In this daring twist on the Death Wish premise, the bad guys are young. Very very young. The viewer is forced to contend with the suggestion that the teenagers shown, some pretty much children, are irreparably corrupted by childish cruelty, hopelessly fascinated with killing. Regardless of how honest this is in portraying Japan, Miike makes this brutally violent vigilante flick involving children work. You won't feel comfortable with it but you will really want their little heads on sticks.

I've never been so invested in a film of such questionable acting. I don't think I like anyone here, really. All praise to one of Miike's most stylistic accomplishments and an impressive script of both emotional complexity and gleeful absurdity (mainly in its societal outlook).

Although the story is not very original, there is still something universally compelling about loss and vengeance. Miike makes this movie work by slowing down the pace, building up a tension that works. It's a very sad movie, but the protagonist works in his dorkiness--Miike's visuals compliment the film very well.