Demon City (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Demon City” (originally titled Oni Goroshi) is the latest addition to the long-running trend of revenge thrillers in Japanese cinema. Directed by Seiji Tanaka and co-written by Masamichi Kawabe, the film brings a fresh yet familiar take on the hitman-revenge trope. The movie follows an ex-hitman, Shuhei Sakata (played by Toma Ikuta), who is framed for his family’s murder and left for dead. Upon his recovery, he embarks on a violent path of vengeance against the masked “demons” who control his city.
With its striking visual style, intense action sequences, and dark, neon-lit atmosphere, Demon City blends elements of neo-noir, samurai cinema, and modern action filmmaking. But does it offer anything truly new, or is it just another stylish but hollow revenge story? Let’s dive deep into this high-energy thriller.
Plot Overview
Set in the crime-ridden streets of Shinjo, Demon City follows the tragic downfall of Shuhei Sakata, a retired assassin who is wrongfully accused of killing his own wife and daughter. The real perpetrators? A secretive crime syndicate known as Kimen-gumi, whose members wear eerie demon masks, symbolizing their grip over the city’s underworld.
After barely surviving an assassination attempt, Sakata returns from the brink of death, fueled by rage and a desire for retribution. His mission? To take down Kimen-gumi, one masked assassin at a time. Armed with only a machete and his lethal skills, he carves a bloody path through his enemies, exposing the corruption lurking beneath the city’s facade.
Review: A Brutal and Stylish Revenge Thriller
Action & Choreography
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its action choreography. The opening fight scene sets a high bar, offering an intense, gory spectacle that immediately grabs your attention. However, as the film progresses, the action sequences become somewhat inconsistent. Some fights are well-executed, with brutal hand-to-hand combat and swordplay, while others feel repetitive or overly stylized to the point of absurdity.
Fans of hyper-violent action films like John Wick or The Raid will find plenty to enjoy here, but Demon City never quite reaches the same level of impact. The fights are visceral, but some moments stretch believability—such as Sakata single-handedly taking on dozens of gun-wielding enemies with nothing but a machete.
Story & Characters
The revenge storyline is a classic one: a man wronged, seeking justice against an all-powerful enemy. Unfortunately, Demon City does little to subvert expectations. The villains, though visually striking in their demon masks, lack depth beyond their generic “evil for power” motivations. Some characters, like Sakata’s former ally Ryo, show promise but are underdeveloped.
Sakata himself is a compelling yet familiar protagonist—a silent, brooding killer burdened by loss. Toma Ikuta delivers a strong physical performance, effectively portraying his character’s pain and rage through body language rather than dialogue. However, the film misses an opportunity to explore his psyche more deeply, leaving his emotional arc somewhat flat.
Visuals & Cinematography
Where Demon City truly shines is in its aesthetic. The cinematography captures a stunning blend of neon-drenched streets, rain-soaked alleys, and brutal fight sequences, evoking a cyberpunk-meets-samurai feel. The film’s use of lighting and shadows creates a moody, atmospheric experience reminiscent of classic noir films.
The costume and production design also deserve praise, particularly the eerie, traditional yokai-inspired demon masks worn by the villains. These small touches add to the film’s unique identity, even if the overall narrative remains predictable.
Soundtrack & Score
The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of traditional Japanese instrumentals fused with modern electronic beats. While it complements the action well, it doesn’t stand out in the same way as some of the best revenge thrillers. The music does its job but never becomes a defining element of the experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Demon City?
Ultimately, Demon City is a film that excels in style but falls short in substance. If you’re looking for a deeply emotional or thought-provoking revenge story, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re in the mood for a visually striking, action-packed ride with intense fight sequences and a neon-lit, dystopian aesthetic, this movie is worth a watch.
Pros:
✅ Stunning cinematography and visual style
✅ Brutal, well-choreographed fight scenes
✅ Engaging lead performance by Toma Ikuta
✅ Unique yokai-inspired villain designs
Cons:
❌ Predictable and generic revenge story
❌ Underdeveloped characters and motivations
❌ Some action sequences stretch believability
Where to Watch Demon City Online
Currently, Demon City is available exclusively on Netflix as a Netflix Original. This means the film is not available for rental or purchase on other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies.
Streaming Availability in the U.S.:
📺 Netflix – Available with a subscription
Since it is a Netflix Original, it is unlikely to be available on other platforms anytime soon. If you don’t have a Netflix subscription, you might need to wait for a potential physical release or special digital rental offerings in the future.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of revenge thrillers with intense action and stylish cinematography, Demon City might be worth your time. However, if you’re looking for something with more emotional depth and narrative complexity, this film might leave you wanting more.
💬 Have you watched Demon City? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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