By far the best live-action adaption of the City Hunter manga/animation. Not that it is excellent, but at least all the characters and the background story are faithful to the original City Hunter manga, unlike most of the Hollywood productions. The actor who played Umibozu (Mammoth) really looks the part, and not just some big bold guy wear a pair of shades. The story itself is a straight forward, comedic one, with some (subtle) adult humors, a bit like the old Benny Hill show if you are old enough and English. I do wish they will carry on making some sequels with the same cast with some additions of the regular characters in the manga.
32 Reviews
So unexpectedly good!
urizen-x2 October 2019
Faithful & Thoroughly Entertaining
god_savant1 December 2019
If there's one thing about Tsukasa Hojo's original manga that doesn't hold up, it's the schoolboy ecchi humor that grates on anyone old enough to have touched a breast--that is, most fans of the series by now. This held true in 2019's frankly mediocre 'City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes', but this French adaptation gets it right thanks to a brilliant premise, surprisingly competent action, and nonstop goofs sure to land at least few times.
Most of the comedy comes from the plot MacGuffin, a perfume that causes victims to instantly fall in love, which is a perfect excuse for lots of awkward sexual comedy, nudity, and gay jokes. That last part might make some cringe, but it's strangely effective as a foil for Ryo's usual lechery and doesn't feel mean-spirited. Ryo (Lacheau) and Kaori (Fontan) have great chemistry both as a comedy duo and a couple whose relationship feels fresh and less lived-in compared to other adaptations, i.e. playing will-they-won't-they for over thirty years. Side characters Pancho and Skippy feel slightly out of place as supporting cast, but are hapless enough to lighten the mood during slow moments.
Visually, it takes great pains to stick close to its source material. Ryo and Kaori step straight out of the manga rocking 80's fashion and driving their iconic Mini, and Kamel Guenfoud is uncanny as Falcon (though he sadly never fires a bazooka onscreen). The action is also surprisingly competent for its modest budget and goofier tone. Fights use creative set-pieces without rapid cutting or shaky-cam, including a scrapyard scene (shot entirely in first-person) that expertly mixes comedy and fisticuffs to rival Jackie Chan from the 1993 Hong Kong adaptation. The only disappointment are the villains; they're barely characterized and indistinguishable apart from suit color or facial hair. Still, they work as punching bags and bullet receptacles just fine, and they're at least better than the CGI drone robots from 'Shinjuku Private Eyes'.
Yes, it's goofier and less neo-noir than the source material (being based on the toned-down French localization, 'Nicky Larson') and the mild homophobia could be off-putting for general audiences. But it's finally an adaptation that's not ashamed of its comic-book roots and tries its hardest to entertain and service longtime fans of the series.
Most of the comedy comes from the plot MacGuffin, a perfume that causes victims to instantly fall in love, which is a perfect excuse for lots of awkward sexual comedy, nudity, and gay jokes. That last part might make some cringe, but it's strangely effective as a foil for Ryo's usual lechery and doesn't feel mean-spirited. Ryo (Lacheau) and Kaori (Fontan) have great chemistry both as a comedy duo and a couple whose relationship feels fresh and less lived-in compared to other adaptations, i.e. playing will-they-won't-they for over thirty years. Side characters Pancho and Skippy feel slightly out of place as supporting cast, but are hapless enough to lighten the mood during slow moments.
Visually, it takes great pains to stick close to its source material. Ryo and Kaori step straight out of the manga rocking 80's fashion and driving their iconic Mini, and Kamel Guenfoud is uncanny as Falcon (though he sadly never fires a bazooka onscreen). The action is also surprisingly competent for its modest budget and goofier tone. Fights use creative set-pieces without rapid cutting or shaky-cam, including a scrapyard scene (shot entirely in first-person) that expertly mixes comedy and fisticuffs to rival Jackie Chan from the 1993 Hong Kong adaptation. The only disappointment are the villains; they're barely characterized and indistinguishable apart from suit color or facial hair. Still, they work as punching bags and bullet receptacles just fine, and they're at least better than the CGI drone robots from 'Shinjuku Private Eyes'.
