Ichi the Killer: Episode 0

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.

This prequel explains more than the 2003's. Its animation is not the best, but it's not really a problem. It's a reasonable anime.

The original comic comes to life, in this bloody/brutal manga. Nicely animated in the most clean and uncluttered way. Contains some action (sex and violence) that might even be considered too strong, for the real film production. The story is both excellent and thought provoking; in a 'Crying Freeman', type style.

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.

This anime acts as a prequel to Takashi Miike's infamous live action film. It shows how bullied school boy Hajime Shiroishi comes to discover his violent side; something that will lead to brutal murder and him being institutionalised. When he is released he has no memories of what he has done, and has the mind of a six year old, but others plan to find a way of using his violence for their own needs and making him 'Killer Number One'.

If you haven't watched the original film, or read the manga, this anime is unlikely to appeal too much; however if you liked the film this is well worth watching. Be warned though it is disturbing at times. The animated violence might not be as extreme as the live action film but it is made more disturbing by the fact that it is made very clear that Hajime is aroused by extreme violence. There is also violent sex in a couple of scenes. The story is interesting enough but at forty six minutes in length it feels a bit rushed; apart from Hajime the characters aren't particularly well developed. The animation might not be of the highest quality but that roughness seems to suit the material. Overall I'd only recommend this to Ichi fans.

These comments are based on watching the animation in Japanese with English subtitles.