Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero

"Anime at its most extreme."

2002 0h 47m JA

😐

5.4

MID

★5.4TMDB · 38

AnimationDramaHorrorThrillerCrime

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

A masochistic mobster meets his match in the dark streets of Tokyo. His nemesis, Ichi, is a psychopathic killer with an unrelenting thirst for bloodshed. A horrifying secret burns in his mind, and his hands deal death without mercy. At last, the shrouds of mystery are parted to reveal the origin of the monster. The city will know its greatest fear at the unveiling of Ichi the Killer.

“Anime at its most extreme.”

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Cast

Chihiro Suzuki
Ichi (voice)
Shinpachi Tsuji
Jijii (voice)
Takashi Miike
Kakihara (voice)
Sayaka Ohara
Midori (voice)
Atsushi Imaruoka
Nobuo (voice)
Daisuke Sakaguchi
Hirose (voice)
Ema Kogure
Jiro (voice)
Eri Saito
Mother (voice)

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Shinji Ishihira
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

Tight 47-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 24 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

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

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Chihiro Suzuki and Shinpachi Tsuji and Takashi Miike carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Anime at its most extreme.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0362808 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Shinji Ishihira directs. Terumitsu Okada cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in Japan. Dialogue in Japanese.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Tight 47-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.
2Released 24 years ago.
3Part of the "Ichi Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
4Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
5Editor Terumitsu Okada shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6Chihiro Suzuki and Shinpachi Tsuji and Takashi Miike carry the top of the cast.
7Marketing tagline: "Anime at its most extreme.".
8IMDB entry: tt0362808 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
9Only 38 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

The technical file

Editing: Terumitsu Okada
Runtime: 47 min · 0h 47m
Status: Released
Original language: JA
IMDB: Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero (2002)

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**!