It was based on a manga, yes.

Count me in as a fan of the film. My Kakihara action figure is a prized possession.

where can you get the figures?

Medicom (Japanese toy company) released 12" figures of Kakihara and Ichi a few years ago. Kakihara looks awesome, but I don't think Ichi looks as good (didn't buy him). I think they are out of production now, so your best bet may be to keep an eye out on ebay. Here's a link to pics (this particular website has sold out though):

http://artoftoy.stores.yahoo.net/ichikillerset.html

I was disappointed with the film as well. As a gore fest,it was a huge letdown. As an entertaining over the top comic book film,it was even worse. Since it didn't deliver in either area and seemed confused on what tone to take.

Some moments appear to have dark humor in them and may indulge in outrageously over the top violence. But then Miike is actually restrained and cuts away too early from the face pulling and hand bending/breaking sequences(and yes I saw the unrated version!). And the majority of the actual gore on display was nothing but aftermath glimpses. Meanwhile other moments are more seriously sadistic and offensive(torture/beating of the females, ripping guys arm off for no good reason etc),that the film is both dull and occasionally offensive,but not in a 'good way'. Also the length of the film is way too long for what amounts to much ado about nothing.

Opinions vary, this is actually the only Miike film that I liked...

Ichi The Killer is one of Miike's absolutely best films, up there with Gozu and Dead or Alive 2. The film is intensely internal, and it's hard to determine just how much of the movie occurs outside of certain character's minds. It's a great mutli-layered film that doesn't reveal its treasures after just one viewing.

This is one of those love it or hate it films (ala Miami Vice apparently) and I'm on the love it side (of course I loved Gozu as well which is another one that alot seem to hate). I go back and forth between this one and Gozu as favs of his just depends on the day.

This movie is actually what got me to subscribe to Netflix. I couldn't find the film anywhere near me, and didn't feel like ordering something online, especially if I ended up not liking it. It's a good thing, too, because I didn't really like the movie. However, I do like Netflix, so it wasn't a total loss.

I've never really took to "Ichi" although I understand the appeal, and even more so I can't stand "Audition". That being said I loved Zebraman, enjoyed MPD Psycho for the most part, and kind of like Big Bang Love although I'm still trying to determine why I did. Miike is worth a gamble for his imagination alone.