Since its launch in 1985, the successful manga series CityHunter Of Tsukasa Hojo is has been adapted into various media around the world. Now, the exploits of the playboy detective Ryo Saeba are reimagined in a new branded live action film Netflix with protagonist Ryohei Suzuki, a project in which fans of the manga series will find many familiar elements. From the characterization of the characters to the iconic Tokyo settings, we feel that the film captures the unique essence of CityHunter and pays a heartfelt homage to the work of Tsukasa Hojo.
In addition to a long-running anime series that has garnered its own international following, the exploits of iconic playboy detective Ryo Saeba have provided the inspiration for several animated feature films, a 2011 Korean drama series, a live-action French feature film -action and the 1993 film of the same name with Jackie Chandirected by Wong Jing (perhaps the most famous version). The latest to jump into the fray, as we were saying, is Netflix itself, which has produced a new live-action adaptation of CityHunteron the origins of the collaboration between Ryo And Kaori (Misato Morita) after the tragic fate of his previous colleague, Hideyuki (Masanobu Ando) and which, at the same time, makes the characters set sail on a new adventure.
CityHuntera perfectly crazy detective story
After receiving a cryptic message, detectives Ryo And Hideyuki they are hired with the task of locating Kurumi, well-known online cosplayer. However, the situation becomes complicated when they discover that Kurumi has been infected with a dangerous serum that transforms her into an uncontrollable force. During a fight, Hideyuki loses his life but, before dying, asks Ryo to take care of his adoptive sister, Kaori. Determined to discover the truth and avenge Hideyuki’s death, Ryo and Kaori decide to join forces: their investigations will reveal a dark plot with devastating consequences.
Since its debut in 1985, the manga CityHunter by Tsukasa Hojo has fascinated fans around the world with its intriguing stories characterized by a mix of action, mystery and romance. As we were saying, this reworking of the original plot of the series offers greater depth to her characters, not limiting itself to the storyline of Kaori’s protection from the mafia. CityHunter draws life from its own absurdity: it is a crazy hybrid of genres, which goes from the absurd to the serious and then to the satirical in the blink of an eye and which could convince fans of the original manga by following the success of the recent adaptation of One Piece.
An explosion of action, colors and emotions
Fans of the genre will undoubtedly be won over by the fight choreographies orchestrated by the director Takashi Tanimoto: each clash is full of tension counterbalanced by moments of slapstick comedy that add lightness to the atmosphere, without diminishing its energy. With the addition of superhuman elements, the action in CityHunter it goes beyond simple fight sequences and comedy. Despite not being excessively violent, in fact, the film does not hesitate to show the intensity of the fight sequences or the damage caused by the explosions of small bombs against the bad guys. From frenetic chases to intense hand-to-hand combat, the film offers continuous moments of pure adrenaline, which aim to leave the viewer on the edge of their seats.
In addition to his very accurate vision, CityHunter it also features a deeply touching story. Where Saeba drives the action of the film, we might say Makimura the beating heart of the narrative: not only does her character bring the best of Saeba to light, but she is not even relegated to a secondary role and aimed only at supporting him. Instead, she highlights the complex dynamic of a sibling wanting to take care of his family, but unable to do so.
With her brother involved in criminal actions, the protagonist carries a sense of guilt for not being able to save him. This vulnerability permeates the entire film, accompanying the approach of Saeba And Makimura. However, rather than protect Makimura further, Saeba directly involves her in her affairs, a choice that contributes greatly to giving Makimura the opportunity to become an active part of her personal story.
An adaptation that satisfies longtime fans
While CityHunter has its roots in the ’80s, the film manages to approach contemporary issues in a pertinent and thoughtful way. For example, the character of Ryo Saeba, with sexist and lewd behavior, may not be well received by contemporary audiences who are not familiar with the original source: he is a product of his time and, fortunately, director Yuichi Sato makes the dissent evident towards his behavior by those around him. Ryohei Suzuki perfectly embodies this detective with a taste for parties and beautiful women, deliberately making fun of the most criticizable sides of the character and making him absolutely credible in the action scenes. As casual as he is lethal, this flesh-and-blood Ryo has nothing to envy of the paper version of him!
In addition to the characterization of the characters, longtime fans will find all the fundamental elements of the Ryo Saeba universe. For the first time, a major production plunges into the heart of his action neighborhood, Shinjuku. From message boards to hostess bars and nightclubs, the setting has a real purpose in the plot and this production only confirms it. It will be a real pleasure for fans to see that this adaptation of CityHunter has as much fun with its hero as the manga had fun showing off his talents.
