Takashi Miike’s ICHI THE KILLER has endured as one of the most influential pieces of genre filmmaking of the last two decades, and now it returns in a stunning all-new 4k restoration – approved by Miike himself. This visceral, bloody, and often hilarious film follows Kakihara (Tadanobu Asano), a notoriously sadistic yakuza enforcer whose search for his boss’ killer brings him into the orbit of a demented costumed assassin known as Ichi (Nao Ōmori). Perfect for a Friday Late Night Movie screening at the Rio, ICHI THE KILLER is, “a thoroughly shocking gorefest that will surely entertain those with strong stomachs and a penchant for brutal violence.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“Takashi Miike layers a blood-stained commentary on a toxic world in which men offer protection to men but really end up dooming them to exist within a spasmodic, shambolic, and hypermasculine sphere of violence.” (Village Voice)

“Funny, absurd, nightmarishly visceral and — of course — deeply serious.” (Time Out)

“Unhinged even for Takashi Miike, Ichi the Killer suggests a bloody and ejaculate-stained Rorschach inkblot, reveling in ultraviolence that can be interpreted to flatter any adventurous audience’s sensibilities.” (Slant Magazine)

Friday, March 16
Doors 8:00 pm | Movie 8:30 pm

Tickets $10 advance HERE | $12 at the door

*Minors permitted in the balcony. (Please note this film is rated 18A.) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

ICHI THE KILLER “Kiroshiya 1” (Takashi Miike, 2001 / 129 mins / Japanese with English subs / 18A) As sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer Kakihara searches for his missing boss he comes across Ichi, a repressed and psychotic killer who may be able to inflict levels of pain that Kakihara has only dreamed of.