Wicked City
Wicked City
There has been peace between the worlds of the mortals and the supernatural for centuries, but the balance is now being threatened. The Radical elements from the Supernatural world are crossing over into the mortal universe for the purpose of destroying the peace forever!
RichyE reviewed3d ago
Set in a noir-inspired Tokyo, Wicked City explores the fragile peace between the human world and the Black World—a parallel dimension inhabited by supernatural beings. When radical elements from the Black World threaten to destroy this balance, two agents—one human and one from the other side—must protect a key diplomat and prevent chaos.
✅ Pros
Stylish Visuals: Kawajiri’s direction delivers moody, atmospheric animation with bold character designs and surreal horror elements.
Unique Blend of Genres: The film fuses cyberpunk, supernatural horror, and noir thriller into a dark, seductive package.
Mature Themes: Unlike many anime of its time, Wicked City tackles adult themes with intensity and psychological depth.
Memorable Creatures: The supernatural antagonists are grotesque, imaginative, and genuinely unsettling.
Voice Acting: The Japanese cast, including Yusaku Yara and Toshiko Fujita, bring gravitas and grit to their roles.
❌ Cons
Graphic Content: The film contains disturbing imagery and sexual violence, which may be off-putting or inappropriate for some viewers.
Thin Character Development: While the atmosphere is rich, the protagonists lack emotional depth and backstory.
Pacing Issues: The narrative moves quickly, sometimes sacrificing clarity for shock value.
Dated Dialogue: Some of the writing feels stiff or melodramatic, especially in translated versions.
⭐ Star Rating
Wicked City is a bold, visually arresting anime that helped define mature animation in the late '80s. While its content may be polarizing, its influence on the genre is undeniable. Recommended for fans of dark fantasy, horror anime, and Kawajiri’s later works like Ninja Scroll.