Seasons, Movies, and OVAs of City Hunter
City Hunter (1987)
Ryo Saeba works as a "sweeper," solving cases that range from rescues to investigations. After the death of his partner, he starts working with Kaori Makimura, the deceased's sister, who takes on the role of partner, even without experience.
The season presents various cases, such as witness protection and exposing criminal plots. The relationship between Ryo and Kaori begins to take shape amidst these tasks, with moments of tension and conflict between action and cohabitation.
City Hunter 2 (1988)
The second season delves deeper into the duo's routine, now more adjusted as field partners. Cases involving mafia, kidnappings, and political intrigues become more frequent, increasing the risk and intensity of the missions.
Kaori begins to gain more prominence and autonomy, dealing with her own conflicts while working alongside Ryo. The season hints more strongly at the unresolved feelings between the two, even without openly progressing on that.
City Hunter 3 (1989)
With a slightly lighter approach, this season brings a series of short cases with varied tones, from comedic to emotional. Ryo continues to accept missions involving the protection of targets, always dealing with mysterious women and dangerous situations.
While solving the cases, the dynamic with Kaori gains more narrative importance. Some episodes explore the past of secondary characters and reinforce the episodic structure of the series, without significant advancements in the main storyline.
City Hunter '91 (1991)
The last season of the classic series brings a more mature tone, with missions involving espionage and power struggles. Ryo confronts the criminal underworld more directly, facing villains with more complex strategies.
Kaori, in turn, shows greater evolution and control in operations. The relationship between the two reaches a critical point, with moments when the affection between them almost crosses the boundary of the unspoken.
City Hunter: Bay City Wars (OVA, 1990)
Ryo and Kaori get involved in a mission to save authorities taken hostage in a luxury hotel. The place is surrounded by terrorists armed with heavy technology, and it's up to Ryo to infiltrate and neutralize the threat.
The plot is straightforward and action-oriented, featuring tense moments in enclosed spaces. There is little room for romance or humor, prioritizing the strategic resolution of the mission.
City Hunter: Million Dollar Conspiracy (OVA, 1990)
Ryo is hired by a mysterious woman involved in a billion-dollar financial scheme. Gradually, he discovers that there are more secrets at play, including betrayals and a dark past of the client.
The case leads him to confront professional assassins and political manipulations. The narrative alternates between action scenes and dense dialogues, without losing the pace.
City Hunter: Secret Service (OVA, 1996)
Ryo must protect the daughter of a U.S. ambassador, who is the target of an assassination plot during a diplomatic visit to Japan. The mission involves escorts, infiltration, and disguises.
With constant risk and armed chases, the episode takes on a more serious tone. Kaori takes on a more proactive role, helping to prevent the attacks alongside Ryo.
City Hunter: Goodbye My Sweetheart (OVA, 1997)
A killer seeks revenge against a trafficking network that destroyed his life, and Ryo finds himself involved in the case after crossing paths with a young woman connected to the criminal.
The story is marked by tragic tones and a more emotional plot, revealing the darker sides of the characters. Ryo is forced to confront difficult moral decisions throughout the episode.
City Hunter: Death of the Vicious Criminal Ryo Saeba (OVA, 1999)
Ryo is falsely declared dead after a mission fails, and the city reacts to the loss of the famous sweeper. Meanwhile, he secretly investigates who tried to kill him.
Kaori, believing that he died, tries to cope with grief and move on alone. The plot revolves around Ryo's return and the unraveling of a conspiracy behind the attack.
City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes (Filme, 2019)
Ryo and Kaori receive the mission to protect a young engineer being pursued by mercenaries in Tokyo. During the investigation, they uncover a conspiracy involving artificial intelligence and military weapons.
The plot blends modern technology with the classic style of the series. There is a balance between action, humor, and character development, without losing the original spirit.
City Hunter: Angel Dust (Filme, 2023)
The new threat revolves around the drug "Angel Dust," which turns people into highly efficient killers. Ryo must stop an organization that produces it while facing ghosts from his past.
The film explores Ryo's origins as a trained assassin and his trauma related to the drug. It's a more personal and intense story that reveals new layers of the character.
