The New York Times by Dave Kehr
The emotional impact of Shark Skin Man is negligible.
Japan · 1998
Rated R · 1h 48m
Director Katsuhito Ishii
Starring Tadanobu Asano, Sie Kohinata, Ittoku Kishibe, Susumu Terajima
Genre Crime, Comedy, Thriller, Action
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In dreamlike mountain scenery, Toshiko makes a daring escape from her sexually warped Uncle Sonezaki. Fortunately, she met Samehada as she runs for her life, which is also escaping from some slayers. What follows is a wild chase that leads the audience into a comically violent world.
We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.
The New York Times by Dave Kehr
The emotional impact of Shark Skin Man is negligible.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
The movie is visually impressive, but Ishii's virtuoso style can't overcome the flatness of the comic-book story he's telling.
Falls into the clotheshorse cliché: all dressed up and no place to go.
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Its crazy non sequiturs and anything-goes performances do lend it a certain cult appeal.
Exceptionally satisfying and enormously entertaining.
The non-linear plot makes for confusion and, except for the inspired final shootout, the action sequences are mediocre.
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A failed stand-up comedian is driven insane, turning to a life of crime in chaos in Gotham City.