Cast
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Yusaku Yara
as Renzaburo Taki (voice)
Toshiko Fujita
as Makie (voice)
Ichiro Nagai
as Guiseppe Maiyart (voice)
Takeshi Aono
as Mr. Shadow (voice)
Mari Yokoo
as Spider Woman (voice)
Tamio Ohki
as Hotel owner (voice)
Koji Totani
as Jin (voice)
Yasuo Muramatsu
as Company President (voice)
Kazuhiko Kishino
as Healer (voice)
Arisa Andô
as Soap Girl (voice)
Asami Mukaidono
as Temptress (voice)
Ikuya Sawaki
as Ken (voice)
Masato Hirano
as Monk (voice)
Crew
Director
- Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
There is enough back story to have made this into a cool quasi MIB supernatural series.
Instead what we got was a movie with a perverted little Yoda style sensi that was enjoyable enough to watch.
The problem was it all came and went too fast and it felt rushed and unfortunately in a way that leaves you wanting to explore that odd little universe more.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Animation/Action/Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Wicked City presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri 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 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wicked City took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wicked City shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Top Gun, which focuses more on action than character development, Wicked City subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Army of Darkness and From Hell explore similar territory, Wicked City stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 19, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to Watch
