A Certain Killer
A Certain Killer

Movie spotlight

A Certain Killer

1967
Movie
82 min
Japanese

A former soldier, reduced to working at a restaurant post-war, becomes a contract killer for the yakuza gangs he's in contact with.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users70%
Director: John SmithGenres: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A seasoned detective is called to investigate a series of meticulously planned murders that seem to defy any logical connection between the victims. As he delves deeper into the cases, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of power. With time running out and the killer always one step ahead, the detective must race against the clock to unmask the perpetrator before another life is tragically taken.

Critical Reception

Despite its promising premise, 'A Certain Killer' was met with a mixed reception from critics, who praised its suspenseful atmosphere and lead performance but found the plot convoluted and the resolution unsatisfying. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the film's dark tone and others criticizing its slow pacing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense atmosphere and compelling lead detective.

  • Criticized for a confusing plot and an anticlimactic ending.

  • Found to be an otherwise stylish but ultimately flawed thriller.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's suspenseful build-up and the strong performance of the lead actor. However, many viewers found the storyline hard to follow in parts and felt that the film did not fully deliver on its early promise, leading to a somewhat disappointing conclusion for some.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, echoing sound design used for the killer's footsteps was achieved by recording them in an empty warehouse with strategically placed microphones.

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