Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero (2002)

Nice effects though.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

I realise Ichi hardcore fans were disappointed with this short animated feature that depicts the killer's early years, but I rather enjoyed it. Purists are unhappy with the dollops of SM orientated sex that peppers the film and whilst I can understand that I rather liked the links made with the sex and violence. It may come over a little pat here but it is rare enough that the link is even touched on in most mafia/yakuza movies, when the link is surely undeniable. Some have also criticised the muddy and occasionally ugly animation, but again all seemed well suited to the subject matter. I liked the domestic scenes and the inevitable references to school qualifications and bullying and overall thought that a very decent job had been done. I see no sign of a sequel that would take us into the same time frame as the original live action film and this presumably reflects that not everyone felt as well disposed to this as I.

Do not be confused because ICHI THE KILLER: THE ANIMATION EPISODE 0 is not the prequel to Takashi Miike's 'live-action' version of Hideo Yamamoto's infamous manga, it is the prequel to Hideo Yamamoto's infamous manga.It's about Ichi when he was a student in high school and how he was bullied, what he was like when he was with his family and friends and how he became a twisted and sadistic assassin.This prequel is really cool: good animation, a well-written script and a hardcore soundtrack make this film worth a watch. Although some people may find this film too short or too much like a big music video. Other than that, it's worth watching, but read the comic book before watching it.

This anime was dreadful. Poor script, shockingly amateur animation and a bland and pointless story. It starts well, the DVD menu is colourful and music seems cool. But as soon as you start watching the film it becomes obvious how cheap it is. The plot is predictable; boy is bullied and his anger is suppressed, he eventually becomes a killer. Triggered by a few events, one including a pointless brutal sex scene. So badly done, that no emotions are stirred at all. You just couldn't care less about any of the characters.There are plenty better anime films out there. Watch anything by Studio Ghibli and you will never want to watch anything this bad ever again. 1 Star.

I saw this anime as an add on to the sensory overload that was ichi the killer. I have to say i did not like the anime. As well as i believe it has been done it seems like just another way of squeezing another drop of crimson fluid from a franchise that is already swimming in it.The takeshi miike voiced kakihara is just not even worth mentioning as he hardly even manages any lines. The same set of animation occurs several times in the cartoon which isnt a good sign as the animation is only 45 minutes long.the dub is in an english accent which means no self respecting fan of the live action could sit through it. A must see for ichi fans but a must not buy.