City Hunter

You can tell Ryohei Suzuki is a diehard fan. This was absolutely amazing. Every part of the film feels like it had been made with care and love for the source material.

All main cast were excellent, with Suzuki being the obvious standout. He is Ryo Saeba, and he put in the work. His execution of the hand-to-hand combat and gunplay is phenomenal. He truly makes Ryo feel like the most formidable man you have ever seen.

The comedy, too, has been updated to modern times. Ryo is still as lecherous as ever, but he never puts his hands on anyone without their consent, which is a welcome change.

This film sets a new standard for adapting manga and anime right. I am very hopeful for a sequel.

City Hunter came out 40 years ago when my parents were young. When I told them that there is a new City Hunter movie just came out and they were really excited. We watched it together last night and man it did not disappoint! My family, 4 of us watched it together and we absolutely love it! It really perfectly restores the feeling of Japan's Bubble Economy era in the manga, the feeling of decadence at the end of the century, the fashion, the prosperity, the feasting, and the feeling of a modern metropolis where people are drunk and lavish. Ryohei Suzuki definitely fits the role and he did a perfect job. His fighting scenes are superb. His figure and muscles, his movements, and postures, switching guns and ammunition scenes, everything has perfectly restores from the manga. The only thing is, because it is only a 1 hour 40 minutes movie, there are a lot of background stories cannot be fitted into this movie. I just hope that there will be a City Hunter 2 coming. But even so, for younger generations who have not seen the manga or watch the anime or have not heard of City Hunter before, they still will not be disappoint by this movie.

Prepare yourself for a cinematic journey through the bustling streets of Tokyo with "City Hunter." This Japanese film not only takes us on a tour of the urban landscapes of the capital, but also uses the city as a character in its own right. From narrow alleyways to gleaming skyscrapers, Tokyo is more than just a backdrop; it's a crucial piece of the narrative, pulsating with life and energy in every scene.

But let's talk about the true shining star of this masterpiece: Suzuki Ryohei. This man is not just an actor; he's a force of nature on screen. His performance as the protagonist is nothing short of phenomenal. He manages to switch between hilarious moments and tense moments with enviable ease. And when it comes to action scenes, he simply shines. His movements are so fluid and precise that it's like watching a deadly ballet.

In summary, "City Hunter" is an explosion of action and comedy that takes us on a visual journey through Tokyo. With an exceptional performance by Suzuki Ryohei and a refreshing approach to the dynamics between genders, this film is a true gem of contemporary Japanese cinema.

Hired help, City Hunter, stumbles into a generic sci-fi plot of super-soldier drugs and a secret organization.

I've read and watched City Hunter over the years. And I believe this is the third Live-Action adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo's Manga (with Jackie Chan in 1993 and a rather strange-but-enjoyable French version), only to finally be adapted by Japan around 30-years later!! Personally, any adaptation that properly incorporates the "giant mallet" without feeling forced, gets a pass in my books.

But beyond the average script, there are many likeable elements and an excellent execution. With a good cast that delivers charming performances and keeps a suitable tone throughout. I was expecting more silliness and over the top situations, but it knows how to behave itself. Specially the lead, who is portrayed as a VERY reliable person.. and unrealistically impressive, even! I quite liked Ryohei Suzuki, specially since he is what I'd physically imagine Saeba to be!

So, while the story is barely okay.. the Action more than makes up for it. And while I would have liked to see this as a series with a better plot but all the same parts, what it is is good enough to recommend.

The 2024 Japanese live-action City Hunter movie is a triumph, setting a new standard for adapting beloved franchises. Masterfully balancing comedy, heart-pounding action, and nuanced character development, it captures the essence of the original manga and anime while feeling fresh and modern. The lead actors embody Ryo and Kaori with uncanny precision, their chemistry electric. Stunning cinematography and inventive direction elevate even the most outlandish scenes. In comparison, the 1993 Jackie Chan film feels like a pale imitation. This City Hunter adaptation is an absolute must-see, a love letter to fans that will also win over newcomers. It's the gold standard for bringing treasured stories to life on the big screen.