Yes, it's goofier and less neo-noir than the source material (being based on the toned-down French localization, 'Nicky Larson') and the mild homophobia could be off-putting for general audiences. But it's finally an adaptation that's not ashamed of its comic-book roots and tries its hardest to entertain and service longtime fans of the series.
A faithful enough adaptation of an 80s classic
q_leo_rahman19 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
NICKY LARSON is an adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo's 80s action comedy CITY HUNTER, about a skirt-chasing gun-for-hire and his pretty but aggressive partner and the adventures they have as various clients come to them. The story represented the height of 80s culture with its urban atmosphere and mix of comedy and drama; though the story is set in Tokyo, dubs meant it could apply to any major metropolis. While the 1980s setting and style can put off viewers of later eras, no story can really escape the era of its creation, and if viewers can overlook the dated history they can get a good appreciation of the story.
This adaptation, done by French filmmaker Philippe Lacheau, a fan of City Hunter and other anime, is a love letter to the saga. Dubbed in French as NICKY LARSON, the film is a faithful enough adaptation of the story, as Lachaeu himself (directing as well as acting) and his co-stars play their roles with enthusiasm and enjoyment, making the film a fun ride to see. The addition of various other homages to popular anime was a nice touch too, if perhaps unnecessary.
However, the adaptation isn't perfect. Primarily, an action comedy should be able to blend its comedic and dramatic parts together well enough to make the mix appealing. This adaptation has good enough comical and action scenes (the latter notably featuring a fight scene involving a magnet), but it doesn't do a good enough job at blending the two together. The film comes off as a slightly jarring mix of fighting and foolery, which doesn't really work right when compared to how skillfully Hojo's story was able to balance both. Furthermore, the addition of native French comedy to the story (some idiot Frenchmen bystanders who get dragged into the adventure) not only unbalances the mix of comedy and drama, but adds little to the overall adaptation.
On the whole, while I think it could have been better, I think it was a good enough adaptation to work out.
This adaptation, done by French filmmaker Philippe Lacheau, a fan of City Hunter and other anime, is a love letter to the saga. Dubbed in French as NICKY LARSON, the film is a faithful enough adaptation of the story, as Lachaeu himself (directing as well as acting) and his co-stars play their roles with enthusiasm and enjoyment, making the film a fun ride to see. The addition of various other homages to popular anime was a nice touch too, if perhaps unnecessary.
However, the adaptation isn't perfect. Primarily, an action comedy should be able to blend its comedic and dramatic parts together well enough to make the mix appealing. This adaptation has good enough comical and action scenes (the latter notably featuring a fight scene involving a magnet), but it doesn't do a good enough job at blending the two together. The film comes off as a slightly jarring mix of fighting and foolery, which doesn't really work right when compared to how skillfully Hojo's story was able to balance both. Furthermore, the addition of native French comedy to the story (some idiot Frenchmen bystanders who get dragged into the adventure) not only unbalances the mix of comedy and drama, but adds little to the overall adaptation.
On the whole, while I think it could have been better, I think it was a good enough adaptation to work out.
Funny
FrenchEddieFelson23 February 2019
Fun French anime adaptation
TheRetroCritic16 October 2023
Based specifically on the French version of popular 80's anime City Hunter, this live-action adaptation (also known as Nicky Larson Et Le Parfum De Cupidon) stars Philippe Lacheau as the lecherous private investigator Nicky Larson who is tasked with recovering a love potion that, in the wrong hands, could spawn disaster.
