Title: Ghost Killer
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Kensuke Sonomura
Starring: Akari Takaishi, Mario Kuroba, Masanori Mimoto
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins

What It Is: One morning after a drunken night, college student Fumika Matsuoka (Akari Takaishi) finds a bullet shell on her way home and decides to take it with her. Soon after, she becomes haunted by the ghost of a hitman named Kudo (Masanori Mimoto). Reluctantly, she agrees to help him get his revenge—if only to get rid of him.

What We Think: This was the last movie I saw at Fantastic Fest, and I have to say, what a tremendously fun note to end the festival on! This film had a lot going for it—great comedy, great action, and memorable characters. It was superb. The action scenes were truly things of beauty, and the fight choreography was chef’s kiss. You can tell a lot of effort went into the production.

Honestly, I can’t think of anything I’d criticize about it. Akari Takaishi gives an amazing performance, effortlessly switching between her character and the hitman. At the drop of a dime, she physically establishes two different characters inhabiting the same body flawlessly. Since so much of the movie relies on the hitman possessing the main character to fight the bad guys, her ability to sell it convincingly makes her performance a real treat to watch.

The final fight scenes had me on the edge of my seat, and I was probably smiling through 90% of the movie. The other 10% had me emotional due to the touching scenes. You know it’s a fun film when every character leaves a lasting impression.

I’d easily say this was one of my top films from the festival, and I would happily watch it again. It’s a fun ride!

Our Grade: A+, A fun movie that never stops being enjoyable. From beginning to end, I loved it. The action scenes are top-notch, and the comedy is solid. A 10/10 film.