The exclusive global premiere of the Netflix film “City Hunter” started on the 25th, receiving high praise. Particularly compelling is Ryohei Suzuki as Ryo Saeba, who has always expressed his desire to play the character while building his career as an actor. Without compromising the appealing aspects of the original work, such as Saeba’s character traits, Suzuki faced the challenge of creating “City Hunter” for the Reiwa era.
“City Hunter” is based on a manga by Tsukasa Hojo, which began serialization in 1985 in “Weekly Shonen Jump” (Shueisha) and is set in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It features the exceptional sweeper, Ryo Saeba, who handles various troubles in the underworld. The Netflix movie sets its stage in modern Shinjuku, weaving an original story about the meeting of Ryo Saeba (Ryohei Suzuki) and Kaori Makimura (Misato Morita) and how they become unparalleled partners.
Bringing Ryo Saeba to Life: Ryohei Suzuki’s Journey
The exclusive global premiere of the Netflix film “City Hunter” was met with high praise, particularly for Ryohei Suzuki’s portrayal of Ryo Saeba. Suzuki, having long aspired to play this role, embraced the challenge of adapting the beloved character for the modern era without losing the essence that made him popular in the original manga.
Modern Shinjuku as the Backdrop
Set in contemporary Tokyo, the film introduces audiences to a new narrative where Ryo Saeba and Kaori Makimura meet and become inseparable allies. This setting allows for a fresh take on the story, while still honoring the manga’s roots in Shinjuku, making it relatable to both longtime fans and newcomers.
City Hunter Ryo Saeba’s Iconic Red Mini Cooper
A frequent feature in both the manga and the anime series, Saeba’s beloved red Mini Cooper, also appears in the Netflix film. The number plate differs from the original, indicating a shift to a setting more aligned with the movie. Suzuki first acquired a manual driving license, as his license was limited to automatic vehicles, to prepare for his role. Attention is also drawn to the keychain of the car, adorned with a familiar dragonfly and crow design, significant symbols in the narrative.
Action and Authenticity: Preparing for Saeba’s Dual Nature
The film’s director, Yuichi Sato, known for “Kisaragi” and “Strawberry Night,” extensively discussed with Suzuki to honor the original manga while adding realism and entertainment suitable for a live-action film. Action director Takashi Tanimoto also contributed to replicating the distinctive gun actions and physical combat scenes characteristic of “City Hunter,” showcasing Saeba’s impressive physical abilities and dual nature of clumsiness around beautiful women.
For the gun action scenes, Suzuki did not spare any effort in preparation, handling six different types of firearms during filming. He practiced constantly to master handling all guns without looking, also undergoing several days of live firearms training abroad to understand the mechanics and recoil of real guns better. This preparation aimed to deliver a portrayal that resonates with international viewers, including those with military experience, while maintaining the manga’s playful tone.
A Set That Bridges Generations
The film’s dedication to detail is perhaps best exemplified by the set of Saeba’s apartment, which was meticulously designed to reflect elements from both the manga and the anime. Visited and praised by the original creator Tsukasa Hojo, the set serves as a tribute to “City Hunter” fans old and new, creating a bridge between generations and media.
Fans of “City Hunter” appreciate how the film respects its roots while adapting to contemporary settings, achieving a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling. The dedication to authenticity in action sequences and character development resonates well within the anime community, further solidifying its success across various platforms.
