This was certainly one watchable unique movie but also one that leaves a quite redundant impression in the end. I'm just not sure what this movie tried to achieve and what for a type of story it tried to tell.It's definitely a bit of a weird movie, especially toward the ending. It becomes all kind of arty, with all some, I suppose, deeper meanings to it but I just don't really get it.I think you can just rather say that this is a student-film, that isn't really constantly trying to make sense at all. The movie looks definitely amateur-like and as if got shot by a bunch of friends in their spare time, while they were working with a shoestring budget. In that regard, this movie is all the more a real accomplishment from them but it also makes the movie a bit of an odd one to follow at times.The movie begins sort of slow but suddenly in about the middle of it the movie suddenly turns very violent. This is a movie that is mostly known for its bold gore and violence. And yes, it's all rather good looking and original at times with its gore and violence. Can't really say that this is a very consistent movie but overall it still is a good watch.A bit of a pointless movie but still a good enough watch.6/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

This is one sick little film, and on the point of gore it certainly does the trick but, if you're just watching for violence skip the first hour and you'll be happier; however if you want a film that has something to say with fantastic satirical overtones, the constant Japanese struggle between accepting western ideals and tradition, and interesting ideas about power watch it through. At the midpoint of this film it kind of takes on a last house on the left feel when they're out in the woods and that's when the visceral gore starts flying. Makes Buddy G.'s Shock Treatment look like Barney and is impressively shot for a student film with some interesting camera work. This mayn't be the film for everyone (I'm a hardened gore-hound and I squirmed) but if any of these previous things appeal to you definitely put this gem on your to watch list.

Ever read a novel with missing pages? Perhaps a vague abstraction confused you... Whatever the circumstances, ambiguity resides in relation to this films details and lack thereof; so, if you find yourself asking a lot of questions--especially during the opening half--then don't be surprised. Whether it was deliberately done or not is another debate, but this is a "student film" apparently. Let's hack into the meat of the celluloid now, shall we?!?After losing their leader (Aizawa) to jail time, A group of leftist stalwarts (whose true cause we're never quite sure of, aside from the fact they're seemingly at odds with the prevailing authoritative paradigms, and who may be displeased with the Vietnam war, as one reviewer mentioned), set forth on what becomes a violent power struggle with catastrophic and sanguinary consequences. The aftermath of the aforementioned imprisonment results in an order from Aizawa that his girlfriend is to head the group until his release. A decision that's met with some resistance, but things really turn when the head of the snake is cut off, so to speak. Witness the descent spiral into the abyss of oblivion (barring, you have the patience.) Character-wise, a somewhat diverse ensemble, the rebels are made up of. A nerdy fellow newcomer, A strong silent type with a sword, an annoying female lead with an unsightly countenance, one underling to the incarcerated who asserts his bravado, and a few tag-alongs.*Urgent bulletin*: The first hour is S-L-O-W. *End bulletin*. Well, with the introductory information out of the way, you're probably wondering about the political allegory, symbolism, and profuse gore Kichiku is noted for. Fret not, for there are some impressions--a few drenched in crimson--that this reviewer would like to notify the reader about.-The last member to join the group before its complete and utter combustion seemed to represent traditional values, to an extent. The mute observer seemingly skirting the precipice. Somewhat like he belongs to a bygone samurai age (He wields a nice blade), while those around him represent a new-world pariah mindset. One of youth & contempt for control/authority. Perhaps a product of what they hate (the latter); thus, making them mere reactionaries unsure of what they really want. Are they confused? Eh, maybe.-A Japanese flag with a bloodstain on it, subject to 'stabbings'. I don't think I need to explain that... -Related: Anarchists? Anti-war demonstrators? Te**o*ists? You figure it out.-You'll be forced to reconsider the context of rifles in relation to female genitalia. Heh. -Related: A scene in the mountains, it reminds of Scanners. What a mess of that cranium! Bloody hell! Literally!-Lastly, We see the self destruction of powermongering and the hysteria it brings. Regardless of status or political persuasion, the cycle always ends the same way. Leftist, Reactionary, Staunch Right-Winger, it's all the same when infighting & an inherent lack of discipline clash with egodrama over that elusive thing called control. The affiliations and labels of such cabals render themselves irrelevant in the face of human savagery and animalistic thrashings. Anyways, Kumakiri made a decent flick with both shock appeal and political leanings. Give it a look you cast iron stomachs, you.

Another film from Japan and further astonishment. This begins in the 70's with a radical group's charismatic leader in jail. We get a notion of the anti Vietnam war movement in Japan and understand this group is part of the anti war movement. The leader sends word that his crazy girlfriend is to run the group till he gets out and things do not go according to plan! She gets the group to rob others and f*** her and whilst everyone sits around in between time eating noodles, smoking, drinking and complaining, nothing much else gets done. Halfway through the film there is some in fighting and they all go up into the hills, at which point some terrible violence ensues until there is nobody left alive. There is time for more sex in between kicking, castration, beheading and blasting with a double barrel shotgun but the emphasis is upon relentless appalling bloody violence. Very difficult last half and with so much Japanese symbolism hard to fully comprehend the intent but this doesn't seem a frivolous exercise and much care and attention has gone into the production. The crazy girlfriend gets harder and harder to take with her seeming pointless ruthlessness and manic laughter. Still she certainly gets it in the end!