'City Hunter' Ending Explained: Ryo and Kaori race against time to save Kurumi
Contains spoilers for 'City Hunter'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix's 'City Hunter' premiered on Netflix on Thursday, April 25, and the ending sees Ryo (Ryohei Suzuki) and Kaori (Misato Morita) seek vengeance for Makimura's (Masanobu Andô) murder while uncovering the Angel Dust conspiracy. Their partnership is reluctant, but they learn to collaborate on the job.
Kaori, reeling from her brother's death, wants to team up with Ryo for answers. However, Ryo prefers she stay away from his perilous world. His daily routine involves dangerous fights, trips to hostess bars, and an excessive consumption of pornography.
The Netflix adaptation marks the first live-action take on Tsukasa Hojo's 'City Hunter' manga. Despite its evident misogyny, the film has its charms, particularly evident in the compelling third act and climactic moments.
Why doesn't Ryo want to work with Kaori?
At Ryo's home, he continues to ignore Kaori for not heeding his advice. When Kaori starts blaming herself, Ryo attempts to persuade her to leave and avoid the danger. He confesses that he's been trying to protect her as per Makimura's last wish.
However, Kaori admits her guilt for not comforting her brother when he died and reveals she's aware they're not biologically related.
She resolves to seek justice for Makimura's death and Kurumi's (Yuuki Luna) abduction, with or without Ryo's help. Instead of dissuading her further, Ryo equips her with a bulletproof vest, and the two set out to avenge Makimura together.
What's the relationship between Lore and Union?
Kurumi awakens in a Lore laboratory and meets the CEO, who's revealed to be involved in the Angel Dust experiments. However, the Union members, known for their distrust, consider anyone without their head-exploding devices untrustworthy.
Without hesitation, one Union member kills the CEO and everyone else in the lab, sparing Kurumi. Meanwhile, Ryo and Kaori track Kurumi using the hidden tracker in her earrings. Along the way, Ryo receives a call from the Old Man, who shares intel about the secretive Union Teopi organization.
Originating from South America, they've been using Lore as a front for their operations in Japan. However, Ryo realizes he's a step behind, as the Union has already cut ties with Lore.
Ryo and Kaori finally make it to Lore headquarters
Arriving at Lore headquarters through an underground tunnel, Ryo and Kaori are shocked by the aftermath of the massacre. As they venture further, they encounter a small army of Union members. Despite their outnumbered situation, Ryo handles the fighting and shooting while Kaori assists by passing weapons.
When the leader of the Union appears, he holds Kurumi hostage. He offers Ryo a chance to join their criminal organization, but Ryo declines politely.
Suddenly, Black Bear, a formidable figure enhanced by Angel Dust, emerges from his hiding spot. Ryo instructs Kaori to follow the Union member while he confronts Black Bear.
What happened to Kaori's biological father?
As they await helicopter rescue, the Union member taunts Kaori with her tragic backstory. Her biological father, once a Union employee, became an Angel Dust test subject after trying to leave the organization. In a fit of rage, he was shot in self-defense by a police officer, who later became Kaori's adopted father.
Just in time, Ryo arrives and incapacitates the man, saving Kurumi. As the Union chopper arrives, they leave the traitorous employee behind. Kaori aims her gun at him, seeking revenge for her lost family, but she can't bring herself to pull the trigger.
Fortunately, the man is a Union member, and they ensure his death by triggering his head-exploding device. By the time Saeko (Fumino Kimura) and the police force breach the building, the action has already concluded.
Kaori invades Ryo's apartment with the iconic hammer
A few days after rescuing Kurumi and defeating the antagonist, Kaori visits her brother's grave to pay her respects. Meanwhile, Kurumi has resumed her career and is thriving.
When Ryo wakes up, he's surprised to find Kaori vacuuming his apartment and disposing of his collection of "babes." To his dismay, she announces her intention to move in. Armed with her iconic giant hammer, Kaori playfully chases Ryo around the apartment, much to his chagrin.
'City Hunter' trailer
'City Hunter' is available to stream on Netflix from April 25