In the same vein as the 1993 Hong Kong City Hunter film, which starred Jackie Chan, this is not so much a faithful adaptation of the anime or the manga as it is a very "local" take on it. The French dub of City Hunter is a big source of nostalgia for those born in the 1980's in France as it boasted a ridiculously catchy theme song by Jean-Paul Césari and was shown regularly on the Club Dorothée, a classic show compiling various sitcoms and animated series, including anime, which are beloved to this day. The idea of a Nicky Larson/City Hunter movie from a French point-of-view might have seemed odd for some but not so much for those familiar with that specific era of television, who likely welcomed the project.
The film makes a genuine effort to get the look of certain main characters right, which is refreshing as the 1993 film didn't really try all that hard in that department. It also fully embraces key character dynamics, motifs (the big mallet does make an appearance), even the naughtier aspects of the show such as Nicky's unhealthy approach towards the ladies. The plot involves a failed attempt at stealing a potent love perfume which then finds itself lost, in the hands of a nerdy nobody, as P. I. Nicky Larson, a group of criminals and a mysterious assassin all chase the perfume, clashing amongst each other along the way.
The tongue-in-cheek tone of the film is both its best aspect and its worst. Some of the humor in the film feels right: Nicky's tit-for-tat bickering with colleague/love interest Laura (Élodie Fontan), the sudden slapstick breaks in the middle of the action, the over-the-top plot and characters. And yet, this movie, just like the Jackie Chan film before it, forgets that City Hunter wasn't just one big goofy farce from start to finish. For the most part, City Hunter is a melodramatic action crime show with a stylish film noir look and mood. The risqué slapstick humor works because it pops up unexpectedly, and briefly, in the middle of the pretend-serious tone whereas in the films, we barely get a rest from the comedy which overwhelms the whole thing.
There's a charm to this movie, just like there was a charm to the 1993 film, but this, again, feels too much like a missed opportunity to be entirely successful. Granted, the cast is engaging and the nostalgic references are amusing. The likes of Ranma 1/2, Inspector Gadget, Salut Les Musclés and Saint Seiya get a nod while Dorothée herself cameos with Jean-Paul Césari who sings the theme song about halfway through. Nicky Larson fans will find a good amount to enjoy here, and the action itself is creative and quite well done which will appeal to casual viewers. The jokes are often much too heavy-handed and not fitting of the original show, however, and this will become a big turn off by the end.
This is a fun French comedy that needed a lot more restraint in the script department, much better dialog, more action and a considerably moodier look. As it stands, it will entertain die hard fans and it'll work adequately as a curiosity but it is regrettably nowhere near as good as it could have been. Here's hoping that if a sequel does happen, it manages to keep what worked here whilst delivering something a little more faithful to the anime.
Uneven yet endearing farce.
In the same vein as the 1993 Hong Kong City Hunter film, which starred Jackie Chan, this is not so much a faithful adaptation of the anime or the manga as it is a very "local" take on it. The French dub of City Hunter is a big source of nostalgia for those born in the 1980's in France as it boasted a ridiculously catchy theme song by Jean-Paul Césari and was shown regularly on the Club Dorothée, a classic show compiling various sitcoms and animated series, including anime, which are beloved to this day. The idea of a Nicky Larson/City Hunter movie from a French point-of-view might have seemed odd for some but not so much for those familiar with that specific era of television, who likely welcomed the project.
The film makes a genuine effort to get the look of certain main characters right, which is refreshing as the 1993 film didn't really try all that hard in that department. It also fully embraces key character dynamics, motifs (the big mallet does make an appearance), even the naughtier aspects of the show such as Nicky's unhealthy approach towards the ladies. The plot involves a failed attempt at stealing a potent love perfume which then finds itself lost, in the hands of a nerdy nobody, as P. I. Nicky Larson, a group of criminals and a mysterious assassin all chase the perfume, clashing amongst each other along the way.
