Controversial Adaptation of Best-Selling Detective Manga Blows Up Netflix Top

Summary:

• After Parasyte: The Grey, here comes another Netflix ’s live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga.
• It follows a detective investigating the series of murders alongside his new troublesome partner.
• It is now criticized for failing to do justice to the manga source.

Netflix obviously benefited from the viewing numbers of the mixedly-received Avatar: The Last Airbender and Parasyte: The Grey, which gained almost perfect reviews. The current trend for the live-action manga adaptations is continued by the platform’s new top tier movie, which is now holding the fourth place in its global chart.

Its plot revolves around the private detective Ryo Saeba investigating the mysterious murders in Tokyo committed by presumably supernatural creatures. Apart from his main occupation, Ryo is also much into being a wannabe ladies' man.

Nevertheless, his usual way of life changes when his favorite co-worker Hideyuki becomes the victim of a relentless serial killer, forcing Ryo to redefine his values and to delve into this case deeper. It’s also supported by his new annoying partner in the process, Hideyuki's sister Kaori, who seems to be the exact opposite of the detective.

We’re talking about City Hunter, and its synopsis offers a mix of a mystical detective story, spectacular action sequences and, besides, buddy comedy elements. We obviously love the trope of two cops on their common mission, used in such hits as 21 Jump Street (2012) and The Nice Guys (2016).

Is City Hunter Worse Than Its Source?

Disappointingly, it is said that the movie lacks the boldness and the whole charm of the original. Based on the massively popular 1980’s Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tsukasa Hojo, it doesn’t take risks to implement the full source’s comedy potential, as some aspects of its humor can be considered sexist nowadays.

It results in the movie being kind of toothless and plain, in particular, the main character, played by Ryohei Suzuki, lacks the ardor present in the original. Thus, it became the reason why its critical score is a modest 63% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nonetheless, it manages to depict the vibe of Tokyo’s nightlife, the chemistry between the two co-workers and the development of their mutual understanding of each other, as well as the constant suspense, evidently growing as the plot progresses.

The manga adaptation is a solid example of live-action adaptations and is definitely a must-watch not only for the fans of Hojo’s manga, but also for all admirers of the action genre and lovers of the detective stories.

Check out the new take on mangas, as City Hunter is available for streaming on Netflix.