Dororo

Hyakkimaru is a battle hardened fighter who has wandered a war ravaged realm, missing 48 parts of his body because demons seized them at birth. He believes reclaiming each piece will restore his humanity and perhaps grant him mercy for past sins. Dororo, a sharp, street smart orphan, has grown up in a world where survival demanded quick wit and even quicker fists, and she hunts those responsible for her parents deaths. Their paths collide when a chance encounter turns into an uneasy partnership; he supplies raw power and a glimmer of hope, she supplies cunning and a stubborn resolve. Together they push through corrupt towns, spectral foes, and rival warlords while the true cost of restoration unfolds.

Directed by Akihiko Shiota, this live action adaptation reworks Osamu Tezuka's manga into a dark, kinetic spectacle. The film blends martial combat with eerie supernatural imagery, backed by a brooding score. Satoshi Tsumabuki brings weary grit to Hyakkimaru, while Ko Shibasaki gives Dororo sharp resolve.

With a budget of 18.9 million dollars, the film grossed about 27.3 million worldwide, a modest but respectable return for a live action adaptation released in multiple markets, including Japan and select international territories.

Critics highlighted the film's stark visual language and its unflinching take on violence, power, and vulnerability. While the tone is grim, the central bond between Hyakkimaru and Dororo adds a human pulse, guiding them through brutal clashes and political intrigue. The story asks how much of ourselves we must sacrifice to gain back what we have lost, and whether a body can be rebuilt without erasing the life it once lived.

Though not a blockbuster in the West, the film sits among Tezuka adaptations that push for a grittier, near filmi sensibility in live action. Fans point to its production design, creature effects, and committed performances as evidence that Tezuka's worlds can translate to contemporary cinema without losing their mythic edge. The film also sparked discussions about how classic literature can be reimagined for modern audiences while remaining faithful to core themes.