Mr. Mumble (1996)

Mr. Mumble is a 1996 unofficial Hong Kong adaptation of the Japanese manga/anime City Hunter, and honestly it’s pretty awesome. Not only is it a for the most part solid adaptation of the manga/anime (moreso than the 1993 Jackie Chan version and much moreso than the Kdrama) but it is also a fun, raunchy, and great lil’ Hong Kong action/comedy. It feels just like it could’ve been episode of the anime, in fact with the way it goes it actually feels like it could’ve almost been a prequel to the events of the anime with how the events like Ryo Saeba’s profession unfold. It’s well directed, the action is great, like the show it perfectly balances funny and serious tones. As for casting, Micheal Chow is perfect casting as Ryo Saeba (Mr. Mumble), as is Francoise Yip (Rumble in the Bronx) as Saeko, and Umibozu's actor smoothly fits into his role.

The only problem I have is that I think Kaori (or her expy) could’ve been done a bit better and could’ve fit better into the story, but aside from that it’s a pretty faithful story that feels like it could fit right into the anime. Overall, Mr. Mumble is both a solid adaptation and a great fun action movie. Definitely one of the best anime adaptations out there and something I think fans of City Hunter as well as Hong Kong action films would enjoy.

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