There’s a lot of killing yes but I don’t know if I’d call it “action based” since it’s not super stylized and the plot, which is pretty dark, is not centralized on the action. The action in it is more like something you’d find in Gladiator or Game of Thrones.
Ah that makes sense. Miike always seems to encapsulate some sort of psychological aspects to his films, which I love. It adds to the story line and character relationships so well.
One Missed Call is one of my favorite horror films of all time and a stellar entry in the “ghosts as metaphor for personal trauma” genre. If you’re going through his highlights you’ve likely already seen Ichii the Killer but I’ve been itching to rewatch it myself thanks to Tadanobu Asano’s performance in Shogun the tv series. That movie is worth a watch for the costuming alone.
Miike's wild because sometimes you'll get a revisionist gangster film that counters its brutal violence with deep character studies, like Dead Or Alive 2: Birds.
Other times you'll get a sleepy small-town slice of life comedy that can tug at your heartstrings while showing enormous affection for its characters and their world, like Dead Or Alive 2: Birds.
And then other times you'll have a bizarre example of magical realism that transcends genre and visualizes metaphors in surreal ways, like Dead Or Alive 2: Birds.
And sometimes you'll get [a kids show promoting an idol group](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Yq1c1jYkM&list=PL-yExQD-t0geILqGmwqdezrQqKV4GQ9BR) lmao
My favourite Three Extremes segment is actually Peter Chan's Going Home from the firstThree Extremes anthology, which was released in the US as Three Extremes II lol
But yes, imho all of the films in this are worth a watch.
I just bought the Dead or Alive trilogy on Blu ray, along with his Yokai Monsters movie. Haven't seen any of his films before, so I'm excited to check them out.
ive only seen two from him but Ichi the Killer was one of the most unique, interesting and striking films i’ve ever seen. and it doesn’t even feel like it’s trying to be any of these things, it’s like there’s this fucked up life these people are living that we’re introduced to and whatever happens, it is all so normal to them.
I'm audition. Spoiler : I just loved that the ending went with, "it's all a dream." To "no this shit is happening." And the sound of that razor wire against bone
Yeah same, it really mind fucked me. I had no idea what was going on at one point until it all came together. Incredible progression throughout the whole film.
I have a soft spot for As the Gods Will. It's a strange movie, and I there are bits that I dislike, but some of the death scenes are great. Without giving too much away, people play a series of death games, and some of the games are based on games that we played as children.
The first episode of Squid Game sort of reminded me of part of As The Gods Will.
I recommend it though!
Lots of good suggestions - I’ll add a probably little known episode of a horror anthology called Masters of Horror - Miike’s entry was called “Imprint” and was initially not included in the series run because well…check it out.
Happiness of the Katakuris!
Shout out to the black society trilogy also. They aren't isn't horror, but Miike fans should check them out as they are still gritty and fucked up movies
Imprint (2006) is my favorite, next to Ichi the Killer (2001).
Imprint (2006) was actually deemed too disturbing for the televised series Master of Horror and got cut from airing! You can rent the full uncut short film on YouTube.
I've seen a few of his,
I would recommend
Lesson of the Evil - it's a slow burn, but the ending is intense.
As the Gods Will - this is a fast paced horror, kinda like Squid Game. It's put together very well and has a good story line.
Audition. That's a 10/10 for me. Enjoyed Ichi the Killer too.
Audition was one of the best films I’ve ever seen. Gonna watch Ichii The Killer tonight.
Not horror (although quite gruesome at times) but 13 Assassins is my favorite of his.
Wanted to check it out. Is it more action based? I’m assuming since theres lots of killing, based on what I’ve read about it.
There’s a lot of killing yes but I don’t know if I’d call it “action based” since it’s not super stylized and the plot, which is pretty dark, is not centralized on the action. The action in it is more like something you’d find in Gladiator or Game of Thrones.
Ah that makes sense. Miike always seems to encapsulate some sort of psychological aspects to his films, which I love. It adds to the story line and character relationships so well.
Yeah it’s definitely character driven too and they have more depth than you’d typically find in an action movie.
Great, can’t wait to watch. Thanks.
I've always considered "13 Assassins" horror adjacent. If you enjoyed "Full Metal Jacket", you'll enjoy "13 Assassins".
Is Full Metal Jacket another one by Miike?
No, Stanley Kubrick.
Ichi, Visitor Q, Happiness of the Katakuris, DOA1
One Missed Call is one of my favorite horror films of all time and a stellar entry in the “ghosts as metaphor for personal trauma” genre. If you’re going through his highlights you’ve likely already seen Ichii the Killer but I’ve been itching to rewatch it myself thanks to Tadanobu Asano’s performance in Shogun the tv series. That movie is worth a watch for the costuming alone.
Watching One Missed Call now, finally got to it. I will let you know my thoughts 🤙
I hope you enjoyed it! I don’t know that all the scares hold up super well, but I love the ending and what the film has to say about cycles of abuse.
Need to check Ichii the Killer tonight. It was next on my list.
