Ichi the Killer
- Tue, Oct 29
Midnite weekend screenings happen on Friday & Saturday nights,. so please be sure to arrive on Friday and/or Saturday night by 11:45pm for seating and the screening will start after midnight.
Director: Takashi Miike Run Time: 129 min. Format: DCP Rating: 18+ Release Year: 2001 Language: Japanese
Starring: Nao Ômori, Paulyn Sun, SABU, Shinya Tsukamoto, Tadanobu Asano
As sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer Kakihara searches for his missing boss he comes across Ichi, a repressed and psychotic killer who may be able to inflict levels of pain that Kakihara has only dreamed of.
As nothing seems to stimulate the bored sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer, Kakihara (played by the great Tadanobu Asano) the typical ultra-violence of yakuza gang life just doesn’t excite like it used to. But while searching for his missing boss, he comes across Ichi, a repressed and psychotic killer who may be able to inflict levels of paint that Kakihara has only dreamed of.
Perhaps the most disturbing violent gore-fest ever made, Ichi the Killer became an almost instant cult classic since its premiere in 2001 at TIFF’s Midnight Madness. However, in 2024, we’re not quite sure if the film has at all aged well. Although, the acts of violence were fun to behold at a certain time, the film may now feel more disturbing and out-of-sync than ever in today’s cultural climate.
Nonetheless, we at EASTERN PROMISES love acts of subversion and for this Halloween season, we will embrace all that comes with ICHI THE KILLER. -EASTERN PROMISES
Content Warning: contains scenes that most viewers will find absolutely disturbing. Contains non-stop gruesome acts of violence, decapitation, torture, graphic sexual violence, rape, self-mutilation, and smoking. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Pre-show live performance by BROTHER.
Doors Open 30 Minutes Before Showtime.