Today’s quick review: Demon City Shinjuku. Ten years after his father died trying to save the world from Rebi Ra (Bob Sessions) and his demonic power, Kyoya Izayoi (Bradley Lavelle) meets Sayaka Rama (Teresa Gallagher), a young woman who urges him to finish what his father started. Together, Kyoya and Sayaka journey into Shinjuku, a section of Tokyo devastated by Rebi Ra’s power, to confront him before he can complete his final ritual.
Demon City Shinjuku is a Japanese animated action horror movie that pits a reluctant hero against a demonic sorcerer. Kyoya must brave Ra’s demons and learn to master his father’s power to have any hope of success. Demon City Shinjuku has a linear plot but executes it well. Its detailed art, immersive world, and smattering of violent action will appeal to the right viewer. However, its story is missing some of the depth it could have had.
Demon City Shinjuku puts its own spin on a few classic ideas. The setup would fit any number of fantasy movies: a talented but untrained hero, a father’s legacy, and an evil villain capable of destroying the world. Where the movie carves out a niche for itself is the details. Shinjuku makes for an ominous setting, and the demons are a tantalizing glimpse into a supernatural world. The detailed art style also helps the world and the action come alive.
Demon City Shinjuku’s main drawback is that it doesn’t go farther with its best ideas. Kyoya’s progression from pupil to master is disappointingly short, and it’s missing an element of personal growth. The plot is short and linear, and it relies too heavily on generic plot points. The setting has better development, with its unique demon designs and a strong hook in the form of Shinjuku, but the supernatural elements still could use a little more cohesion.
Overall, Demon City Shinjuku is a promising movie that doesn’t fully capitalize on its strengths. Fans of horror-tinged fantasy will find something to like, thanks to strong art and an intriguing world. But a mediocre plot and a few rough edges keep it from having more than niche appeal. Give it a shot if you’re curious. Otherwise, you may be better off with another movie that’s more iconic.
For a violent, action-oriented anime movie from the same studio, check out Ninja Scroll. For a CGI-animated action horror movie from Japan, try Gantz: O. For a horror anime with sci-fi elements and a more surreal plot, try Akira.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good art and a mediocre story.