# Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero (2002)

> A brutal anime prequel exposes the psychological roots of Tokyo’s most terrifying killer amid a sadomasochistic yakuza feud.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/62000

## Facts

- Runtime: 47 min
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Crime
- Director: Shinji Ishihira
- Cast: Chihiro Suzuki, Shinpachi Tsuji, Takashi Miike, Sayaka Ohara, Atsushi Imaruoka, Daisuke Sakaguchi, Ema Kogure, Eri Saito
- TMDB rating: 5.5/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362808/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: extreme
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: harrowing, grotesque, oppressive, late night horror viewing, cult anime marathon

## Movies like Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero

- [Mezzo Forte (2000)](https://ember.film/movie/38275)
- [Kite (1998)](https://ember.film/movie/11400)
- [Killers (2014)](https://ember.film/movie/103155)
- [Fudoh: The New Generation (1996)](https://ember.film/movie/22515)
- [Urotsukidōji II: Legend of the Demon Womb (1991)](https://ember.film/movie/32582)
- [Demon City (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7391657)
- [Midori (1992)](https://ember.film/movie/36082)
- [Lesson of the Evil (2012)](https://ember.film/movie/79217)
- [Perfect Blue (1998)](https://ember.film/movie/5571)
- [Versus (2000)](https://ember.film/movie/3249)

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