The tongue-in-cheek tone of the film is both its best aspect and its worst. Some of the humor in the film feels right: Nicky's tit-for-tat bickering with colleague/love interest Laura (Élodie Fontan), the sudden slapstick breaks in the middle of the action, the over-the-top plot and characters. And yet, this movie, just like the Jackie Chan film before it, forgets that City Hunter wasn't just one big goofy farce from start to finish. For the most part, City Hunter is a melodramatic action crime show with a stylish film noir look and mood. The risqué slapstick humor works because it pops up unexpectedly, and briefly, in the middle of the pretend-serious tone whereas in the films, we barely get a rest from the comedy which overwhelms the whole thing.
There's a charm to this movie, just like there was a charm to the 1993 film, but this, again, feels too much like a missed opportunity to be entirely successful. Granted, the cast is engaging and the nostalgic references are amusing. The likes of Ranma 1/2, Inspector Gadget, Salut Les Musclés and Saint Seiya get a nod while Dorothée herself cameos with Jean-Paul Césari who sings the theme song about halfway through. Nicky Larson fans will find a good amount to enjoy here, and the action itself is creative and quite well done which will appeal to casual viewers. The jokes are often much too heavy-handed and not fitting of the original show, however, and this will become a big turn off by the end.
This is a fun French comedy that needed a lot more restraint in the script department, much better dialog, more action and a considerably moodier look. As it stands, it will entertain die hard fans and it'll work adequately as a curiosity but it is regrettably nowhere near as good as it could have been. Here's hoping that if a sequel does happen, it manages to keep what worked here whilst delivering something a little more faithful to the anime.
Uneven yet endearing farce.
Successful adaptation
carlise221 February 2019
Really enjoyed this movie and would watch it again on DVD/BluRay. I was quite impressed with the quality of the action scenes (for a French comedy). Looks like the director enjoyed making this movie, which shows care, attention to detail as well as faithfulness to the original anime City Hunter. I remember reading that creator Tsukasa Hojo himself enjoyed the screenplay for Lacheau's film, therefore giving the project 'added value' (particularly for the fans of the series who might have had doubts about this adaptation). The balance gags/action/storytelling is good, the casting works well too. A good job overall, considering that mangas/animes are particularly tricky to develop into convincing live-action movies. Now hoping for a sequel!
Perfect.
simoneauantonin12 February 2022
Phiphi's masterpiece. I've never watched such a good movie in my life. Absolutely breathtaking! Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon is a wonderful allegory of love and and of how love is important in our lives.
You must watch it.
You must watch it.
A perfume of huge disappointment
onydensha3 March 2019
I was so disappointed by the movie that I made an account on IMDB to tell about it...
Even though it sticks to the french version of City Hunter's universe, the movie is a total failure.
The jokes are terribly lame (and mostly homophobic) and the rythm sucks.
Save yourself some time and money and don't watch that.
(Re)read the manga instead, it will most certainly make you laugh rather than cry tears of despair seeing how bad this adaptation is.
Save yourself some time and money and don't watch that.
(Re)read the manga instead, it will most certainly make you laugh rather than cry tears of despair seeing how bad this adaptation is.
Faithful and nostalgic
lheurt2 July 2019
This movie is not for everybody. It is primarily aimed at those in their 30s who grew up watching the "Club Dorothée", a french kid TV show in the early 90s that was the first vector of japanese animes in France.
Nicky Larson was the french version of City Hunter, and it was altered a lot compared to the original version. The serious stuff was edited out, the bad guys had silly voices and words, and it all worked to produce a goofy detective series with the heavy and adult themes glossed over. The tone of this movie is aligned with this representation of City Hunter, it's not faithful to the manga, it's faithful to its arrival in France in 1990.
For this reason, Nicky Larson is a cameo trove specifically aimed at those 90s kids. The TV show presenter has a cameo, the french theme singer has a cameo, all the other japanese animes that were shown at the time in France have (not-so) hidden references (Captain Tsubasa, Attacker You!, Saint Seyia, Fist of the North Star, Nobody's Boy: Remi, Dragon Ball, Inspector Gadget, and so so many more). It's a constant.
