Killing is a 2018 Japanese period action film directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, set during the Edo period and centered on a young ronin named Mokunoshin Tsuzuki (played by Sosuke Ikematsu). Mokunoshin is a skilled swordsman who becomes involved in a plot to assassinate a high-ranking government official. He forms a bond with a group of fellow ronin who share his beliefs in the importance of honor and loyalty, but they start to question their mission as they encounter the humanity of their targets and the escalating violence of their actions. Meanwhile, Mokunoshin also grapples with his own moral struggles, haunted by the memory of his father's execution for treason. The film explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the cost of violence, serving as a commentary on the samurai code and the social inequalities of the era. Killing features stylized action sequences and striking cinematography, inspired by Tsukamoto's background in experimental filmmaking. The movie received critical acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and thematic depth, as well as its strong performances from the cast.
