Takashi Miike (Japan)
Itchi The Killer is related, not only in name, but in spirit The Simpson's Itchy and Scratchy. Extreme sado-masochist imagery abounds in this stylized action adaptation of the manga comic by Hideo Yamamoto. A yakuza mob finds itself the target of an ultra-violent killer, who rips out spinal chords and innards in a way no one has ever seen before. One particular gangster is fascinated - as the ultimate masochist, he's just dying to meet such a superb sadist. Not intended for Merchant Ivory fans and extremely unlikely to see theatrical distribution in Ontario. - L.L.

(Fri., Sept 14, 12 a.m., Uptown; Sat. Sept. 15, 2 p.m., Cumberland)