Ghost Killer is a Winner! Ghost Killer is the latest release from Well Go USA Entertainment to come out of the Japanese market, and it is explosive. This well paced and well Directed action comedy is one of the most unique and watchable martial arts films ever made. Ghost Killer exclusively debuting on Digital July 22, before hitting 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD September 23 f
Akari Takaishi, of Baby Assassins' fame, co-stars in this film as a civilian college student with no martial arts training who becomes possessed by the spirit of a murdered Assassin. The Assassin, played by Masanori Mimoto, is familiar to martial arts audiences from his role in Hydra, and other great Japanese martial arts films.
The interplay between these two lead characters is the heart and soul of the film. The conflict for both characters of being forced into this unwilling alliance, and the conflict resolution, makes for some of the film's most comedic and most engaging moments. The film, like many martial arts films is a revenge thriller. In order for this revenge to be effectuated the two central characters, who did not know each other in life, now have to be able to align their bodies, minds, and missions.
While the story is interesting and unique, it is the execution of this story that elevates this film from a good one to a great one. It is not just a good martial arts film but a good movie. That is achieved through the craftsmanship of Kensuke Sonomura, the Director of the great film, Bad City, who manages to take this unbelievable premise and weave a highly watchable and visually engaging piece of art. The Direction, the cinematography, and the editing are masterful. The seamless manner in which the scenes of the two stars' transference unfold are high level filmmaking. These elements alone would make Ghost Killer a Winner; however, there is much more.
The acting is first rate. The two central characters have starred in films of their own and both know how to lead a cast. They also do a great job at balancing their performances. Akari Takaishi has shown great comedic timing and martial arts prowess in prior films; however, in this film we see a different level of acting prowess, She manages to adopt the physical characteristics and mannerisms of her older, male co-star in a way that is seamless and plausible. At times her physical movements so well mirror Mimoto's that it was uncanny. The cast is littered with familiar faces from the world of Japanese Martial arts films, and they are all really good in this one. They serve the story well.
All of these elements combine to form a top rated movie; yet this is still, at its core, a martial arts, action film. In this area the film does not disappoint. The fight and stunt choreography are top notch. The well choreographed, well filmed fight scenes are as good as you will see in any martial arts movie. These fight scenes alone make this one a winner. Both stars have their own fighting styles and martial arts film histories; however, the amazing element of this film is that Takaishi doesn't display her stylistic skills here, but adopts Mimoto's. She does an adapt job at being the vehicle for her Ghost Killer's fighting style. These scenes are truly impressive.
Ghost Killer is a winner! The actors and filmmakers associated with this film have all been involved a series of highly watchable and imaginative films coming out of the Japanese Market. This one is no exception. I think this film's appeal transcends just the martial arts, action genre fans. It has the potential for much broader appeal. I hope I am right.
I highly recommend this film.
The film is in Japanese and is subtitled.
