Izo

Izo is a strange film. Even for Takashi Miike, this one is out there.

The main character is based on historical figure Izo Okada, who is crucified at the beginning of the film. The movie, such as it is, follows Izo as he is transported through space and time, killing people with a sword. Over and over and over and over.

These killings are interspersed with stock footage of everything from WWII to babies being born. Some interludes also feature music from Japanese artist Kazuki Tomokawa, who some have compared to the sound of an angry cat being strangled. You may want to strangle the guy yourself after one of his extended solos, but you can't say he isn't putting his heart into his work.

I was annoyed at first but became mesmerized, as I attempted to figure out what was going on. Izo butchers his way through all institutions of society, slowly losing his humanity. Schools, weddings, churches, government officials, police, Izo kills—well, almost everyone.

Some may find the movie pretentious, repetitive, annoying, and dull. I walked away feeling somewhat baffled, but enjoyed it for reasons I could not define. It was the sort of movie that you think about for a few days afterwards. In the end you will probably have to come to your own conclusion about what, if anything, this film is trying to say. If you can stay with it until the end you're bound to have your own take on what, if anything, it all means.

Film fans will also enjoy appearances by such folks as Takeshi Kitano; MMA fans may appreciate an appearance by Bob Sapp.