If you’re a fan of pop culture and love exploring the wilder side of cinema, say hello to Takashi Miike, a name that might not ring a bell yet, but trust us, it’s one you won’t forget. Miike, hailing from Japan, is a filmmaker extraordinaire who’s career spans over three decades.  He’s known for pushing boundaries and shocking audiences and he never disappoints. Imagine a rollercoaster of genres, from horror to comedy, all wrapped in a unique, often outrageous style.

He’s the mastermind behind cult classics like:

“Audition (1999)” which blends romance with spine-chilling horror.

“Ichi the Killer (2001)” a film that redefines the term ‘extreme.’

“13 Assassins (2010)” this one is an absolute thrill ride set in feudal Japan with a ruthless, power-hungry lord causing chaos.  What do you do?  Assemble a squad of the baddest, most skilled samurai warriors – 13 to be exact – for a mission that’s pretty much a suicide run.

“Blade of the Immortal (2017)” get ready for a thrilling dive into the world of samurai and supernatural revenge.  It’s a wild, action-packed ride, blending slick swordplay with a touch of immortal magic

Spectrum Films has just released an all new box set featuring 4 of Takashi Miike’s films.

Limited collector box – numbered 1000 copies
Contains:
– the Blu-ray of the film “Agitator” (“Araburu tamashii-tachi”, 2001, 1.85, 150′, VOST 5.1/2.0)
– the Blu-ray of the film “The City of Lost Souls” (“Hyoryu-gai”, 2000, 1.77, 103′, VOST 5.1/2.0)
– the Blu-ray of the film “First Love” (“Hatsukoi”, 2019, 2.39, 108′, VOST 5.1/2.0)
– the Blu-ray of the film “Yakuza Apocalypse” (“Gokudo daisenso”, 2015, 2.39, 115′, VF 2.0 – VOST 5.1/2.0)
– the DVD of the film “Agitator”, long version (“Araburu tamashii-tachi”, 2001, 1.85, 198′, VOST 2.0)
– Tom Messenger’s book “Takashi Miike: Stirrer / Smoking”

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Just a heads up, though – his films are not for the faint of heart!  You’ve been warned.

“City of Lost Souls (2000) – In “City of Lost Souls” you get an electrifying blend of genres that only Miike could cook up. Picture this: a Brazilian-Japanese guy and his Chinese girlfriend on the run in Tokyo’s underbelly. It’s a high-octane, over-the-top action flick with a love story at its heart. There’s everything from cockfighting rings to a game of Russian roulette with a poisonous snake. “City of Lost Souls” is a non-stop, adrenaline-pumping escapade that’s part crime drama, part love story, and 100% Miike madness. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves their cinema with a side of sheer, unadulterated insanity!

“Agitator (2001)” – This one is a wild ride into the heart of Japan’s gritty underworld. “Agitator” plunges you into the tangled, treacherous world of Yakuza, Japan’s notorious crime syndicates. This isn’t your typical gangster flick; it’s a Miike masterpiece, which means you’re in for a unique blend of intense drama, unexpected twists, and that signature Miike audacity.

Picture this: a power struggle erupts within a Yakuza clan, and you’re thrown into a whirlpool of betrayal, loyalty, and raw ambition. Miike crafts a narrative that’s as complex as it is captivating, with characters that are deeply flawed yet strangely relatable. The film’s pacing is a thrill in itself, masterfully balancing quieter, introspective moments with bursts of shocking violence.

“Yakuza Apocalypse (2015) –  In this one we put Yakuza gangsters, vampires, and a dash of the supernatural into a blender, creating a cinematic smoothie that’s equal parts absurd, action-packed, and utterly unforgettable.

In “Yakuza Apocalypse,” we dive into the world of the Yakuza, where our main guy, Kamiura, isn’t just a feared crime boss; he’s also a bloodsucking vampire! (Which, let’s be honest, you had us at vampire.)  When enemies come knocking and things go south for Kamiura, his loyal underling, Kageyama, steps into the vampire world, inheriting his boss’s powers and problems. What follows is a riotous journey filled with over-the-top fight scenes, a vampire apocalypse, and a giant frog costume (yes, you read that right). It’s like Miike took every rule in the film making book and gleefully tossed it out the window.

“First Love (2019) –  This film is a wild, exhilarating ride through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets! Picture this: a whirlwind mix of romance, yakuza gangsters, and a dash of hallucinatory flair.  The story revolves around Leo, a young boxer, and Monica, a call girl entangled in drug schemes. Their paths cross in a fateful, chaotic night filled with action, unexpected twists, and, believe it or not, heartwarming moments.  The film is a testament to Miike’s ability to craft a narrative that’s both wildly entertaining and surprisingly touching. “First Love” isn’t just a movie; it’s a full-throttle experience that reaffirms Miike’s status as a cinematic maestro of the bizarre and the beautiful.