Netflix’s Demon City is a high-octane action thriller that delivers relentless, brutal fight sequences. The film follows hitman Shuhei Sakata on a revenge mission against the gang responsible for his family’s murder. While Demon City maintains a gripping pace, its ending leaves room for interpretation, with the rise of a new character and unresolved mysteries.
Shuhei Sakata, a legendary hitman in Shinjo City, attempts to retire from his violent lifestyle to settle with his wife, Aoi, and daughter, Ryo. However, his past catches up with him when a demon-masked gang murders his family and shoots him in the head. Thought to be dead, Sakata miraculously survives but is left in a catatonic state for twelve years. During this time, Ryu Sunohara seizes control of the city and turns it into an economic powerhouse, hiding his criminal undertakings under the guise of prosperity.
Sakata eventually regains consciousness and discovers that his old friend, Akira Fujita, has been caring for him. However, Fujita harbors a dark secret—he betrayed Sakata years ago. When an assassin attempts to kill him in the hospital, Sakata awakens his killer instincts and begins a relentless quest for revenge, methodically eliminating his enemies. His pursuit of justice leads him to the shocking revelation that his daughter, Ryo, is still alive and living under the control of the demon gang.
Toma Ikuta (Photo: Demon City/Netflix)Sakata’s Desperate Mission to Save Ryo and Unravel Sunohara’s True Identity
Determined to rescue Ryo, Sakata infiltrates the heavily fortified Shinjo Security complex. Unaware of his identity, Ryo, now a high school student, shoots Sakata with an arrow, mistaking him for an enemy. Injured, Sakata retreats and prepares for a final showdown with Sunohara at the grand Mahoroba Resort. With his iconic rope and blade weapon in hand, Sakata embarks on one last mission to reclaim his daughter.
Sakata carves through waves of enemies before confronting the masked guardian keeping Ryo captive. He fatally wounds the man and reaches Sunohara’s chamber for an epic final battle. Ryo finally recognizes Sakata as her father, escaping while he faces Sunohara. Despite losing an arm in the fight, Sakata overcomes his nemesis and kills him. However, Sunohara’s supposed death is not the end of the story.
One year after the battle, Sunohara appears alive, announcing the delayed launch of the Mahoroba project. However, a key detail—a scar on his face—reveals that this is not the original Sunohara but his twin brother, Jin. Throughout their lives, Jin lived in his brother’s shadow, fueling resentment. After Sunohara’s death, Jin seizes the opportunity to assume his identity and power, marking a sinister shift in Shinjo City’s rule.
Toma Ikuta (Photo: Demon City/Netflix)Ryo’s Journey of Vengeance and Redemption in the Heart of Demon City
Following her father’s tragic death, Ryo vanishes from the public eye. She reevaluates her entire existence, realizing she had been manipulated by the demon gang. A year later, she returns to the shrine where Jin, masquerading as Sunohara, performs a ritual dance. With her archery skills honed, she takes a decisive shot, killing Jin and avenging her father’s legacy.
Ryo’s transformation from an innocent girl into a warrior mirrors Sakata’s journey. Her final act of vengeance signifies a full-circle moment, proving that she has embraced her father’s strength and resilience. The film ends with her driving Sakata’s old car, symbolizing her continuation of his legacy in an uncertain future.
Demon City explores themes of revenge, redemption, and identity. Sakata’s battle is not just physical but deeply emotional as he grapples with betrayal and loss. Jin’s arc delves into the impact of living in someone else’s shadow, while Ryo’s transformation highlights the consequences of violence on the next generation.
While Demon City provides intense action and thrilling sequences, its ending raises questions about what comes next. Jin’s demise brings closure to Sakata’s quest, yet Ryo’s future remains uncertain. Whether she follows her father’s path or forges her own remains open-ended, adding depth to an already gripping narrative.
