Ichi The Killer

Episode Zero

Review by Anime Boy

One Shot OVA

Company: US Manga Corps

Running Time:40 Min (1 episode)

Region: all

Rating: NC-17 (Sex, nudity, and extreme violence)

This DVD is preset at Parental Control Level NC-17

THE FOLLOWING REVIEW IS ONE OF AN ADULT NATURE. PARENTAL DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

EXTERNAL EXAM

Hajime is just your average kid. He isn't particularly strong, his grades are low, and he is always getting beaten up by bullies at school.

When life gets too tough for him, Hajime finally snaps. He becomes Ichi, a psychopathic killer who becomes sexually aroused by the pain and suffering he encounters. Drawing the attention of a retired Yakuza boss, Ichi is manipulated into becoming a contract killer.

Now, Ichi is ready to fight the greatest killer of them all, Kakihara, in a no holds barred death match!

DVD VISION TEST

VIDEO: The video is crystal clear, with just a touch of edge enhancement. It's pretty obvious that this was recorded on digital video, which accounts for the quality.

AUDIO: The audio for both the English and Japanese are standard 2.0. While the Japanese is louder in volume, the English is softer in tone. There isn't a lot of surround sound bits in this, but enough to make the moans and groans sound better than real life, and the vibration noise on a cell phone audible enough to notice.

EDITS: Well, as far as I know, no edits, but I have been wrong before.

EXTRAS: What extras? A short montage of screen captures and the CPM trailer for "Ichi The Killer: Episode Zero" just isn't enough.

WIDESCREEN REVIEW

STORY: Based upon the manga by Hideo Yamamoto, Sakichi Satou story is one of the most disturbing mind trips you will ever encounter. Full of violence, sex, and deliberate lapses in continuity, this is the narrative equivalent of shock therapy.

ACTING: Depending on how you look at it, both the Japanese and English casts are either brilliant actors, or atrocious ones. So much of this movie consists of yelling, cheesy dialogue, and over the top readings, it's hard to tell.

FAN SERVICE: Well, director of the live action "Ichi The Killer", Takashi Miike, makes a guest appearance as Kakihara. There are a couple of sex scenes, and lots of nudity. Naturally, there are several references to the live action film, since this is a prequel.

FINAL EXAM

Holy friggin' crap!

"Ichi The Killer" has got to be one of the most screwed up anime titles I have ever seen.

With in it's 40 minute run time, we see multiple murders, torturing of animals, S&M, masturbation, homosexual undertones, sex, blood, gore, dismemberment, and Kawajiri-like mutilation.

At it's core, this is a story about a kid who is bullied to the edge of insanity, and then gets a handy push over the edge from one of his "friends". Their physical abuse, combined with the pressures of society, would make anyone snap. If "Ichi" had been presented differently, it could have been a cautionary tale about how abuse and violence can turn a young boy into a sociopath. Instead, Sakichi Satou went to the extreme, and any "message" there might have been gets lost in the mayhem.

If you know Takahashi Miike's work, or are familiar with the live action film "Ichi The Killer", "Episode 0", you will enjoy this film. It definitely has a Miike feel to it, with it's over the top violence, perverted sexual practices, and warped social commentary. Until now, I had no interest in seeing the live action version. After watching "Episode 0", I have no choice but to find out what happens. It's like Urotsukidoji, your shocked at what's happening, but you are compelled to watch.

The animation is decent, but it's not the best in the world. It flows great, and it fits the surreal tone of the story, but the style is pretty average. It does have it's moments of Kawajiri inspired gore, but it lacks the fine detail.

I know that this review is mighty short, but there really isn't much else to say. "Ichi the Killer: Episode 0" is not for the average anime fan, unless you like ultra violent movies or the live action version. If you have a sensitive constitution, pass on this one.

Return to Top

Back to the DVD Review Page