As a part of this french generation, watching this overflowed me with nostalgia and I was grinning from ear to ear for the whole movie.
But it's not just a nostalgia machine, this is an actual Nicky Larson episode with real actors who play their roles well (I liked the Ryo and Saori actors a lot). Laura (Saori) chases Nicky (Ryo) with her hammer, we see the XYZ board line, we learn about Saori's brother, a crow crosses the screen, we meet a damn ressemblant Mammouth (Falcon). Nicky has perfect aim and kicks ass in pretty well-made actions sequences, especially considering the budget of the movie. As tradition we get the goofy "pervert Ryo" start to a mission, and we end with a "serious Ryo" kicking ass.
I went into this movie expecting another disastrous adaptation, I left it with a broad smile. For the target audience it's a masterful adaptation, but I fear that many of the references might not work outside of France, which would only make it a weird/ok version.
Finally, I give this movie a 9 and not a 10 because that intro sequence is gross, will turn some people off, and is not representative of the rest of the movie.
Still the best anime-to-live adaptation I've witnessed so far. Philippe Lacheau knew his material from front to back, and it shows even in very tiny details only massive fans would detect. This movie is made out of genuine knowledge and passion for the original material and era.
Nicky Larson was the french version of City Hunter, and it was altered a lot compared to the original version. The serious stuff was edited out, the bad guys had silly voices and words, and it all worked to produce a goofy detective series with the heavy and adult themes glossed over. The tone of this movie is aligned with this representation of City Hunter, it's not faithful to the manga, it's faithful to its arrival in France in 1990.
For this reason, Nicky Larson is a cameo trove specifically aimed at those 90s kids. The TV show presenter has a cameo, the french theme singer has a cameo, all the other japanese animes that were shown at the time in France have (not-so) hidden references (Captain Tsubasa, Attacker You!, Saint Seyia, Fist of the North Star, Nobody's Boy: Remi, Dragon Ball, Inspector Gadget, and so so many more). It's a constant.
As a part of this french generation, watching this overflowed me with nostalgia and I was grinning from ear to ear for the whole movie.
But it's not just a nostalgia machine, this is an actual Nicky Larson episode with real actors who play their roles well (I liked the Ryo and Saori actors a lot). Laura (Saori) chases Nicky (Ryo) with her hammer, we see the XYZ board line, we learn about Saori's brother, a crow crosses the screen, we meet a damn ressemblant Mammouth (Falcon). Nicky has perfect aim and kicks ass in pretty well-made actions sequences, especially considering the budget of the movie. As tradition we get the goofy "pervert Ryo" start to a mission, and we end with a "serious Ryo" kicking ass.
I went into this movie expecting another disastrous adaptation, I left it with a broad smile. For the target audience it's a masterful adaptation, but I fear that many of the references might not work outside of France, which would only make it a weird/ok version.
Finally, I give this movie a 9 and not a 10 because that intro sequence is gross, will turn some people off, and is not representative of the rest of the movie.
Still the best anime-to-live adaptation I've witnessed so far. Philippe Lacheau knew his material from front to back, and it shows even in very tiny details only massive fans would detect. This movie is made out of genuine knowledge and passion for the original material and era.
Whitewashed
brianchogamer30 April 2021
It was awesome
xuexizhongwen10 February 2019
Best known as City Hunter, Nicky Larson is a funny and entertaining french movie with a lot of action. The film is really respectul towards the comics. Everything is there, same music, same character, action and a lot of fun. Without hesitation the best adaptation. Watch it!
Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon : Philippe Lacheau's dive in the Dorothée years
eightylicious21 March 2022
Director Philippe Lacheau was already famous by his comedies, including the smash-hits "Alibi.com" and "Babysitting", when he decided to adapt the cult anime "City Hunter" - known in France as "Nicky Larson". The result was a film with an interesting premise, that partly failed to capitalize on it.
