Koroshiya Ichi/Ichi The Killer

[Peter Larson]

I agree. I sometimes wonder when trite exploitation films are raised to the
level of being important pieces of art. While I have only seen two of
Miike's films and I found them both enjoyable, I cannot say they are of any
higher merit than say, James Cameron's movies or even the works of Stephen
King. While exciting, they hardly lend themselves to any sort of artistic
debate or introspection. At best, Miike's films are the stuff that is
popular on late night television or even in the cult sections of average
corner video stores.

Speaking of, last night I chanced to be able to see Fukasaku Kinji's Battle
Royale and was thoroughly disappointed. A movie that had gotten so much
press, turned out to be no better than that which graces Thomas Weisser's
publications. Kitano is abysmal, the younger actors are atrocious and the
cinematography and story do not nearly approach Fukasaku's earlier work
(Jingi Naki Tatakai). A very disappointing work by what one would think to
be an important film maker.

I guess my point here is in agreement to Don and Mark's: Where does
important filmmaking begin and cult excitement stop. I guess, it could be
the case that the reviewer is no better than the films he is purporting to
be "good" and "important".

Pete

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
[mailto:owner-KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu]On Behalf Of Mark Nornes
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2002 3:27 PM
To: KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
Subject: Re: Koroshiya Ichi/Ichi The Killer



On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at 11:56  PM, Don Brown wrote:
>  This is the kind of movie that will only serve to delight the fans of
> this brand of cruel exploitation, no doubt appealing to those who look
> to Asian cinema for the deviancy that filmmakers in other countries
> dare not show so explicitly.  Worst of all, I'm sure the fact that
> Miike is the director, as well as the big names on display will be seen
> to give the movie some air of cult coolness, and a special dispensation
> from the trashing it so thoroughly deserves.

I've been wondering if anyone was going to write this. I've seen only
one of Miike's films, having passed quite a few chances simply because
none of the celebrations I've read made me want to endure the brutality.
But what's interesting is that Miike is being advanced as a leader or
representative of current Japanese cinema in the familiar mode of
auteurist celebration. My question is where is this coming from?

Markus