Bodyguard Kiba

The first film in the Bodyguard Kiba franchise, and Miike's first truly worthwhile film. It's pure genre filler that doesn't stray too far from the beaten path, but Miike clearly had some solid fun making this film, as he was already experimenting with a bolder visual look and a smart blend of badass genre elements. The result is a bit raw and unpolished, but fun nonetheless.

Kiba is an independent bodyguard who likes to sell his services to local criminals. He is extremely skilled in martial arts and his work is valued, but he underestimates the ruthlessness of the Yakuza world. When he agrees to protect a petty thief against the Soryukai family, he finds himself in more trouble than he bargained for.

The fight sequences aren't that great (punches don't connect and the fight choreography is lacking), some performances are also a bit doubty, but there's a gritty and punchy energy running underneath the film that really ups the entertainment value. If you're interested in Miike's older work, this is probably the best place to start.