The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

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.

Koroshiya-1, Ichi the Killer, is a great movie; probably among the best, most vibrant and entertaining movies ever made. It's serious, and takes itself seriously- as it should.This terrible release does not. It takes Ichi's story and essentially adds parts that don't exist in either the manga or the film for entertainment value- there are several pointless sex scenes (such as Ichi's parents engaging in S&M), and the entire thing is melodramatic and absolutely horrible. This is amateur writing at best- it's like something a high-school student would write in an attempt to shock; the cause-and-effect relationships are basic and tenuous at best.Technically, the animation and art is among the worst I've ever seen; ugly characters with absolutely broken anatomy and about three frames of movement each. I watch a lot of anime; the problem is not the style, but this release in particular. The music is perhaps suitable, but still dull; nothing like the film's wonderful primal sounds.As it's mostly unwatchable and physically painful to sit through, I gave it a 2- some very minor redeeming values (like the novelty of Miike being Kakihara's voice- pretty neat), but as a whole, completely worthless.

This animation is actually based on the manga origins of Ichi the Killer but could still plausibly coincide with the movie. It's well made and VERY GORY. Even worse than the live action because it's animated. Currently this is the only Ichi animation made but more should be coming soon. If you liked the live action movie diffenetly pick this up.