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Action film

Bad City (2023): Cast & Ratings

Bad City (2023) movie poster

Bad City is a 2023 action film directed by Kensuke Sonomura, starring Lily Franky as Gojo, Masaya Katô and Kazuki Namioka. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes. Critics gave it 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.

IMDb rating
6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
77%
Echo Score
71
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Bad City (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 58m (118 min)
Director
Kensuke Sonomura
Genre
Action
Original language
Japanese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bad City About?

The premise of Bad City without spoilers.

In the poverty-stricken and corrupt Kaiko City, escalating violence erupts between rival gangs and a powerful crime lord. A ruthless businessman's rise to the position of mayor further destabilizes the city. A disgraced former police officer, recently released from prison, is tasked with dismantling the criminal underworld. To succeed, he must confront his own troubled past and fight to restore order and justice to a city consumed by chaos.

Bad City Themes & Keywords

· 21 tags
  • yakuza
  • female full frontal nudity
  • police
  • stabbed in the chest
  • stabbed repeatedly
  • stabbed to death
  • acquitted of crime
  • fictional city
  • television reporter
  • male rear nudity
  • crime scene
  • black and white flashback
+9 more
  • flashback
  • knocked unconscious
  • tv news
  • press conference
  • death of police officer
  • disarming a person with a knife
  • female frontal nudity
  • female rear nudity
  • female nudity
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Cast & crew

Bad City Cast & Characters

Lily Franky leads the cast as Gojo, with Masaya Katô as Hirayama and Kazuki Namioka as Murata. Directed by Kensuke Sonomura; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bad City

· 6 more
From the director

More from Kensuke Sonomura

One more film directed by Kensuke Sonomura: Ghost Killer.

Full filmography
Ratings

Bad City Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bad City 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

71 /100

Bad City Echo Score Breakdown

Bad City delivers a visually arresting action experience driven by well‑executed fight choreography and competent direction, yet its narrative suffers from a pulpy, uneven plot that undercuts the film’s potential. Critics praise the energetic visual style and solid cast, while noting reliance on boiler‑plate dialogue and an anticlimactic conclusion. The mixed reception results in a modestly favorable impression overall.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film is highlighted for its meticulously choreographed fight sequences and dynamic cinematography. Reviewers commend the compositional rhythm and "spectacular set pieces," describing the action as electrifying. Some critics, however, note occasional messiness in the execution. Overall, the artistic elements are a strong point, reflecting competent direction and visual design.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When evaluating character and emotional depth, the cast receives generally positive mentions for delivering solid performances and dynamic personalities. Critics acknowledge the actors’ ability to shine within the action‑focused framework, and a user review praises the acting overall. Few criticisms target the dialogue’s lack of nuance, suggesting limited development. Consequently, the character work is competent but not outstanding.

  • Story & Flow 65

    The story is described as straightforward and, at times, pulpy, with a plot that prioritizes action over intricate narrative development. Critics point to boiler‑plate dialogue, an anticlimactic ending, and a lack of subtlety, while other reviewers find the simple plotting effective for showcasing the fight scenes. Overall, the storytelling is functional yet uneven, reducing narrative impact.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    Sensory experience centers on the film’s visceral action, with reviewers highlighting electrifying sound design and vivid visual style during combat sequences. The choreography is likened to a "Swan Lake" performance, and the overall auditory‑visual cohesion is praised. No significant detractors mention sound or visual deficits, indicating the sensory components are a notable strength of the film.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch value appears moderate; the exhilarating action may attract repeat viewings for fans of choreographed combat, yet narrative shortcomings and uneven pacing limit lasting appeal. Critics note the film as entertaining for casual viewing, and a user describes it as suitable for a Friday night. Consequently, the film offers enjoyable but not compelling reasons to revisit frequently.

Videos

Bad City Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Trailer
  • Trailer BAD CITY Official Trailer | Directed by Kensuke Sonomura | Hitoshi Ozawa | Masanori Mimoto
Details

Bad City Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “バッドシティ” and “Baddo shiti”.

Also known as
  • バッドシティ
  • Baddo shiti
  • バッド・シティ
  • 罪恶围城
  • 야쿠자들: 폭력의 도시
  • Город грешников
  • 闇黑城
  • Miasto zemsty

Seen Bad City?

FAQ

Bad City FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Bad City, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bad City?

Bad City runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

When was Bad City released?

Bad City was released on August 1, 2023.

Who directed Bad City?

Bad City was directed by Kensuke Sonomura.

More films by Kensuke Sonomura

Who is in the cast of Bad City?

Bad City stars Lily Franky as Gojo, Masaya Katô as Hirayama and Kazuki Namioka as Murata, among 10 credited actors.

How is Bad City rated?

Bad City has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69% on TMDB and 3.2/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Bad City have a post-credit scene?

No. Bad City has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Bad City in?

The original language of Bad City is Japanese.

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