Ghost Killer Discussion and Ending Explained – why do they need a cleaner?
Appearing in film festivals since September 2024, Ghost Killer finally claws its way mainstream with a digital release this month, hitting the US via Well Go USA and markets still to be named by AppleTV+ from July 22.
University student, Fumika, played by Akari Takaishi (Baby Assassins, My Beautiful Marriage), stumbles upon a bullet shell and inadvertently puts it in her pocket. The next thing she knows, the ghost of Hideo Kudo – a murdered hitman – appears in her room.
Played by Masanori Mimoto (Death Note, Prisoner of War, MIU404), the middle-aged Kudo believes he's stuck until his murder is avenged. Fumika isn't so keen. I mean, she doesn't want to kill anyone. Though she does accept Kudo's help when she spots her friend, Maho, getting beaten by her boyfriend. With the clasp of hands, Kudo is able to possess Fumika's body, providing his strength, speed and cunning. While Fumika is in there too, conscious, but without control of her limbs.
Once Fumika realizes Kudo's power, she's both scared and a little fascinated. When he warns her against meeting a guy she admires, her feelings begin to change. She decides to become someone who helps others. Except, to help Kudo, they may need to get someone else involved too – the crime gang's cleaner, Kagehara, played by Mario Kuroba (Hard Days, Trillion Game, Our Fake Marriage). It could be tricky as he's not a good guy.
How do Kudo and Fumika become connected?
It's the bullet casing she picks up. But even getting rid of it doesn't seem to free her.
What happens to Maho's boyfriend?
After Kudo beats him up, he's all for getting rid of him, but Fumika isn't ready to go so far. Instead, they just leave him in the alley.
Why do they need the cleaner, Kagehara?
After fighting the guys who try to drug Kumika, they decide they can't just let them out to attack more innocent women. So, Kudo convinces Fumika to call on Kagahara to help out, as he has special 'necessary' skills.
How do they convince Kagehara?
They fight him. Kagehara astutely recognizes that it can't be some young girl fighting and taunting him just like Kudo.
What does Kagehara do once he knows?
With his 'cleaning skills' he gets rid of the drug attack guys. But he also tells their crime boss, 'The New Owner,' that Kudo was killed but isn't necessarily gone.
Why does Kagehara play both sides?
It seems like he changes his mind a few times on whom to support – likely just keeping himself alive. In that back-and-forth, he gives Fumika's location away. But he also helps her again.
Who killed Kudo?
This is a bit of a spoiler – you've been warned. The New Owner sent Kagehara to shoot Kudo. And though he doesn't remember the details after death, at the time, he had encouraged Kagehara to face off and kill or be killed.
How does it end?
Fumiko and Kagehara help Kudo reach peace, then go their separate ways. Fumiko moves in with Maho and is much happier living with a friend. But the next time she finds a shell case… she drops it right back on the ground.
Got more questions on Ghost Killer? Drop 'em in the comments below. For more, check out our review.
Read More: Ending Explained and movie reviews
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