GHOST KILLER
****
Directed by Kensuke Sonomura.
Starring Akari Takaishi, Masanori Mimoto, Mario Kuroba.
Horror, Action, Comedy, Japan, 105 Minutes, Certificate 15.
Reviewed as part of Glasgow Film Festival 2025
Action movie aficionados and fans of the BABY ASSASSINS series, the third part of which is also playing at this year's Glasgow Film Festival, will no doubt have been looking forward to this Japanese low budget actioner. Kensuke Sonomura pulls on his directing hat here after a varied career as both a stuntman and action director, particularly for his work on the aforementioned BABY ASSASSINS movies. One more link to that burgeoning cult franchise can be found in the presence of leading lady Akari Takaishi, taking centre stage here in this fast and funny action-comedy tinged with the supernatural.
Beginning with the death of hitman Kudo, we then follow the path of the bullet cartridge that ended his life as it is kicked around town from the back alley where he fought for survival until it comes into the possession of Fumika, a young waitress. Fed up with her job which seems to entail being shouted at and ordered around by drunken middle-aged men, her social life is no better where she has to put up with a lecherous and pathetic figure who promises to help with her career. Further adding to her woes is the unwelcome fact that she is now being followed around by the ghost of Kudo, who claims he can only be exorcised by removing the grudge he has against his former employers. By killing them all.
Reluctant to let him take control of her body, Fumika eventually and reluctantly agrees to help this tragic figure, who in turn begins to see the error of his ways as he sees what exactly this young innocent woman has to put up with on a daily basis. The chauvinistic behaviour of not just gangsters but men in general is dealt with expertly and humorously as Fumika begins to relish the opportunity in smacking around not only bullying men but in teaching a lesson to what she refers to as “anti-social gangs” aka Yakuza.
For all of its socially relevant issues concerning the vast spectrum of male chauvinism, GHOST KILLER never forgets that it is an action movie. Despite the introduction of the main villains not coming in until halfway through the movie, the pacing is steady with its well observed comedy, which never feels the need to go broad or over the top. The action, when it does arrive, is undeniably thrilling in its execution. Hand to hand combat is the order of the day here as opposed to gunplay for which Takaishi is perhaps more known for in the BABY ASSASSINS films. She acquits herself more than admirably here, particularly when her personality shifts from her own nervous and overwhelmed self to Kudo’s calm and lethal manner.
The film also contains what could be one of the best straight up fight scenes in quite some time when Kudo, using Fumika’s body, faces off against a stone faced henchman. The choreography is lightning fast and dizzying. Filmed in long fluid takes, this lengthy scene is a joy to behold with its thrilling execution and how it deals with Kudo’s possession of Fumika, adding an extra dimension and elevating it from just another typical fight scene.
The potential for the tone to go awry is never an issue. Remarkably assured in its script and direction this is an excellent example of what action cinema can achieve with a low budget. The character work is sharp and keenly observed, particularly in the case of Kudo’s ex-partner and clean up man Kagehara, played by Mario Kuroba, whose cold blooded demeanour is stripped away by both Kudo and Fumika in affecting fashion.
Well worth seeking out, GHOST KILLER has the potential to promote Sonomura to more high profile gigs as well as Takaishi with her portrayal of one of the most interesting action heroines to come along in quite some time. Don’t be surprised if this gets snapped by some US studio for a glossy remake, just seek it out while you can.
Iain MacLeod