Search - Wicked City on DVD

An anime classic, now outclassed but still good

cr0wgrrl | San Francisco, CA USA | 01/11/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"When Wicked City (also called Supernatural Monster City) was new, it was very impressive for its time. As anime evolves, a lot of what once made this anime stand out -- its adult theme, strange demons, and plot twists -- have become stereotypical standbys of the genre. While not as classic as such seminal movies as Akira, Wicked City still had a lot to offer anime fans.



The biggest flaw this movie has is its absolutely dreadful English dubbing, which manage to flatten out all interesting charactization, lose important plot details, mangle other plot details, and criminally distort much of the dialogue's actual meaning. (The English dubbed version of Wicked City drops the rating to one star.) If you insist on hearing it in English, at least turn on the English subtitles as well so you can see what you're not hearing. Better yet, just leave it in Japanese with English subtitles.



Be warned, this is an adult movie. There's sex, violence, rape, and at least one monster that will make male viewers gulp and cross their legs. Some of it's gratuitous (and some of it's tame in comparison to films like Urotsukidoji), but viewers who are okay with these kinds of topics will find much to enjoy."

Wicked City...not for the weak-minded

H. Thompson | Wisconsin, USA | 05/17/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"CONTENT:Ok, if you are reluctant of this movie because people tell you that its really gory/sex-oriented, then I feel you should see it for yourself. I was severely disapointed on how little this made me cringe. Yes, there is sex. Yes, there is gore. But NO, its not as bad as everyone says...unless you are easily grossed out. There is probably one sex-like scene that made me squint, but otherwise nothing is that bad in this. The worst you will see as far as nudity is concerned is female breasts and butts...there are a few questionable parts though (the spider-woman's use of her vaginal area for where she removes webbing). The gore factor isn't as terrible as people say. If you really want gore, then see some of the Hentai titles like Midnight Panther, or Demon Beast Invasion and this will seem like child's play.PLOT:The story isn't that bad, but it tends to lean towards female abuse and/or taking advantage of the female body. The ending is what made me keep the DVD because it seemed like it leaned away from the over-used sex scenes and towards an actual story.DVD:The DVD is good, and it offers a lengthly interview with the director, bios on the characters, and the original trailer. The menu is also easily navicable, which is a plus for these types of movies. Also, as usual, the Japanese and English versions are available with the Japanese version creaming the dub as far as quality.OVERALL:To sum this movie/dvd up, I would say its like Ninja Scroll with sex and demons instead of nudity and ninjas. I would get this DVD is you are a fan of Ninja Scroll, Demon City Shinjuku, or a Wind Named Amnesia."

Cool Anime!

H. Thompson | 11/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this DVD based on customer opinions because I love movies that you can't get enough of, that give you something different and that are fun to watch again and again... "Wicked City" is all of these things. The story centers around two Black Guards assigned to protect a sexed-up, freaky, laviscious blue midget named Mayart who is supposed to be an important go between for a 21st century peace treaty between the mutants of the Black World and the Humans. The mutants, from the wild world of shape-changing demon XXX octopus porn, want the wonder midget dead so they can enslave the Humans. The two main characters, Taki, the human Black Guard, armed with a giant revolver that puts him through walls whenever he pops a cap and a Black World femme fatal mutant with laser Lee press-on nails are assigned to protect the midget. The animation is dated but it isn't bad; it's dark, gothic and slick, part "Speed Racer" and noir "Batman." The characters are good and the bad guy mutants are full of tenticles, eyeballs, claws and snappers. When the good guys meet the mutants, it's eyeballs rolling explosions, and sliced bits and glop everywhere; lots of fun! The story is like a cyber-punk X-Files meets Men In Black in a William Gibson novel starring a midget Howard Stern, an anime Detective Phillip Marlowe and an abused super-model; so be warned... There's a lot of cool ultra-violence and real Horrorshow sex! It's all too much fun; you've got to watch again and again. I loved every second! I take one star away just because it has a bit sappy love story going on and the animation is a bit dated. I give it 4 stars for the story, characters, action and fun! If you like on the edge anime, you'll get "Wicked City" NOW!!"

A great anime...

cr0wgrrl | 12/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wicked City is a great movie. I first saw it when I was 11 or so, though it has a lot of nudity and violence it goes with the story and isn't really that big of a deal. However, if you are offended or don't like nudity/violence stay away from this one. I just bought it now, 3 years later and I can still say it is one of my favorite animes ever. The animation isn't as great as some higher budget anime but is still good and does the job. The "demon" designs are great and dubbing fine. The storyline is where Wicked City shines however. It is very entertaining and leaves you wanting more. This is a good thing because it means you can watcher it over and over without getting bored. I put Wicked City on the same level of quality as say Ghost in the Shell, Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue, and AKIRA."