26
37
4
2
2
4
5
4
7
1
3
3
1
2
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
3
10
2
5
A STYLISH BLOODBATH WITHOUT A SOUL
A stylish, action-packed revenge thriller with stunning visuals and brutal fight sequences. Toma Ikuta delivers an intense performance, but the film prioritizes action over depth, with thin storytelling and one-dimensional villains. Great for fans of high-energy combat but lacks emotional weight.
What Works:
Visceral Action– The film’s fight choreography is top-notch, blending gritty hand-to-hand combat with stylized cinematography reminiscent of 'John Wick' and 'The Raid.'
Cinematography & Atmosphere– The streets of Shinjo City create a moody aesthetic that elevates the film’s tone. The world-building is immersive, which makes the setting feel like a character in itself.
Toma Ikuta’s Performance– While the script doesn’t offer much room for emotional complexity, Ikuta carries the film with his intense screen presence and physicality.
What Falls Short:
Thin Storytelling– The film prioritizes action over narrative, leaving character motivations underdeveloped. While the revenge arc is serviceable, the story lacks twists or depth that could have made it more compelling.
One-Dimensional Villains– The masked criminals are visually striking, but they lack personality or clear motivations.
Missed Emotional Connection– While the premise of a man waking up to find his world destroyed is gripping, the film never fully explores Shuhei’s grief or trauma. Instead, it moves quickly from one fight scene to the next, making it hard to connect with his journey beyond the surface level.
Final Thoughts:
*Demon City Oni Goroshi* is a slick, action-heavy thriller that delivers intense fight sequences and stunning visuals but lacks emotional weight. If you’re looking for a stylish revenge flick with relentless brutality, this is an entertaining watch. However, if you want deep storytelling and layered characters, it may leave you wanting more.
What Works:
Visceral Action– The film’s fight choreography is top-notch, blending gritty hand-to-hand combat with stylized cinematography reminiscent of 'John Wick' and 'The Raid.'
Cinematography & Atmosphere– The streets of Shinjo City create a moody aesthetic that elevates the film’s tone. The world-building is immersive, which makes the setting feel like a character in itself.
Toma Ikuta’s Performance– While the script doesn’t offer much room for emotional complexity, Ikuta carries the film with his intense screen presence and physicality.
What Falls Short:
Thin Storytelling– The film prioritizes action over narrative, leaving character motivations underdeveloped. While the revenge arc is serviceable, the story lacks twists or depth that could have made it more compelling.
One-Dimensional Villains– The masked criminals are visually striking, but they lack personality or clear motivations.
Missed Emotional Connection– While the premise of a man waking up to find his world destroyed is gripping, the film never fully explores Shuhei’s grief or trauma. Instead, it moves quickly from one fight scene to the next, making it hard to connect with his journey beyond the surface level.
Final Thoughts:
*Demon City Oni Goroshi* is a slick, action-heavy thriller that delivers intense fight sequences and stunning visuals but lacks emotional weight. If you’re looking for a stylish revenge flick with relentless brutality, this is an entertaining watch. However, if you want deep storytelling and layered characters, it may leave you wanting more.
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