Cast
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Akira Kamiya
as Ryo Saeba, AKA Joe Saeba (voice)
Kazue Ikura
as Makimura, Kaori (voice)
Mami Koyama
as Miki (voice)
Tessyo Genda
as Umibozu (voice)
Yoko Asagami
as Saeko Nogami (voice)
Akio Nojima
as Erika (voice)
Hironori Machida
as Male Announcer B (Nippon TV) (voice)
Hiroshi Naka
as Man A (voice)
Isshin Chiba
as Policeman (voice)
Kaori Koumoto
as Female Announcer B (Nippon TV) (voice)
Keisuke Ihara
as Landlord Ayanokoji (voice)
Kinryu Arimoto
as Police Chief Nogami (voice)
Koichi Tochika
as Ichiro Kurokawa (voice)
Minami Takayama
as Sayuri Claudia / Sayaka Asagiri (voice)
Noriko Wakihama
as Female Announcer A (Yomiuri TV) (voice)
Crew
Director
- Masaharu Okuwaki
Producer
- Hiroshi Yamashita
- Michihiko Suwa
- Yoshito Akazaki
- Yoshihito Akasaki
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Animation/Action/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, City Hunter Special: The Death of Vicious Criminal Saeba Ryo distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Masaharu Okuwaki brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of City Hunter Special: The Death of Vicious Criminal Saeba Ryo took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1428 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While City Hunter Special: The Death of Vicious Criminal Saeba Ryo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion, which focuses more on action than character development, City Hunter Special: The Death of Vicious Criminal Saeba Ryo offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kachou no Koi and Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters explore similar territory, City Hunter Special: The Death of Vicious Criminal Saeba Ryo stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 22, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to Watch
