Sarah, it's funny... once you get past wincing, you can really enjoy the intent of much of it more clearly. Yes, it is made to make you squirm... but at least all of your senses are employed.
Takashi Miike's work is even more impressive when you consider how many movies he has made and still makes YEARLY:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0586281/
It's a little overwhelming to think about.
Alex