I guess I've had one too many Desensitisation pill - since Ichi was just annoying, with a few amusing scenes (6/10). If nothing else, I learned the Japanese word for "murder" :)

Oh and, Audition is my favorite Miike film as well, followed closely by The Bird People in China.

I have one doubt about this movie. Who was really the main character? Ichi or Kakihara?

Screened.com mentioned it was on Watch Instantly now. And said is was "an experience".
I felt like Kakihara was the main character. Most of the characters all tie to him. He was also clearly the main event; while Ichi had that boot-knife thing, Kakihara was an expert at cruel and unusual methods of torture.

I do think that they shared several characteristics. Both had unusual, disgusting methods of stimulation, and both would do anything to get what "they" wanted (less so for Ichi).

If it helps I can inform you that they used real semen in the movie >.<
But yea, my thoughts were pretty much the same the first time I saw it, but in a good way. :)

My only suggestion is that you read the graphic novels, they're a whole lot of fun! I honestly thought it was one of the best movies I've ever seen before!

I'd stomp hundreds of puppies to death if I could get Kakihara's wardrobe.

SAVE THE PUPPIES!!!