1-Ichi

"How Ichi became the Killer."

2003 1h 23m JA

😐

5.9

MID

★5.9TMDB · 56

ActionThrillerDrama

Synopsis

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In this prequel we witness the teenage roots of Ichi's manic-depressive beginnings and the origins of his monster-sized kicks and his anger, his psychological, as well as physical, beatings.

“How Ichi became the Killer.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Nao Omori
Ichi / Shiroishi
Teah
Dai
Junior Chihara
Onizame
Chisato Amate
Satomi
Yuki Oikawa
Nao
Eiki Kitamura
Hiromi
Kazuhiro Mashiko
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Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Masato Tanno
Writers: Sakichi Sato
Languages: Japanese
Countries: Japan

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

83 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 23 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "Ichi Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Masato Tanno, shot by Naosuke Imaizumi. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Tadanobu Asano. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Kayo Tomita shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Nao Omori and Teah and Junior Chihara carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Masato Tanno directs. Naosuke Imaizumi behind the camera. Tadanobu Asano scores. Kayo Tomita cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in Japan. Dialogue in Japanese.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

183 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
2Released 23 years ago.
3Part of the "Ichi Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
4Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
5Directed by Masato Tanno, shot by Naosuke Imaizumi. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
6Original score by Tadanobu Asano. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
7Editor Kayo Tomita shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
8Nao Omori and Teah and Junior Chihara carry the top of the cast.
9Marketing tagline: "How Ichi became the Killer.".
10IMDB entry: tt0382508 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
11Only 56 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

The technical file

Cinematography: Naosuke Imaizumi
Original score: Tadanobu Asano
Editing: Kayo Tomita
Runtime: 83 min · 1h 23m
Status: Released
Original language: JA
IMDB: 1-Ichi (2003)

Part of

Ichi Collection

Based on works of Hideo Yamamoto The **Ichi the Killer** trilogy delves into the dark and violent world of its titular character, Ichi, a seemingly mild-mannered man hiding a terrifying secret. The trilogy explores themes of violence, psychopathy, and the consequences of unchecked anger. The trilogy presents a gripping and exhilarating exploration of contemporary Japanese society's underbelly, highlighting Ichi's struggle to reconcile his brutal instincts with his desire to connect with others. The films gradually reveal Ichi's backstory and motivations, ultimately questioning the lines between hero and villain. Experience the raw and intense journey through the **Ichi the Killer Trilogy**!