Tsukasa Hojo’s City Hunter started its serialization in the Weekly Shonen Jump in 1985 and is immensely popular among veteran anime enthusiasts. Since then, the manga has been adapted into various mediums, including an anime adaptation, numerous films, spin-offs, and a Jackie Chan starrer live-action film. All the different formats that City Hunter is available in give their own spin to the narrative, and the same is true for the live-action adaptation. 

Jackie Chan as Ryo Saeba in Wong Jing’s City Hunter (1993) | Credits: Golden Harvest

The movie has found its fanbase, who appreciate it for what it is, but Chan doesn’t seem to be too fond of it. Given the film’s controversial humor and over-the-top elements, this shouldn’t be a surprise. However, there is more to the story. Here’s why the actor hates the movie and why it’s not surprising at all! 

Jackie Chan hates his own movie and it’s not a surprise 

Wong Jing’s City Hunter (1993) is the live-action adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo’s celebrated manga series. The story of City Hunter revolves around Ryo Saeba, a private detective who is a womanizer but extremely skilled at his job. Kaori Makimura keeps Ryo’s womanizing tendencies in check, while also overseeing the business and the clients that Ryo works for. In the anime and manga, Ryo is a somewhat charming character. 

Ryo Saeba in a still from the anime | Credits: Studio Sunrise

His fondness for women often leads to comedic situations. However, his skills in fights are admirable. Jackie Chan played Ryo Saeba in the City Hunter live-action adaptation. While the movie has become a favorite for many fans, Chan isn’t exactly fond of it. IMDb trivia of Wong Jing’s High Risk revealed Chan’s relationship with the movie and its director. 

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After City Hunter, Chan disowned the movie and had a fall-out with the director. While there are not many details about their altercation, one can understand why the actor might not like his role in the movie. Contrary to the more grounded and ordinary characters he is known for, the portrayal of Ryo in the live-action movie was more of a philanderer. 

The divided reception of City Hunter 

Ryo Saeba in a still from the final fight of City Hunter live-action | Credits: Golden Harvest

Not to say that Chan always played innocent characters before and after City Hunter, but Ryo was definitely unique for the actor in many aspects. The questionable humor of the movie also made it a subject of contempt for many fans, leading to a mixed reception overall. The movie was praised for its action sequences and Chan’s performance. 

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However, the anime-esque crude and sexual humor along with slapstick comedy didn’t translate well into live-action as a medium. However, some fans choose to not take it too seriously and enjoy the better parts. Aside from the casual sexism, the movie has many homophobic jokes that miserably fail the test of time. The movie was over-the-top in many ways and got overbearing for many fans. 

City Hunter live-action film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and the anime is available on Crunchyroll. 
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