Release: 1995-12-08
Runtime: 58m (58 minutes)
A strange virus known as the Demon Virus, attacks the human genetic code, transforming people into monsters with demonic powers. One particular monster is terrorizing the streets of Tokyo. ripping open young women to devour their livers. A famed psychic holds the secret to the identity and purpose of this monster. Now it is up to two molecular biologists. self-proclaimed Bio Hunters Komada and Koshigaya, to reach the psychic and his beautiful daughter before its too late! The Demon Virus is out to conquer the world.
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Genres: Animation, Horror, Action
Cast: Daiki Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Toshihiko Seki, more
Daiki Nakamura
as Police Officer
Kazuhiko Inoue
as Kamagaya
Toshihiko Seki
as Komada
Yuko Minaguchi
as Sayaka
Chikao Ohtsuka
as Bokuda
Rei Igarashi
as Mariye
Takehiro Murozono
as Lieutenant
Tarō Ishida
as Tabe
Issei Miyazaki
as Subordinate
Ryuuzaburou Ootomo
as Yoshikawa
Mizue Ōtsuka
as Office Worker
Yu Shimaka
as Boss
Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Writer
Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Key Animation
Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Director
Takeshi Koike
Key Animation
Yuzo Sato
Director
Shinya Takahashi
Key Animation
Kenji Teraoka
Key Animation
Masao Maruyama
Producer
Minoru Yamazawa
Key Animation
Hiroshi Nagahama
Key Animation
Harutoshi Ogata
Editor
Toshiya Niidome
Key Animation
A strange virus known as the Demon Virus, attacks the human genetic code, transforming people into monsters with demonic powers. One particular monster is terrorizing the streets of Tokyo. ripping open young women to devour their livers. A famed psychic holds the secret to the identity and purpose of this monster. Now it is up to two molecular biologists. self-proclaimed Bio Hunters Komada and Koshigaya, to reach the psychic and his beautiful daughter before its too late! The Demon Virus is out to conquer the world.
Bio Hunter is a gripping Japanese animated film that delves into themes of mystery and psychological horror. The movie, which is also an adaptation of a manga series created by Fujihiko Hosono, brings to life a unique story that focuses on two molecular biologists, Koshigaya and Komada. This dynamic duo faces a serious challenge as they strive to combat a mysterious virus that transforms humans into monstrous beings.
Originally serialized in the manga magazine Comic Burger from 1989 to 1990, the story was later brought to the screen as a single-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) produced by Madhouse Studios and Toei Video. Directed by Yūzō Satō and written by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the film was released on 8 December 1995 and has a runtime of 60 minutes. It was distributed in North America by Urban Vision and had its English dub released by MVM Films in the UK and Madman Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand.
The animation style of Bio Hunter shares a dark urban fantasy aesthetic similar to other works by Kawajiri, including Ninja Scroll and Devilman OVA. The collaboration between Kawajiri, Yamamoto, and Maruyama also continued in their later project, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, which was produced between 1997 and 2000.
The plot begins with Koshigaya and Komada trying to distribute a cure for a demon virus that has spread across Japan. The situation intensifies when Komada becomes infected, leading to an internal struggle. He must learn to harness his newfound demonic powers while trying to save others from the virus. This battle becomes a riveting exploration of the duality of human nature and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
The film features a range of characters, each contributing to the tension-filled narrative:
Overall, Bio Hunter presents a thrilling mix of horror and science fiction, capturing the essence of its source material while engaging audiences with its compelling characters and storyline. The film's combination of dark themes, action, and emotional depth makes it a noteworthy addition to the anime genre.
