Cast Member: Hisashi Igawa

For newcomers, it may prove a little difficult to get into and occasionally confusing but those already enjoying Kitano’s films will easily find several merits here that are synonymous with his best work.

The narrative and sonic stylings lag behind the excellent visuals, and the film isn’t really more than the sum of its parts.

‘Villain’ is not a whodunnit – the identity of the killer is uncovered early on in the film. It is, however, a whydidtheydoit (that’s not going to catch on is it) and quite an excellent one too.