🎬 The Premise
Released in 2023, City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on
The flavour of the popular King of Minami series , starring Riki Takeuchi, is back after 15 years.
Under the direction of Sadaaki Haginiwa, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Riki Takeuchi.
While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution resonates with current
cultural themes in the Crime space.
It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution is available for streaming on Hulu.
It is also featured on platforms like U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video.
For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape.
The flavour of the popular King of Minami series , starring Riki Takeuchi, is back after 15 years. A new story of a man who judges evil not with violence but with the law in order to achieve retribution. Six months after serving a nine-year prison sentence for murder, a man appears in Minami, Osaka . He is joined by like-minded lawyers Sugiyama and private detective Shimizu, who cut their way into a fraudulent medical trial at a university hospital. Eventually, the dark side of the hospital's management comes to light...
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2023 cinema will find fairly predictable.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for City of Desire No.1 - The Road to Retribution (2023): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative.
It is a recommended for fans of Crime cinema who appreciate attention to detail.