City Hunter

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.

Granted, I've never watched the animated series upon which this 2024 movie is based, so I have no idea how true the movie is to the source material. Nor do I know whether or not you need to have watched the series in order to fully appreciate this 2024 movie from director Yûichi Satô.

Regardless, when I happened to stumble upon "Shiti Hanta" (aka "City Hunter") by random chance here in 2024, of course I needed no persuasion to sit down and watch it. I mean, given my love of the Asian cinema and this being a Japanese action comedy, of course I was interested in watching it.

Writers Tsukasa Hôjô and Tatsuro Mishima managed to put together an enjoyable and entertaining script and storyline. And I was definitely adequately entertained throughout the course of the 102 minutes that the movie ran for. And director Yûichi Satô managed to present a movie that definitely felt like it was spawned of Anime, given the characters, mannerisms, dialogues, etc. So if you enjoy Anime and live-action renderings of Anime movies and series, then you're in for a treat here.

The character gallery in "Shiti Hanta" was good, and there were some very interesting characters. And I have to say that the writers did good jobs on fleshing out the characters and making them distinguishable and memorable on the screen. The character gallery in the movie really added a lot of flavor to the movie.

I have seen actor Ryohei Suzuki and actress Misato Morita somewhere before, I just can't put my finger on where. I have to say that the acting performances in the movie were good, and they definitely had a talented ensemble of actors and actresses.

"Shiti Hanta" looked great, and there is a lot of visual treats to take in throughout the course of the movie. Thumbs up to the cinematography and the wardrobe department that worked on the movie; they really did phenomenal jobs.

There is also a good amount of action throughout the course of the movie, and it was filmed in a very energetic and dynamic way, making it feel like the audience is right there along the actors and actresses on the screen. The acting sequences looked great and added a lot to the overall impression of the movie.

I was genuinely entertained throughout the course of this movie, and it is definitely a movie that is well-worth sitting down and checking out if you enjoy Japanese cinema and Anime.

My rating of "Shiti Hanta" lands on a six out of ten stars.

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.

Good adaptation from Manga "City Hunter" form early 90'. I'm a fan of this manga and anime so I can say this movie is quite good for fans and new viewers. Acters are very good acting. I can believe that he is Saeba Ryo and another actress as Kaori from their serious and naugthy parts. The action part is vey exciting as his shooting skills is so cool! Also the music, they rearrange "Getwild" and "Foot Steps" from original anime and put into this movie too. I can see all details they added in this movie and it made me feel so happy to see it back to live again.

Meanwhile, I cut 2 points from story part that not correct from the canon.

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.