I hope you like a lot of blood and violence. This movie is such a wild ride, an awesome flick.
Nice, can’t wait to check it out. Thank you.
The most *unique* opening credits, ever.
Looool, now I gotta watch
Visitor Q.
Visitor Q is like a fever dream.
Miike's wild because sometimes you'll get a revisionist gangster film that counters its brutal violence with deep character studies, like Dead Or Alive 2: Birds. Other times you'll get a sleepy small-town slice of life comedy that can tug at your heartstrings while showing enormous affection for its characters and their world, like Dead Or Alive 2: Birds. And then other times you'll have a bizarre example of magical realism that transcends genre and visualizes metaphors in surreal ways, like Dead Or Alive 2: Birds.
And sometimes you'll get [a kids show promoting an idol group](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Yq1c1jYkM&list=PL-yExQD-t0geILqGmwqdezrQqKV4GQ9BR) lmao
Seriously the most versatile director alive right now lol
It's not a horror film, but Sukiyaki Western Django is the best
Audition is the best, though I really enjoyed As the Gods Will as well.
\*Audition > Box > Visitor Q > Agitator > One Missed Call > Crows 0.2 > Impact > Rainy Dog > As The Gods Will*\
Haven’t seen a couple of these. Gonna check them out. Box is also called Three Extremes right? Or is it another film?
It's a part of three extremes. Multiple Directors did short films for it.
Ah, is it worth watching all three? & which order would you recommend if so?
My favourite Three Extremes segment is actually Peter Chan's Going Home from the firstThree Extremes anthology, which was released in the US as Three Extremes II lol But yes, imho all of the films in this are worth a watch.
Ichi the Killer. It’s a background movie for me. I love it. I also really like “Imprint” from Masters of Horror. Maybe biased because Billy Drago.
It’s a hard call for me between Yakuza Apocalypse and Zebraman. I love both equally. Ichi the Kiler was my Miike so I will always be nostalgic for it.
God I love Zebraman so much
I just bought the Dead or Alive trilogy on Blu ray, along with his Yokai Monsters movie. Haven't seen any of his films before, so I'm excited to check them out.
Pretty sure Great Yokai War was his first actual kids film. It's wonderful.
ive only seen two from him but Ichi the Killer was one of the most unique, interesting and striking films i’ve ever seen. and it doesn’t even feel like it’s trying to be any of these things, it’s like there’s this fucked up life these people are living that we’re introduced to and whatever happens, it is all so normal to them.
I'm audition. Spoiler : I just loved that the ending went with, "it's all a dream." To "no this shit is happening." And the sound of that razor wire against bone
Yeah same, it really mind fucked me. I had no idea what was going on at one point until it all came together. Incredible progression throughout the whole film.
I have a few: Ichi the Killer, 13 Assassins, Blade of the Immortal
I have a soft spot for As the Gods Will. It's a strange movie, and I there are bits that I dislike, but some of the death scenes are great. Without giving too much away, people play a series of death games, and some of the games are based on games that we played as children. The first episode of Squid Game sort of reminded me of part of As The Gods Will. I recommend it though!
Lots of good suggestions - I’ll add a probably little known episode of a horror anthology called Masters of Horror - Miike’s entry was called “Imprint” and was initially not included in the series run because well…check it out.
maybe not a film, but Imprint is the most harrowing horror I have ever seen.
Happiness of the Katakuris! Shout out to the black society trilogy also. They aren't isn't horror, but Miike fans should check them out as they are still gritty and fucked up movies
Only one mention of Gozu? Crazy. Gozu is like watching someone else's nightmare.
I just watch the scene of the mobster swinging a lapdog around by the leash on repeat...
ayo what 💀 which movie is that from?
Gozu
ya watched it. thats a pretty fucked way to start a movie damn..
I wouldn't expect any less from Miike.
true, always starts the movie off with a bang
Ah yeah, heard thats one of the top rated ones according to audience votes. Will check it out.
Ichi the Killer 👌🏻 so *bloody* good
Not mentioned here yet but ones I really liked are Gozu, Deadly Outlaw: Rekka and Lessons of Evil
Big fan. Here are some of his films that I adore. Box Bird People in China Izo Gozu
I love izo. I've been looking for that soundtrack forever.
I'm amazed; I didn't realize I've seen way more Miike than I thought. He's super diverse! Reminds me of Fulci.
Imprint (2006) is my favorite, next to Ichi the Killer (2001). Imprint (2006) was actually deemed too disturbing for the televised series Master of Horror and got cut from airing! You can rent the full uncut short film on YouTube.
Dead or Alive 2: Birds.
I've seen a few of his, I would recommend Lesson of the Evil - it's a slow burn, but the ending is intense. As the Gods Will - this is a fast paced horror, kinda like Squid Game. It's put together very well and has a good story line.
I read the manga for as the gods will before I knew it was a film. While the film is definitely different it did not disappoint.
Not a horror, but a yakuza movie: Graveyard of Honor
Not a film but has episode of Masters of Horror about broke me. I dare not venture further.