First Love (Hatsukoi)

"Expect twists, turns, surprises, violence, love and Miike’s wry, knowing wit."

"Miike's seemingly offhand inventiveness is evident in almost every shot and cut."

"It's a joyous piece of filmmaking, a demented, multitasking little scherzo from a director who cranks out four new features a year on average and who never seems more relaxed than when he's in an absolute frenzy."

"A double-crossing, criss-crossing caper, fatalistic and fun."

"Yes, it's preposterous and at times hyper-violent, but the tongue is always firmly in its cheek. Until it's cut out."

"It’s a vibrant ode to life, teeming with death. It’s a crowd-pleaser too, just as long as that particular crowd is baying for blood. “Everything’s fucked,” one character declares as things go south, and that just about sums it up."

"As ever with Miike, the sheer profusion of material, the torrent of wacky creativity, means that there is always something to hold the attention. It’s bizarre and very unwholesome. But weirdly inspired."