Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

I, the Executioner Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman February 22, 2024

On a supplement included on this disc Tom Mes makes the perhaps unexpected case that serial killers have been a staple of Japanese cinema since the dawn of Japanese cinema. Mes offers a laundry list of films understandably spanning several decades (considering how early the first examples are that Mes shows of films about serial killers), all of which may offer a slightly subversive take on a society that we Westerners often almost inherently think of as being "polite". Any notions of "polite" Japanese may be instantly disabused by the absolutely shocking opening vignette of I, the Executioner, which in its own way brings to mind a similarly disturbing "POV" look at victims in Michael Powell's legendary Peeping Tom. The camera in this opening moment is the executioner, and the stunned look on the face of his first female victim sets the tone for this unsettling piece, which offers a really florid style that can arguably kind of hover somewhere between noir and giallo.

Radiance seems to be exploring the filmography of director Tai Katô, given this release and their imminent By a Man's Face Shall You Know Him. Katô's penchant for "below the belt" perspectives is actually addressed in a supplement on this disc (see screenshot 4 for just one example), and it's just one of several stylistic flourishes which give I, the Executioner some undeniable energy even if some of the narrative elements never quite add up.

The film doesn't really try to hide the fact that a man named Shima (Makoto Satô) is the killer, it's the why of it all that is intentionally structured to baffle both the audience and some traditionally boneheaded police. While it perhaps expectedly doesn't initially occur as important to the police, an apparently "unrelated" suicide of a teenaged boy in the same building the first victim is found in is obviously not just a coincidental throwaway in the screenplay (how could it be, really?). Even then, Shima's relationship to the story is uncertain, something that arguably continues to be the case even after a few late third act info dumps are offered. That lack of clarity arguably extends to the reason behind the suicide, which of course turns out to be directly related to Shima's killing spree.

There is some rather interesting subtext at play in this story, including allusions to a post-World War II Japan still in the throes of redefining itself socioeconomically. There is also some interesting if maybe unintentional deconstruction of perceived gender roles and what might be termed "control". But all of this context and content may not be as viscerally effective as the onslaught of stylized imagery the film offers.

I, the Executioner Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

I, the Executioner is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Radiance Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.41:1. Radiance sent a check disc for purposes of this review, and so I'm not privy to any information about the transfer that is in their insert booklet, but their website offers a generic "high definition digital transfer", for whatever that's worth. This is a really appealing looking presentation for a film that intentionally toys with the imagery, including some near psychedelic effects with image reversals and pushed contrast. Those stylistic quirks aside, the "normal" sections of this presentation offer really engaging detail levels with consistent contrast supporting both beautifully deep blacks and some nicely modulated gray scale. There is some very minor but visible lateral image instability from time to time. Grain resolves without any issues.

I, the Executioner Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

I, the Executioner features LPCM 2.0 Mono audio in the original Japanese. There's just the slightest hint of distortion in some of the rather appealing female vocalese moments, but otherwise this track offers secure support for a film that does feature some sound effects, but is more often than not more simply dialogue driven, without a lot of sonic "bells and whistles". All spoken material is delivered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English subtitles are available.

I, the Executioner Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Kenta Fukasaku (HD; 19:45) is a really interesting interview with the son of director Kinji Fukasaku, who knew Tai Katô, and who discusses Katô's life and filmography in general and this film in particular. Subtitled in English.


• A Serial History (HD; 16:07) is a fascinating visual essay by Tom Mes and Jim Harper which looks at the rather surprisingly long list of Japanese films about serial killers.


• Trailer (HD; 3:57)

Radiance sent a check disc for purposes of this review, but their website lists an insert booklet and packaging that features a reversible sleeve their Obi strip.

I, the Executioner Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In a way, it may actually not be entirely "accurate" to define Shima as a "real" serial killer, since it becomes apparent he's actually a man on a quest for vengeance, as questionable as the screenplay may let that vengeance be. One way or the other, though, this is a disturbingly dark and depressing story that nonetheless packs considerable emotional punch and delivers some really interesting stylistic adornments along the way. Technical merits are generally solid and the on disc supplements very enjoyable. Recommended.