Kichiku Banquet of Beasts

Kichiku, also known in English as Kichiku: Banquet of Beasts (Japanese: 鬼畜大宴会, Romaji: Kichiku dai enkai), is a 1997 Japanese feature film directed, written, and produced by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri.

Promotional poster or still for the film Kichiku — Kichiku

Background and Production

The film originated as Kazuyoshi Kumakiri's art-school graduation project while he studied at the Osaka University of Arts. Tomohiro Zaizen served as co-producer, and Kiyoaki Hashimoto worked as the cinematographer. The motion picture has a runtime of 120 minutes, is spoken in Japanese, and was produced in Japan.

Plot

Set in 1970s Japan, the story follows a small left-wing political student group whose leader, Aizawa, is arrested. Following his arrest, Aizawa's girlfriend, Masami, takes over leadership of the faction. When Aizawa dies by suicide in jail, Masami's control over the group collapses amidst rising paranoia and extreme violence.

Release and Reception

Kichiku was released on September 1, 1997. Following its completion, the film received the semi-Grand Prix award at the 20th PIA Film Festival.