“I can only work realistically while wanting to depict something unrealistic.”
-Takashi Miike
Takashi Miike is a Japanese filmmaker, director and screenwriter. He has made some of the most iconic films to date, having directed over one hundred films, television and video. From the slasher movie Audition (1999) to odd horror-musical The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001). Takashi Miike has a very visual way of keeping our eyes guessing. Takashi Miike is seen as a controversial filmmaker due to the extreme violence in his movies.
In 2001, his film Ichi the Killer (2001), adapted from the manga of the same name, was highly criticised due to the heavy violence that several parts of the movie had to be cut in order for it to be allowed into international film festivals. Takashi Miike has since grown a cult following in the West that is growing with the release of his works.
Here are six of his over-the-top films.
Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
1.Ichi The Killer
What’s It About: Based off the manga series, Ichi the Killer by Hideo Yamamoto. The story follows Ichi, a psychologically damaged man that is manipulated into assaulting and killing rival members of the feuding yakuza gangs. After one of the yakuza boss disappears, Kakihara gets a tip that Ichi is the one that they are looking for. What will happen when Ichi and Kakihara finally meet face to face?
Starring: Nao Omori, Tadanobu Asano, Shinya Tsukamoto
Where To Watch: Vudu, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video
Watch The Trailer Here:
2. 13 Assassins
What’s It About: A remake of a 1963 film, based off historical events. The movie is set in 1844, near the end of the Edo Period, Shinzaemon Shimada leads thirteen assassins, twelve samurai and a hunter to come together and secretly plot to assassinate the Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira, the leader of the Akashi Clan. The Lord is wreaking havoc against his own people. to stop his appointment to the powerful Shogunate Council. Together the assassins set a trap to end Matsudaira’s reign.
Starring: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya
Where To Watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Vudu
Watch The Trailer Here:
3. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable Chapter 1
What’s It About: Based off the manga Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki. A teen named Josuke Higashikata goes by the name Jojo. He lives in the town of Morioh. One day Jojo discovers he has supernatural abilities inherited from a bloodline. Soon he discovers their is evil lurking in his town. A chain of killings has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the residents. Jojo finds out his grandfather on Morioh’s homicide list, he must use his powers to protect his family and town.
Starring: Kento Yamazaki, Mackenyu, Yusuke Iseya
Where To Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV
Watch The Trailer Here:
4. Sukiyaki Western Django
What’s It About: A lone gunman travels to the town of Yuta. The town is ruled by two warring clans, the white-colored Genji and the red-colored Heike. Both of the clans are on the hunt for hidden treasure in the town. The gunman knows that his services are valuable and offers himself up to the highest bidder that is willing to offer up the largest share of the wealth. But the stranger has a hidden agenda, he wants revenge on behalf of a prostitute.
Starring: Hideaki Ito, Koichi Sato, Yusuke Iseya
Where To Watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel
Watch The Trailer Here:
5. First Love
What’s It About: Leo is a boxer that works in a Chinese restaurant in Tokyo. After taking a bad punch, Leo is rushed to the hospital and is told that he has an inoperable brain tumor. Monica is a call girl trying to pay off her father’s debt. Down on his luck, Leo meets Monica soon find themselves pursued throughout the night by a corrupt cop, a yakuza, his nemesis and a female assassin hired by the Chinese triad.
Starring: Sakurako Konishi, Masataka Kubota, Becky
Where To Watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Vudu
Watch The Trailer Here:
6. The Bird People In China
What’s It About: Wada is a Japanese salaryman. He is sent by his company to a remote village of Yunnan, China to investigate claims of a priceless vein of jade found in the village. Upon his arrival, Wada is accosted by Ujjie, a yakuza that claims Wada’s company owes him money. When the men finally makes it to the village, they are mesmerized by a mysterious village girl with blue eyes. She sings a haunting English song. The two men soon discover a secret that causes men to fly.
Starring: Masahiro Motoki, Mako, Renji Ishibashi
Where To Watch: Available on DVD on Amazon
Watch The Trailer Here:
