Netflix’s Demon City Will Leave You Breathless—And Covered in Blood

Demon City: Should You Stream It or Skip It?

Netflix’s latest action-packed thriller, Demon City, is a no-nonsense revenge film that delivers pure, unfiltered violence. Directed by Seiji Tanaka (Melancholic), the film is an adaptation of Oni Goroshi, a manga by Masamichi Kawabe.

Starring Toma Ikuta (Beyond Goodbye), Demon City tells the story of Sakata, a ruthless hitman who leads a double life—vicious killer by day, loving father and husband by night. But when masked criminals destroy his world, his thirst for vengeance knows no bounds.

With a brutal action style, minimal dialogue, and a story fueled by rage, Demon City is a must-watch for fans of John Wick, The Raid, and Drive.

Plot Summary: A Hitman’s Path to Hell

The Setup: Blood and Betrayal

Sakata is a highly skilled hitman who keeps his personal and professional lives separate. He loves his family, but he’s also the kind of guy who doesn’t hesitate to kill when duty calls. That all changes when a gang of masked criminals, known as the Kimen-gumi, rip apart his life in a horrifying act of violence.

Left for dead and paralyzed, Sakata spends the next 12 years trapped in a broken body. But his thirst for revenge never fades. When the criminals resurface, now more powerful than ever, he sees his chance to strike back.

The Transformation: From Survivor to Avenger

Despite being wheelchair-bound, Sakata is far from helpless. Slowly, he regains strength, sharpening his weapons and his will for revenge. With nothing left to lose, he returns to his underground bunker, arms himself to the teeth, and prepares for war.

His enemies, now deeply entrenched in the city’s underworld, hide behind demon masks and wield absolute power. But they don’t realize that Sakata is still the deadliest man alive.

The Execution: A Bloody Symphony of Violence

Once Sakata reenters the battlefield, Demon City explodes into an unstoppable wave of bloodshed. Using an array of brutal weapons, including his signature cleaver, he tears through enemies with surgical precision. The film delivers non-stop action, including an insane staircase fight scene where Sakata literally uses an enemy as a rappelling device.

The film also toys with the idea of what revenge does to a person. As one character puts it: “The moment someone is consumed by revenge is the moment they become a demon.” But in Sakata’s case, maybe becoming a demon is the only way to win.

Why You Should Watch Demon City

1. Non-Stop Action and Brutal Fight Choreography

If you love John Wick or The Raid, Demon City will be right up your alley. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, full of intense hand-to-hand combat, slicing weapons, and a shocking amount of gore.

2. A Silent But Deadly Performance by Toma Ikuta

Sakata barely speaks throughout the film—he has less than 20 lines of dialogue! But Ikuta’s performance is mesmerizing. His eyes tell the whole story, making his pain and rage feel all too real.

3. A Unique Take on the Revenge Genre

Unlike many revenge films, Demon City doesn’t waste time with excessive exposition. It’s a lean, mean action machine that gets straight to the point: revenge is brutal, messy, and inevitable.

4. Stylish Cinematography and a Gritty Atmosphere

The neon-soaked streets of Shinjo City make for an atmospheric battleground. The film’s dark and moody cinematography adds to the tension, making every fight scene feel raw and immersive.

What’s Not So Great?

• Thin Storyline: The plot is straightforward, with little complexity. If you’re looking for deep character development, you won’t find it here.
• Relentless Violence: While the action is thrilling, some scenes are so violent they might turn off casual viewers.
• Lack of Dialogue: Some may find Sakata’s near-silent performance intriguing, while others might feel it leaves the character underdeveloped.

Stream It or Skip It?

STREAM IT!

If you’re a fan of hardcore action and revenge thrillers, Demon City is an absolute must-watch. The action is relentless, the lead performance is gripping, and the villains are wickedly disturbing.

However, if you prefer movies with complex characters and deep storytelling, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re here for the action? Buckle up.