a huge Mikke fan, but I do find the man to be fascinating. He makes like 4 movies a year and he makes them in almost all conceivable genres. His Audition is one of the most frightening and perfectly constructed thrillers I've ever seen. His indescribable Happiness of the Katakuris is indescribably fun and light. With this work we have a film that is probably most indicative of what Mikke has become known for, outlandishly violent, outlandishly bizarre and darkly funny crime films. I know this may surprise some of you but it's not really my thing, mostly for their sheer outlandishness. Describing the plot would be pointless. Suffice it to say that it involves a meek man who dresses up in rubber and kills with razorblade heels when under hypnosis and a guy who is looking for him because he loves pain. Like I said, it's all too bizarre for me to really enjoy. I feel like Mikke can make these films in his sleep and while this certainly wasn't bad for what it is, it made me yearn for something a little more polished and focused from him.'