20 Most Controversially Violent Films Ever Made

11. Ichi the Killer (2001)

20.02.2013ichi A film which is notorious for its controversial violence, Ichi the Killer has been banned in countries as diverse as Malaysia and Norway. Released with massive cuts in every other country, Ichi is still a brutal, bloody caper which retains its power to shock, despite attempts to censor it. The Yakuza is falling out with itself and splitting into little gangs. An opportunist called Jijii is trying to pit Yakuza clans against each other with the help of his secret weapon Ichi, a pretty meek and mild character until he goes killing and then he becomes enraged and sexually aroused. Jijii manipulates Ichi by planting false memories into his head - turning him into a killing machine. His primary modus operandus? Razor blades on his boots. Censored due to its high impact and bloody violence, I can appreciate why it was cut for classification, but I do not feel that Ichi the Killer is an egregious film. It is more cartoonish (it is after all based on a manga strip) and over the top than offensive. It is not emotionally affecting and the violence is so outrageous it becomes comical. But nevertheless, the film remains banned in several countries.
 
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Contributor

My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!