To describe Takashi Miike's (Dead or Alive, Audition) latest opus Ichi The Killer as an over the top thrill-a-minute gore-fest would be an understatement. Ichi, which has been garnering mostly rave (as well as the occasional not so rave) reviews on the festival circuit, finally hits the digital format in the form of a budget priced import DVD. As if the controversy surrounding the film itself weren't enough, the DVD comes with a bit of its own controversy thrown in for good measure (more on this later). If you're brave enough, you are now able to experience Ichi in the privacy of your own home.

Following in the footsteps of its Yakuza brethren (Fudoh, Dead or Alive) Ichi takes the familiar Miike formula to a whole new level. Local Yakuza gang members begin a door to door search for their missing boss, Anjo. The group, led by the super cool and snappy dresser Kakihara (Tadanobu Asano aka the guy with all the shit all over his face) gain the unfavorable attention of other Yakuza gangs with their unethical techniques, nearly prompting a gang war. In the meantime, a timid yet brutal murderer/rapist/peeping tom Ichi (Nao Omori), is knocking off Yakuza members one by one. Like a puppet on a string Ichi is controlled by an anonymous figure who is successfully associating each member of the Yakuza with a childhood trauma (bullies who tormented him, etc.) in Ichi's life. All of this can only lead to one thing, and that would be a non-stop blood bath of mammoth proportions. Only those with strong stomachs need apply.

Ichi the Killer is an unapologetic violent assault on the senses from bloody start to gory finish. Although the extreme violence is presented very much in a comic book style ALA Miike's Dead or Alive, there is still some violent intensity that is sure to make you cringe (in delight). Much like Peter Jackson's Dead Alive (not to be confused with Miike's previous effort Dead or Alive) the blood flows freely and body parts are lopped off left and right. Ichi is decked out in a snappy leather outfight (almost super hero like) that comes complete with razor sharp blades on the legs and wrists. Ichi needs only one swift swing of his leg to slice off a head or an arm or in one instance slice a man clear in half from head to toe. Much of the violence is presented in a tongue and cheek fashion (aside from some disturbing violence towards women, which is not so appealing, in the form of a few brutal rapes and beatings). I hope that it's not wrong for me to say it but most of the destruction and debauchery in Ichi is actually quite fun. Whether it's a sliced off face sliding down a wall, a fantastic blood spurting slit throat, or Ichi's dripping spooge forming the opening credits to the film (yup, you heard me correctly). The violence is necessary and serves the story well, as it never feels excessive (although in actuality, it may BE excessive).

The packaging to the DVD lists a 115-minute running time for the film, when in actuality it runs about 111 minutes. The original version of Ichi is said to run upwards of 125 minutes, herein lies the controversy. This DVD of Ichi (currently the only home version of the film) is said to be severely cut which blows my mind. If this is the stuff they left in I can only imagine what they took out. That said, this version of Ichi is so intense I can't imagine not picking it up solely based on concerns of the edits. I was a bit apprehensive at first, I figured if they cut out 15 minutes they must have cut out all the "good" stuff. Not the case, and until a fully uncut version surfaces, this DVD is a bargain at under 15 bucks locally and about 6 bucks direct from Hong Kong. There is a Japanese DVD in the works, which will most definitely NOT include English subs, and will most definitely be a very expensive import. I have to give this DVD one of my highest recommendations for anyone looking for something gory, absurd, offensive, disgusting, and very, very cool.

Ichi is presented on DVD in it's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and all things considered looks pretty good. Nice sharp colors, deep blacks, and really no evidence of artifacting make this disc a pleasure to watch. Sound is presented in either a booming 5.1 mix, or a not so booming 2.0 mix. The 5.1 mix is pretty cool, and while not reference quality gets the job done. There are some wild surround effects as the sound of spattering spraying blood has never sounded better. Extras are pretty much nonexistent except for some talent Bios.

Ichi is in my opinion Miike's best film to date. Expertly crafted and executed, I suppose that the only improvement could have been the addition of the supposed 15 minutes shorn from this print of the film. Keep in mind that you will need to be able to play Region 3 DVDS to enjoy this fine film.