Review: Takashi Miike's FIRST LOVE Is an Awesome, Character-Driven Violent Crime Thriller
Takashi Miike, the director of films such as Audition, Ichi Killer, Blade of the Immortal, and more fantastic, crazy, and twisted films is back with a new one called First Love. If you’re a fan of the films Miike has made in the past, this is one that you don’t want to miss out on!
First Love has a perfect mix of brutal action, violence, comedy, and romance. This is Miike at his most fun, and the end result is an absolute blast! From start to finish I was engulfed in the story that this film told, and the characters that filled it were spectacular!
The crime thriller is set in Tokyo and takes place over the course of a single night. A young up-and-coming promising boxer unexpectedly finds himself helping a young drug-addicted prostitute whose life is in danger. They find themselves in the middle of a drug-smuggling plot involving organized crime, corrupt cops, and a crazy-ass female assassin.
One of the things I loved most about this film were the characters and the way the were developed. Each of the characters was fantastically crafted, and they all had their fun and unique personalities. It didn’t matter if they were good or bad guys, all of the characters, regardless of how sadistic they were, were enjoyable and had awesomely likable traits that will bring the laughs.
First Love is a purely entertaining action film filled with humor that I know movie geeks will enjoy. The film is an absolute blast, and if it’s playing anywhere in a theater near you I highly recommend that you check it out! You’re in for a wild ride!