“Ghost Killer,” directed by renowned stunt performer Kensuke Sonomura, is a quirky and entertaining mix of supernatural vengeance and action. Driven by a fun premise that does occasionally buckle under its own ambition, the film offers a unique blend of comedy, revenge, and fast-paced fight choreography that will appeal to fans of both Japanese action and supernatural thrillers.
The film tells the story of college student Fumika Matsuoka (Akari Takaishi) who, on top of dealing with typical millennial problems, finds herself possessed by the ghost of a hitman named Hideo Kudo (Masanori Mimoto). Hideo’s quest for vengeance becomes the young woman’s burden as she reluctantly agrees to help him finish his revenge from beyond the grave, leading her into the dark underbelly of gangsters and crime.
While the premise has a tinge of absurdity, it works quite well as Sonomura balances his film with a sometimes funny and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of justice, loyalty, and revenge. The chemistry between the two leads and their respective characters form the emotional backbone of the film, making this a story that’s as much about friendship as it is about exacting supernatural revenge.
The fight scenes are meticulously crafted here, often filmed in long takes that highlight the skills of the stunt performers. Sonomura’s personal experience in the field shines through, especially as he chooses to bring an intense intimacy and rawness to his action by keeping the brawls somewhat limited in scope.
The film isn’t without its flaws, and the ambitious premise sometimes feels like it’s carrying more weight than it can handle. Plot points feel disjointed, repetitive, and stretched thin, and the deeper themes (like Fumika’s struggle to balance her personal life with aiding in a dead guy’s vendetta) don’t get the full exploration they deserve.
Despite a few stumbles, the movie is still a blast to watch. The humor, action, and overall concept keep the pace humming along, and every fight sequence is a highlight thanks to Sonomura’s slick direction. “Ghost Killer” is a fun, inventive, and quirky remedy if you need a late-night action fix.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 