City Hunter: The Million Dollar Conspiracy - A thorough review of the classic from a modern perspective

City Hunter: The Million Dollar Conspiracy - Movie Review and Details

overview

"City Hunter: The Million Dollar Conspiracy" is a theatrical animated film released on August 25, 1990. It is based on the popular manga "City Hunter" by Hojo Tsukasa and was directed by Kodama Kenji. The film is a one-shot story about the exploits of Saeba Ryo and Makimura Kaori, and although it is only 47 minutes long, it is packed with dense content. It was distributed by Japan Victor Company and its Eirin number is 25612. The copyright belongs to "©Hojo Tsukasa/NSP, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise".

story

"City Hunter" is a duo of professional sweepers, Ryo Saeba and Kaori Makimura. From bodyguarding to murder, once they accept any job, they will complete it perfectly. To make a request, write your contact information and "XYZ" on the message board at the east exit of Shinjuku Station. This means that you have no choice. Today, City Hunter, along with his rival Umibozu and detective Saeko Nogami, are busy fighting evil that cannot be punished by law on the streets of Shinjuku.

One day, Emily, a beautiful blonde from Los Angeles, asks Ryo to be her bodyguard. The reward for one month's bodyguard is a million dollars and a bulge. At that time, Kaori hears from Umibozu that "an assassin has been sent from Los Angeles to Ryo." Just as Kaori drags Ryo and Emily to Umibozu's place to get as much information as possible, a remote-controlled helicopter attacks them. It is being piloted by Douglas, an assassin from Los Angeles.

Main Staff

• Original author: Hojo Tsukasa
• Director: Kenji Kodama
• Scenario: Shoji Tonoike
• Character design: Sachiko Kamimura
• Music: Tatsumi Yano

Related Titles

• [TVA] 87.04.06-88.03.28 City Hunter (51 episodes)
• [MVA] 89.06.17 City Hunter: Magnum of Love and Destiny
• [MVA] 90.08.25 City Hunter Bay City Wars

Movie ratings and reviews

"City Hunter: Million Dollar Conspiracy" has been highly praised for bringing out the best in the original work. In particular, Ryo Saeba's cool and humorous character and Kaori Makimura's assertive personality are beautifully portrayed, making it a must-watch for fans. In addition, the film is packed with tense action scenes in a short time frame, providing plenty of visual enjoyment.

Although the story is simple, there are plenty of highlights, such as the relationship between Ryo and Emily and the confrontation with Douglas. In particular, the action scenes using remote-controlled helicopters were innovative for the time and had the power to draw viewers in. In addition, familiar characters such as Umibozu and Nogami Saeko also appear, which is a great point for fans of the original work.

The music is also a masterpiece by Tatsumi Yano, and is an important element in enhancing the worldview of City Hunter. In particular, the opening theme and the background music for the battle scenes enhance the atmosphere of the movie.

Character Introduction

Ryo Saeba

The main character is a professional sweeper. He has a cool and humorous personality, and completes any request perfectly. He also has a weakness for beautiful women, and is interested in Emily's request. Ryo's character is portrayed with the same charm as in the original work, making him a must-see for fans.

Makimura Kaori

Ryo's partner, a strong-willed woman. Although she is often at the mercy of Ryo's actions, she is an important presence who supports him. Although she is jealous of Emily's appearance, she struggles to protect Ryo. Kaori's character also retains the charm of the original work, and her actions liven up the movie.

Emily

A blonde beauty from Los Angeles who asks Ryo to be her bodyguard. Her appearance changes the relationship between Ryo and Kaori. Emily's character brings out a new side of Ryo, adding depth to the story.

Douglas

He is an assassin from Los Angeles who attacks Ryo using a remote-controlled helicopter. Douglas' character is an important character that highlights Ryo's strength, and the confrontation scene with him is the climax of the movie.

Umibozu

He is Ryo's rival and acts as an informant. He brings Ryo and Emily to get information from Kaori, but they get caught up in an attack by a remote-controlled helicopter. Umibozu's character continues the humorous side of the original work, providing laughs in the film.

Saeko Nogami

She appears as a detective and supports Ryo and Kaori in their endeavors. Her character understands that Ryo's actions go beyond the framework of the law, but she also has faith in him. Saeko Nogami's presence adds realism to the story of the movie.

Background and influences

"City Hunter: The Million Dollar Conspiracy" is a feature-length animated film produced in response to the popularity of the original manga. Hojo Tsukasa, the original author, was deeply involved in the production of the film and worked hard to bring out the best in the manga. Director Kodama Kenji also respected the worldview of the original manga while successfully depicting the story from a new perspective.

This movie was widely accepted not only by City Hunter fans, but also by viewers who love action animation. In particular, the action scenes using remote-controlled helicopters were innovative for the time and made a strong impression on many viewers. The music and character designs were also highly praised, and they succeeded in further enhancing the worldview of City Hunter.

Recommendations and how to watch

"City Hunter: The Million Dollar Conspiracy" is highly recommended not only for fans of City Hunter, but also for viewers who love action animation. In particular, the story, which is told from a new perspective while retaining the charm of the original, has the power to draw viewers in. Other points not to be missed are the action scenes using remote-controlled helicopters, the music, and the character designs.

This movie is available on DVD and Blu-ray. It is also available on streaming services, so you can enjoy it easily. If you want to fully enjoy the world of City Hunter, be sure to check it out.

Conclusion

"City Hunter: The Million Dollar Conspiracy" is a masterpiece that brings out the best of the original work. The story of Ryo Saeba and Kaori Makimura's exploits is a must-see for fans, and is highly recommended for viewers who love action animation. The action scenes using a remote-controlled helicopter, the music, and the character designs are also full of highlights, allowing you to fully enjoy the world of City Hunter. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.