Niki Larson on Netflix: How much is the new live-action adaptation of the famous manga worth?

What are you doing?

Sniper and eternal seducer, private detective Nikki Larson reluctantly teams up with her ex-partner’s sister to investigate her ex-partner’s death.

who is he with

After Jackie Chan and Philip Lashaw, Ryohei Suzuki becomes the new interpreter of Niki Larson. The latter is also the first Japanese actor to portray a famous manga character. City Hunter By Tsukasa Hojo.

Ryohei Suzuki, 36, is known to moviegoers for his second role in Kore-eda’s Our Little Sister, as well as being the main character of Sion Sono’s Tokyo Tribe.

We meet Misato Morita in the role of Laura. After a modeling career, the latter appeared in many successful series in Japan, including the popular comedy The Naked Director, available on Netflix. The 32-year-old actress replaces Elodie Fontaine and Joey Wong as the title character’s sidekick.

Tony Marconi, Nick’s partner and Laura’s older brother, is played by Masanobu Ando. A Japanese movie superstar, the latter notably collaborated with Takeshi Kitano (he co-starred in Kids Return), with whom he also shared a Battle Royale poster.

Is it worth checking out?

Niki Larson’s adaptations follow each other, but fortunately they are not alike. The hero of City Hunter, one of the most iconic manga of the 80s, returns in the form of a live-action film, the first in the Japanese language.

A few live-action films have seen the light of day before. Especially in the 90s, there was an action comedy called Nikki Larson starring Jackie Chan. A French version called Nicky Larson and the Perfume of Cupidon was recently released.

This parody was created Philip Lachaux and his strip as a free adaptation of the manga, but also as a tribute to other Club Dorothée cartoons. A version that received approval from Tsukasa Hojo, but also from the Japanese public.

An adaptation that reconnects with the manga

For the first time, Niki Larson’s film takes place in the country of origin of the famous hero. A professional janitor and sniper, the latter is also a pervert obsessed with women. This aspect of his personality creates sparks in the duo he forms with Laura, the younger sister of his former associate killed by the Underworld.

The Netflix movie adapts the first chapters of the manga, and especially the chapters that feature the drug Angel Dust, which turns its users into invincible and super-strong zombies. While the feature film stays true to the essence of City Hunter, it doesn’t hesitate to deviate from the manga’s plot and offer a modernized story.

Because Nicki Larson’s greatest strength is that she’s been able to stay true to the original work while bringing it into our time. Of course, the story of the manga is somewhat timeless, but these additions help make the film more accessible to new generations. Despite everything, many appeal to die-hard fans of comics and animated series.

A duo that will surprise us

The great strength of the film is its casting. Although he doesn’t have the physical build of the character (which doesn’t stop him from stripping when he gets the chance), Ryohei Suzuki gives a very convincing performance. His ability to combine the character’s schoolboy humor with his charisma as a ruthless janitor allows the film to effectively navigate between comedy and action.

Additionally, the duo he forms with Misato Morita (Laura) works perfectly. United by undeniable chemistry, the two actors deliver a performance that lives up to expectations.

Among the criticisms that can be leveled at the film is the presence of a plot that is ultimately very anecdotal. The investigation at the heart of the film is of only limited interest, and its resolution ultimately feels too anecdotal, despite some plot twists. However, this observation applies to certain episodes of the animated series.

Netflix specializes in live action

The last third of the film consists of a series of action scenes with humorous touches, but thankfully very well done. We should also highlight the violence of these sections, which reminds us that the Niki Larson cartoon that aired at Club Dorothée was censored.

Fun that lives up to expectations and a sincere homage to the iconic City Hunter, Niki Larson enhances Netflix’s ability to create good live-action adaptations of iconic manga. After Alice in Borderland, One Piece and Yu Yu Hakusho, the platform will soon tackle the adaptation of the manga My Hero Academia.

Nikki Larson’s movie is now only available on Netflix.

Discover the list of movies currently available on the platform!