The story follows the eponymous hero (played by the director himself), a private detective- bodyguard- cleaner (!) who is hired in order to protect a perfume that causes whoever smells it to fall in love with the person wearing it. He is assisted by his sidekick, Laura, who, despite being loyal and kind to him, can't stand his constant interest for every attractive woman he meets on the way. These two, along with Pancho, a simple-minded, innocent man who fell in love with Laura as an effect of the perfume, try to recover the substance from a bystander, Skippy.
What Lacheau tried to do here is capitalize on the nostalgia felt by many in France for the years of the "Club Dorothée". This was a legendary children's show comprised of sketches, songs, and animated TV series, all presented by the famous singer/actress Dorothée and her team. She is very popular in France for having impacted a whole generation with "Club Dorothée" and another show before it, "Récré A2". Both of them had great significance for the generation growing up in the 80's. For, it was in these shows that anime were first introduced in France. Unfortunately, the adults didn't take this very well, and many episodes of such famous series as "Dragon Ball" or in this case, "Nicky Larson" were censored and cut in order for the violent moments to disappear. Still, "Club Dorothée" is still synonymous with quality children's entertainment in France, and so a product relating to it would surely meet an enthusiastic response from the audience, this film being no exception.
As a result of that, not only is Lacheau's character the familiar to many brave, yet easily seduced hero, but there are other characteristics, too that feed on this feeling of nostalgia. Dorothée herself appears in the film playing an assistant at the airport, and the film's soundtrack is mostly comprised of 80's songs, further intensifying this desire to return to the past.
In 2006, the third installment of the legendary "Les bronzés" series hit the screens of France. Ten million spectators flocked to see it, only to discover that it was a disappointment, having none of the subversiveness of the first two films. "Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon" is a similar case; for all the cast's effort, the original feeling of the 80's can't be replaced, and this attempt at modernizing a cult series doesn't succeed because it lacks the only thing that saved this series from failing; nostalgia. In its censored version, "Nicky Larson" had already lost much of its appeal, becoming a mere children's show, but its connection with the "Club Dorothée" gave it an irresistible charm. The film, while superficially relating to it, feels more of an attempt to bring Larson's adventures into the real world, something that might have been possible for the show's original noir version, but doesn't have the desirable result as a comedy. The whole movie feels cheap, like so many other French comedies, with or without Dorothée.
For all its faults, though, the film has some postive elements; all the actors give spirited performances, showing their passion for this work (why such passion would exist is sort of a mystery to me), and the aforementioned soundtrack is excellent, even having the original French credits of the series in it. Most importantly, I can see the love for the anime responsible for this movie's creation in it. Yes, it is extravagant, sometimes ridiculous, but I prefer a genuine act of love towards one's childhood than a feature only made for profit. Nicky Larson had good intentions, he just lost his way in the meantime and the only person able to help him was still at the airport, counting the tickets.
The story follows the eponymous hero (played by the director himself), a private detective- bodyguard- cleaner (!) who is hired in order to protect a perfume that causes whoever smells it to fall in love with the person wearing it. He is assisted by his sidekick, Laura, who, despite being loyal and kind to him, can't stand his constant interest for every attractive woman he meets on the way. These two, along with Pancho, a simple-minded, innocent man who fell in love with Laura as an effect of the perfume, try to recover the substance from a bystander, Skippy.
What Lacheau tried to do here is capitalize on the nostalgia felt by many in France for the years of the "Club Dorothée". This was a legendary children's show comprised of sketches, songs, and animated TV series, all presented by the famous singer/actress Dorothée and her team. She is very popular in France for having impacted a whole generation with "Club Dorothée" and another show before it, "Récré A2". Both of them had great significance for the generation growing up in the 80's. For, it was in these shows that anime were first introduced in France. Unfortunately, the adults didn't take this very well, and many episodes of such famous series as "Dragon Ball" or in this case, "Nicky Larson" were censored and cut in order for the violent moments to disappear. Still, "Club Dorothée" is still synonymous with quality children's entertainment in France, and so a product relating to it would surely meet an enthusiastic response from the audience, this film being no exception.
