What if you crossed Eric Draven with John Wick and placed him in Japan? You would get the violent and bloody action flick, Demon City. This live-action adaptation of a manga tells a gripping story filled with action, revenge, and supernatural elements. But, aside from the violence, is it worth your time? Let’s dive into the details.
The Story of Sakata
The movie introduces us to Sakata, a hitman. Just when he decides to clean up his act for his family, a mysterious organization called Kimen-gumi targets his loved ones. They frame him, sullying his name. In a tragic turn of events, he gets shot in the head but miraculously survives, falling into a coma.
Flash forward 12 years, and Sakata wakes up from his coma. He is not the same man anymore. The Kimen-gumi attacks him again, awakening his dormant killer instinct. This sets him on an epic course of revenge. The story is straightforward and centers around revenge, much like John Wick.
Action and Choreography
From an action standpoint, Demon City shines. Sakata showcases his deadly skills by taking out groups of thugs silently and brutally. The fight scenes are intense, featuring martial arts, close-quarter battles, and thrilling knife and gunfights. The film employs a unique style of filming, where the camera moves around during the fight sequences, creating a sense of immersion and excitement.
One standout scene is a long, one-shot sequence in a stairwell. It is bloody and immersive, thanks to the choreography and camera movements. The energy in these scenes keeps you on the edge of your seat!
The Thin Storyline
While the action is captivating, the story is pretty thin. The motivation behind the Kimen-gumi and their actions is weakly developed. The film draws some inspiration from superhero stories, especially Batman, where a city is controlled by villains. However, unlike Batman, we don’t learn much about these villains. They wear masks, which adds to their ominous presence, but it also means we have no clue who they are.
Even though the story feels rushed, it moves quickly, making the hour and 46 minutes pass by swiftly. The lack of plot development means there are no unnecessary details to slow down the pace. While this creates an urgent and fast-paced action story, it also leaves viewers feeling disconnected from the characters.
Character Connection
Despite the thrilling action, it’s hard to feel invested in Sakata’s journey. He is a stranger to us, and while we can cheer for his revenge, we don’t have a strong connection to his character. The movie provides only minimal backstory towards the end, which feels forced and doesn’t add much to the overall narrative.
The film could have benefitted from being a limited series. This would allow for more character development and a deeper exploration of the story. Outside of brief mentions of a demon, we don’t really understand the film’s title, Demon City, or the full scope of the organization controlling the city.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an action-packed, bloody tale of revenge, Demon City delivers on that front. The fight choreography is stunning, and the gory brutality enhances the experience. However, if you want a moving story with emotional depth, you might be disappointed. The film lacks the character development and narrative cohesion that would make it truly memorable.
FAQs
What is Demon City about?
It’s about a hitman named Sakata who seeks revenge against a mysterious organization after they attack his family.
Is Demon City based on a manga?
Yes, it’s a live-action adaptation of the manga Oni Goroshi.
How is the action in Demon City?
The action is intense, featuring impressive fight choreography and a lot of gore.
Is the story well-developed?
The story is relatively thin and lacks depth, focusing mainly on the action.
What age group is Demon City suitable for?
The film contains violence and profanity, making it more suitable for adult audiences.