365 Movies Day #167 "Dead or Alive 2: Tôbôsha"

Miike outdoes himself here by inserting some incredibly beautiful moments in a movie filled with gritty ultra-violent action, insane violence, perversion and comedy. The story seems all over the place, but it has a central thread and decipherability that would make David Lynch proud.

I'm going to steal the description of the plot from imdb. "Two contract killers cross paths in the middle of the same job and realize they are childhood friends." It's so much more than this and really is some of the most innovative, visually impressive and creative storytelling I've seen...and clearly the work of a madman.

We've talked about Miike a couple of times before with his first installment of "DEAD OR ALIVE", "AUDITION" and "SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO". DoA2 is definitely his most off the wall, but simultaneously beautiful film I've seen so far.

Interestingly, Miike uses the same two leads in this sequel as the original film, though in completely new roles. Riki Takeuchi and Shô Aikawa are fantastic to watch. Staple Miike actor Renji Ishibashi from all of the before mentioned Miike films also makes an appearance.

Like I said, a lot of disturbing stuff here (to be expected from Miike), but some great story and wonderful moments as well. Check it out!

DEAD OR ALIVE 2: TOBOSHA ON IMDB