So Ichi the Killer got a 4K restoration, saw it at a midnight showing last night. Yes, about 15% of the audience walked out if you were wondering (jeepers, this movie is a bit much, no?). It still has a low grade look to it, but its aggresive gore doesn't seem always quite so nasty when you can clearly see the seams (sometimes actual ones) holding the effects together. Still though, I had never seen it theatrically before, and its still potent mix of very dark humor and depravity hasn't lost any of its punch. Just ask those guys who checked out before and after the refund window closed.
I'm a big Miike fan, but I haven't seen any of his older films in quite some time, I do think he's 'matured' over time. But he's also clearly mellowed out just a bit. I very much like the present day Miike, and he's absolutley a better director than the guy who made this film, but still, the audaciousness of it all is endearing, even as its repellent (on purpose tho).