As a result of that, not only is Lacheau's character the familiar to many brave, yet easily seduced hero, but there are other characteristics, too that feed on this feeling of nostalgia. Dorothée herself appears in the film playing an assistant at the airport, and the film's soundtrack is mostly comprised of 80's songs, further intensifying this desire to return to the past.
In 2006, the third installment of the legendary "Les bronzés" series hit the screens of France. Ten million spectators flocked to see it, only to discover that it was a disappointment, having none of the subversiveness of the first two films. "Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon" is a similar case; for all the cast's effort, the original feeling of the 80's can't be replaced, and this attempt at modernizing a cult series doesn't succeed because it lacks the only thing that saved this series from failing; nostalgia. In its censored version, "Nicky Larson" had already lost much of its appeal, becoming a mere children's show, but its connection with the "Club Dorothée" gave it an irresistible charm. The film, while superficially relating to it, feels more of an attempt to bring Larson's adventures into the real world, something that might have been possible for the show's original noir version, but doesn't have the desirable result as a comedy. The whole movie feels cheap, like so many other French comedies, with or without Dorothée.
For all its faults, though, the film has some postive elements; all the actors give spirited performances, showing their passion for this work (why such passion would exist is sort of a mystery to me), and the aforementioned soundtrack is excellent, even having the original French credits of the series in it. Most importantly, I can see the love for the anime responsible for this movie's creation in it. Yes, it is extravagant, sometimes ridiculous, but I prefer a genuine act of love towards one's childhood than a feature only made for profit. Nicky Larson had good intentions, he just lost his way in the meantime and the only person able to help him was still at the airport, counting the tickets.
Best adaptation ever!!
poom-4794730 May 2019
Indeed, this is not the best movie if you compare to all movie in the world, but if you reduce the scope to focus only adaptation movie, this one is the best.
Alright, the storyline may not so impressive but it is not a big deal. The most impressive thing is you will know the characters who is their immediately without confusing even their are not looking same and even you are not City Hunter fan.
Bizzare and absolute cringe
RuriGokou1 July 2023
I've watched about half of season 1 and read some of the volumes of the manga in Japanese. So, I'm pretty aware of the City Hunter series.
Watching this movie was jarring. I was watching it in Japanese so they're calling them Ryo and Kaori when they're obviously NOT Japanese. They couldn't hire Asian actors? I feel like at first glace the French actors who play Ryo and Kaori are sufficient. But nothing about Ryo's actor really struck me as being as badass as the anime version.
I found the comedy very cringy and at times out of place with what you'd find in City Hunter. Maybe some of the gags were French specific humor? Either way I didn't care for it. For example, children getting knocked out by signs, a man finding out he was actually hitting on a little boy in the bathroom, being struck suddenly by a car or random object from out of no where. Not my kind of humor.
While being perverted is part of Ryo's character, it was played up way too much along with the adult humor. It would have been fine if they could have balanced it out a lot better but it just felt like one stupid adult joke to the next.
This felt more like a full on comedy than an action film with a mix of comedy. There hardly was any action in the film. This isn't City Hunter, and I feel like the other reviews raving about how excellent this movie is are probably paid reviews. Avoid this mess. Just watch the anime again.
Watching this movie was jarring. I was watching it in Japanese so they're calling them Ryo and Kaori when they're obviously NOT Japanese. They couldn't hire Asian actors? I feel like at first glace the French actors who play Ryo and Kaori are sufficient. But nothing about Ryo's actor really struck me as being as badass as the anime version.
I found the comedy very cringy and at times out of place with what you'd find in City Hunter. Maybe some of the gags were French specific humor? Either way I didn't care for it. For example, children getting knocked out by signs, a man finding out he was actually hitting on a little boy in the bathroom, being struck suddenly by a car or random object from out of no where. Not my kind of humor.
