Cast
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Hideyuki Hori
as Kyoya Izayoi (voice)
Hiromi Tsuru
as Sayaka Rama (voice)
Kiyoshi Kobayashi
as Levi Ra (voice)
Kyoko Tongu
as Chibi (voice)
Yusaku Yara
as Mephisto (voice)
Banjo Ginga
as Genichirou Izayoi (voice)
Ichiro Nagai
as Master Rai (voice)
Osamu Saka
as President Kozumi Rama (voice)
Hirohiko Kakegawa
as Earth Demon (voice)
Naoki Tatsuta
as Water Demon (voice)
Asami Mukaidono
as Female Demon (voice)
Crew
Director
- Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Writer
- Kaori Okamura
Producer
- John Ledford
- Kenji Kurata
- Makoto Seya
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Action/Fantasy/Animation/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Demon City Shinjuku 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 1988, 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 Demon City Shinjuku took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1800 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Demon City Shinjuku shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Demon City Shinjuku offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers explore similar territory, Demon City Shinjuku stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 26, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 20m
Where to Watch
