Ghost Killer – Review
A young woman, vulnerable and to a point defenseless, comes across the bullet casing that killed a hitman, and by touching it, she finds herself becoming his medium for revenge.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
“Ghost Killer” Film Details
- Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 44 Minutes
- Released On: Digital
- Public Release Date: July 22, 2025
- Director(s): Kensuke Sonomura
- Writer(s): Yugo Sakamoto
- Primary Language: Non-English (Japanese)
- Genre(s): Action, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- Distributor: Well Go USA Entertainment
Movie Summary
Fumika is your average college student. She works hard to afford her small apartment, has a friend in Maho, isn’t necessarily going to school for what she wants to do in life, and has some personal drama. But, after nearly being drugged and taken advantage of, she comes across a bullet casing, the one which killed Hideo Kudo, and upon touching it, he appears, like a genie from a lamp.
However, Kudo isn’t here to grant wishes. He now haunts Fumika, and if he touches her, he can possess her. As you can imagine, Fumika doesn’t wish to be haunted, never mind have her body taken over, so eventually her and Kudo come to a deal: He’ll help her handle Maho’s abusive boyfriend, and some other personal matters, and in exchange, to hopefully exorcise him, she’ll help him find out and get revenge on whoever killed him.
Cast and Characters
Fumika (Akari Takaishi)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: A college student with a terrible restaurant job, Fumika lived a life where she wasn’t necessarily ran over in all avenues of her life, but she was unhappy. She wants to be an event planner but doesn’t have connections, and those whom she sought out, well, they try to take advantage of her.
Hideo Kudo (Masanori Mimoto)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: A hitman for an organization that refers to men like him as one of their dogs, Kudo was seen as one of the best. One of the older hitmen, but one of the best, and to some, without a sometimes-heartless organization, a paternal figure.
Maho (Ayaka Higashino)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: Maho is Fumika’s best friend who, unfortunately, is dealing with a controlling and abusive boyfriend. Which, upon seeing how he acts, leads Fumika to warm up to the idea of Kudo possessing her, so that she can use his skills.
Shungo Honda (Sora Inoue)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: Honda is the new leader of Kudo’s former organization, who is unhinged compared to the former leader, his father.
Kagehara (Mario Kuroba)
- `Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: Kagehara is Kudo’s former partner, perhaps protégé, still working under Honda.
What To Expect In “Ghost Killer” (Not Rated) – Content Overview
- Dialog:
- Cursing: Occasional
- Violence:
- Gun Violence: Full-On Battles
- Gore/ Blood/ Body Horror: Bleeding
- Notable Violence: Torture, Intense Fight Scenes
- Sexual Content:
- Sexual Violence: Yes (Attempted)
- Miscellaneous:
- Drinking: Yes
- Vomiting: Yes
- Smoking: Yes
- Could This Make You Cry: Maybe
Links
- Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations.
- Official Site Link
Review and Commentary
Highlight(s)
Kagehara’s Relationship To Kudo [84/100]
When watching Ghost Killer, you may expect it to be purely about the action with no real heart to it, but that ends up not being the case. With most of the men who are part of Honda’s organization seemingly without family, and their only potential friends being one another, it makes the only one focused on, in Kagehara and Kudo’s, surprisingly touching.
Note, the relationship is complicated in ways we can’t get into without unnecessary spoilers, but it is interesting to watch a hitman like Kagehara cry over Kudo. You see, in the organization, all the minions or soldiers are referred to as dogs, something less than human, with the head being called the “master.” In many ways, the men adapt to this and accept it.
However, Kagehara and Kudo, who were paired up, have something human between them. Kudo was like a paternal figure, maybe a big brother, who did more than spar with Kagehara to keep him sharp. There was a real relationship there, and watching this cold-blooded killer cry when he realizes Kudo has truly possessed Fumika, never mind seeing him constantly ask what Kudo feels or thinks, it could bring you to tears.
It’s almost like Kudo was Kagehara’s sense of humanity, and mind you, Kudo wasn’t some “You did good, kid” type who pats Kagehara on the back or gave that stoic old man type of encouragement or love. He was just there, reliable, and decent. But, it seems in the life the two men had, even the bare minimum could mean the world.
Blink or Turn Your Head, And You Could Miss A Lot In Action Sequences [85/100]
Outside of when Kudo gets injured, the moves in Ghost Killer are quick, look potentially devastating, and, best of all, as a viewer, get you into the scene. What I mean by that is, you’ll find your body moving not just in flinching because something looked like it hurt, but you’ll be moving left and right.
I wouldn’t say you’ll be throwing punches like you’re playing a Wii, or kicking up your feet, but your mind will find itself trying to sync with Kudo. Almost as if this movie required you to wear a headset and was entirely in first person. That is the level of immersion you sometimes get because of how well everything is choreographed.
On The Fence
Not Getting To Learn Much About Anyone [77/100]
One thing that could bother many is that Ghost Killer is rather sparse on details and keeps things very need-to-know about the characters. Fumika is a college student, we’re told, but we don’t hear much, if anything, about her major, how school is going; we just know she has a friend, a small apartment, and a crappy job.
The same goes for Kudo and Kagehara. What is their background? How did they get into the organization? Were they trained in it, or were they veterans, maybe? That isn’t something given to viewers. Now, I will say you do get invested without all this information, but it would be understandable if some feel like, without backstory, beyond Kudo being killed, and the foundation needed for his revenge story, there is a lack of connection.
Overall
Our Rating (82/100): Positive (Worth Seeing)
While Ghost Killer makes up in performances for what isn’t written into the movie, there is no denying it, overall, is an excellent action movie. One that has a surprising emotional depth, which could lead to a tear rolling down your cheek.
What To Check Out Next
Insomniacs After School (2024) Movie Review – Japan’s Answer To Your Favorite YA Novel
With a beautiful and balanced bond formed at the heart of the film, “Insomniacs After School” has less to deal with sleeping issues and more about reasons to be awake.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead: Season 1/ Episode 10 “Hometown Of The Dead I” – Episode Recap/ Review
As Higurashi executes his plan for chaos, Akemi is just starting to break new ground with his father.
Suzume (2023) – Review/ Summary
Makoto Shinkai continues his streak of visually stunning and emotionally impactful anime with “Suzume.”