While being perverted is part of Ryo's character, it was played up way too much along with the adult humor. It would have been fine if they could have balanced it out a lot better but it just felt like one stupid adult joke to the next.
This felt more like a full on comedy than an action film with a mix of comedy. There hardly was any action in the film. This isn't City Hunter, and I feel like the other reviews raving about how excellent this movie is are probably paid reviews. Avoid this mess. Just watch the anime again.
Great movie
bsilviu-1346812 September 2019
It is a real episode
luke_xt12 March 2019
If you liked french version of the anime, you'll be enjoyed
The humor in the movie is from 80's exactly the same of the anime.
All people who dislike this movie, don't remember the anime or actually don't like the anime
All people who dislike this movie, don't remember the anime or actually don't like the anime
A perfect adaptation
zeynel-0054017 July 2019
They nailed it ! The actors, the atmosphere... You really feels like reaing one of the story from the manga, well-played, fun music, the characters being true to their manga version, both his looks and character... It was just perfect. Looking forward to buying the DVD !
Awesome fight scene
xiaohei-801128 August 2019
To my surprise, it's far more better than Hong Kong version which Jackie Chan act in. Director use a unique way of bring the fight scene to a next level. Nowadays the fight comedy movies often arrange a funny lame character which is not funny and drag the whole tempo of the movie. Tarek Boudal is so funny natural that he bring tears to your eyes. Too bad it's didn't become a hit due to its comic convert curse.
Conversions from manga to real-life don't work...
bastiaan074020 January 2020
Or so I thought. Born and raised with the French version, I decided to give this one a go, somewhat disinterested, somewhat bored, and ended up amazed with the end result. Humor is there, action is there, the style is as spot on as a movie can get, nice easter eggs, nods to the series, and cameos, the plot is correctly cartoonishly silly, some more nudity and raw humor than anticipated and a bit too much focus on some secondary characters, but it is easily forgiven for being feature-length. Clearly made with love and the correct demographic in mind - they did it right!
Better than The Asian Version
donkrishna-dk5 September 2019
Comparing to the Jacky Chan's version back in 90's and the Lee Min Ho's version in 00's this movie is lot closer to the cartoon/comic version.
The Jacky Chan's version is using too much kungfu. Ryo is good in fighting but he is using guns better.
As for the Lee Min Ho's version is too serious. Much much too serious. I think the Lee Min Ho's is the worst adaption of the City Hunter. I don't know why Tsukasa Hojo approve it.
I can't believe it!
Valhala9025 February 2021
I prepared myself for the worst, thinking it's going to be something lame and another blasphemy like DB live action but I was so pleasantly surprised! It's the most fateful adaptation of City Hunter and any anime/manga live-action I've ever seen (close to comparing it with Rurouni Kenshin). So much effort put into portraying the essence of City Hunter and the characters and it's so entertaining and hilarious. City Hunter fans give it a shot don't be afraid.
City Hunter at its best
Wowa_Yur8 February 2020
Good adaptation
ffadityawahyudi16 December 2020
Really funny but gross humor
abisio30 November 2020
City Hunter (the French version), use a very sexualized humor that really works; as it was intended on the original comic book.
The movie has good production values and a some game actors giving a lot to keep the rhythm and the fun.
Even when the theme is very sexual; a parfum seducing everyone who smell its; nudity is very little and mostly oriented to comedy.
It will not get any CESARs or OSCARs but is still a lot of fun to watch if you can cope with subtitles.
The movie has good production values and a some game actors giving a lot to keep the rhythm and the fun.
Even when the theme is very sexual; a parfum seducing everyone who smell its; nudity is very little and mostly oriented to comedy.
It will not get any CESARs or OSCARs but is still a lot of fun to watch if you can cope with subtitles.
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