5. Ichi the Killer (2001)
Why It's Controversial Banned in countries as diverse as Norway and Malaysia, Ichi the Killer is a Manga-based Japanese film of ultra-violent proportions. It has been banned due to "high impact violence and cruelty". Ichi is directed by Takeshi Miike and the story revolves around a crime boss and his rival gangs. Ichi - an awesome killer - is being groomed by Jijii, a gang outcast. Ichi likes to kill people in very inventive ways with razorblades strapped to his boots - he literally can decimate people with his feet. Perhaps what is most disturbing is the sexual satisfaction Ichi gains from violence and killing. Violence + sexual desire = taboo. He also loves to be beaten and tortured himself!
Why It's Good: Ichi the Killer is not dull. It is pure excitement from beginning to end. There is a lot of black humour in the film and for me, the violence is far too cartoonish for the viewer to get really upset about. For lovers of extreme cinema such as myself, there are oodles of things to keep us gawping at the screen. Ichi possesses a kind of naivety and innocence (away from his razor blade boots) that is quite endearing. If you can overcome your disgust at the copious blood letting, Ichi the Killer is an entertaining little film to watch.