KILLING / ZAN

Japan in 19th century turmoil. A ronin teaches the art of swordsmanship to a young farmer, under the disapproving eyes of the latter’s sister. The arrival of a master swordsman and a band of blood-thirsty outlaws will seal the young trio’s fate

Killing is not only one of Shinya Tsukamoto’s best features yet, it’s also one of the most beautiful samurai films around. A flagship of Japanese cinema, the chanbara (an onomatopoeia for the sound of a sword slashing flesh) obeys extremely precise codes. But Tsukamoto shatters them to pieces as this sensitive but cruel tale unfolds. A mature work by the most punk of Japanese directors.