| City Hunter the Movie: Shinjuku Private Eyes | |||||
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 Theatrical release poster | |||||
| Japanese name | |||||
| Kana | 劇場版シティーハンター 〈新宿プライベート・アイズ〉 | ||||
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| Directed by | Kenji Kodama (chief) | ||||
| Screenplay by | Yoichi Kato [ja] | ||||
| Based on | City Hunter byTsukasa Hojo | ||||
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |||||
| Music by | Taku Iwasaki | ||||
Production company | |||||
| Distributed by | Aniplex | ||||
Release date |
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Running time | 95 minutes | ||||
| Country | Japan | ||||
| Language | Japanese | ||||
City Hunter the Movie: Shinjuku Private Eyes (劇場版シティーハンター 〈新宿プライベート・アイズ〉,Gekijō-ban Shitī Hantā 〈Shinjuku Puraibēto Aizu〉) is a 2019 Japanese anime film based on the mangaCity Hunter byTsukasa Hojo and part of its media franchise, serving as the fourth film in theCity Hunter series. Produced bySunrise, the film was chief directed byKenji Kodama from a screenplay byYoichi Kato [ja] and features most of the voice cast from the original 1987 anime television series and its sequels returning alongside guest stars such as actressMarie Iitoyo. It also features an appearance from the titular trio fromCat's Eye that being Hitomi, Rui and Ai with Hitomi and Ai being reprised by bothKeiko Toda andChika Sakamoto fromTMS Entertainment's 1983-1985 anime television series of the same name.
The film was released in Japanese theatres byAniplex on February 8, 2019.
| Character | Japanese voice actor[1][2] | English voice actor[3] |
|---|---|---|
| Ryo Saeba | Akira Kamiya | Stephen Fu |
| Kaori Makimura | Kazue Ikura | Morgan Garrett |
| Ai Shindo | Marie Iitoyo | Tia Ballard |
| Shinji Mikuni | Koichi Yamadera | Christopher Wekhamp |
| Saeko Nogami | Harumi Ichiryusai | Marissa Lenti |
| Umibozu | Tessho Genda | Chris Rager |
| Miki | Mami Koyama | Michelle Rojas |
| Vince Ingardo | Hochu Otsuka | Kent Williams |
| Hitomi Kisugi | Keiko Toda[a] | Alexis Tipton |
| Rui Kisugi | Dawn M. Bennett | |
| Ai Kisugi | Chika Sakamoto | Megan Shipman |
The film was announced on March 19, 2018.[4] Kenji Kodama who directed the last twoCity Hunter sequels, returns to chief direct the film while the main cast from the anime series returns to reprise their roles.[1] The film was released on February 8, 2019 with screenings in4DX beginning on March 1st of that same year.[5] The film's North American premiere occurred during Anime Boston 2019 on April 20th of that year.[6]
In North America, Discotek Media licensed the film and released it on Blu-ray on May 26, 2020.[7][8]
The soundtrack was released on February 6, 2019 by Aniplex alongside a vocal collection. Like with allCity Hunter animated media, the film features multiple pieces of music being played throughout the film. The opening theme is titled "Mr. Cool" performed byAmazons [ja] andLotus Juice [ja]. It also features songs from pastCity Hunter series and films. Amazons also contributes to a cover of "Cat's Eye" from the 1983-85Cat's Eye anime series. "Get Wild [ja]", performed byTM Network from the original 1987 series serves as its ending theme while "Still Love Her (Ushinawatera Fuukei) [ja]" plays after that alongside score fromTaku Iwasaki.[1][9]
Matt Schley of theJapan Times gaveCity Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes 2.5 out of 5 stars and found the film's humor to be "out-of-touch" and its concept largely the same as the previous adaptations, though he noted that this consistency may be what makes the franchise popular and appealing to fans.[10] Kim Morrissy ofAnime News Network rated the film a B and also considered it a nostalgic and faithful tribute to the original series that, despite its predictable plot and outdated character dynamics, delivers exciting action and heartfelt moments, making it a satisfying experience primarily for fans.[11] Reuben Baron ofComic Book Resources called the film a "straightforward, and self-contained, action-comedy B-movie", finding it entertaining and noting that it effectively appeals to both fans and newcomers alike, despite its slightly derivative story and repetitive humor.[12]
A light novel adaptation by Kenta Fukui was released on February 8, 2019 byTokuma Shoten.[13]
