M .W. K
This is without a doubt the greatest animated movie based on a fighting video game. The animation just beautiful and the action sequences are top notch. But does that mean it's perfect - not even close. It has plenty of flaws and things that could have been improved. What it lacked most of all...was the story or plot so to say. For a movie (live action or animated) the story should always come first - and it should always be good. I feel that because it tried to do so much in just one project, that's what made it feel overstuffed. And because of that the majority of the characters, besides the MCs, get very little to no screen time or character development - simply having cameo appearances that feel both wasted and lacking because they're really only seen once or barely at all in the movie. But no one had a more pointless cameo than Akuma. The fight scenes that happen in the movie out of nowhere really don't work because there's no story to add. There were many times where it felt rushed (or dragging), because there was just so much going on. I understand that having so many characters in a single project is tricky and fans need to be pleased, but making a good story is still more important. The dialogue could have also used plenty of work, because while it's not very bad, it definitely feels flat at times (the 1994's Bison had a slightly better dialogue than the animated Bison). The voice dubbing was also pretty bad - good at times - but not always. But the worst part of the movie was definitely the ending - seriously, why was Bison driving a truck, where did he get the truck, and why does it end with Ryu getting ready to take on the truck? Ryu taking on a truck is badass...but because it ends in a cliffhanger...it's just disappointing and anticlimactic.
The scene where Bison took at least three minutes just to sit in his chair, Ken driving around with Eliza, or when Ryu was practicing in the mountains - talk about unnecessary. I get that Ryu is training to become the best warrior he can be, but since he's facing other skilled fighters, there isn't really any need to seem him practice. And the opening fight scene where Ryu fought against Sagat...why didn't Ryu yell out his signature "Hadoken" at the end? Plus the Chun-Li and Guile subplot doesn't really go anywhere, and sadly don't really do anything to stop Bison. And when Guile finally faces Bison...he ends up losing, and that's it. And while Chun-Li's fight with Vega was pretty awesome, I would have prefered if she got to fight Bison (alongside Ryu and Ken of course). The heavy music was also pretty bad, as it was pretty distracting and somewhat disoriented. The music also occurred in moments where it shouldn't have happened. Sometimes you couldn't hear the characters over the music. It just didn't fit the movie at all. Also, why did they change the name of Shadoloo or Shadolaw? Not that I'm complaining, because it actually sounds better and more menacing. There was also the ridiculous looking android that could find out absolutely everything about a fighter despite it having no connection to said fighter...was just down right ridiculous. I mean, it makes sense in a way, since Bison is looking for the strongest fighters in the world to join him. But at least have the machine shoot a tiny tracker or scanner inside the fighter, because it would at least somewhat help make sense why it can sense a person's "leadership, judgement, perception, objectivity".
I feel that the movie should have been at least a three parter; that way we get more of the story, and each character gets a chance at a bigger role. We get to see more of Ryu and Ken's past - from rivals to best friends. When Chun-Li was talking about Cammy White she could have said that Cammy was either lying about her amnesia, or that she was being manipulated by Bison. Ken taking his training seriously, but preferring to spend time with Eliza would have also been better. Cammy could have even aided Chun-Li and Guile hunt down Bison as she begins recovering her memories. Chun-Li traveling alongside Ryu to keep an eye on him would have also been fun to watch (and maybe a possible love blossoming). Fei Long, E. Honda, Dhalsim, Dee Jay, Sagat, Balrog, Vega, Zangief, Blanka, etc., they all could have added more to the story. Even Bison's plans could have been improved - have him want global domination through elaborate terrorist acts due to his love of chaos and destruction. And the only reason he seeks powerful fighters is to use them to spread his influences much quicker. And the fighter Bison was looking for wasn't Ryu...but Akuma - revealing that his power has grown so strong that it's slowly destroying his body, and believes that Akuma is the perfect subject to transfer his soul into. And so, after Bison defeats Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li (as well as Guile), Akuma appears and is forced to fight Bison - Akuma of course defeats Bison with a powerful "Shun Goku Satsu". A weak Ryu wants to fight, but Akuma simply walks away; encouraging Ryu to become stronger in order to give him a proper battle. After recovering, and everyone goes their separate ways...Chun-Li gives Ryu a goodbye kiss.
But despite all its flaws, when you compare it to other movies based on fighting video games...it truly is the superior one. Because at least the animation is beautiful, the action choreography is amazing, and the voice dubbing can be good at times. But if you're going to watch this movie, I strongly suggest the original Japanese version - the voicing acting and music is much better. And yes, I obviously love Chun-Li's famous shower scene. I mean, why wouldn't I? It is literally the only time we actually get to see her perfect body (in the nude). It is an absolute precious moment in fighting animated movie history, and I'm not afraid to admit it.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
08/04/25
Full Review
Stephen C
Success in 1 hour and 36 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/16/25
Full Review
Todd B
Popular video game series becomes anime Manga for the first time. Ryu and the major characters of the time. Nice original story. Great action.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/02/24
Full Review
Kathy S
This is literally one of the best anime movies of the 90’s. If any likes the video game, then this is the movie for them.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/03/24
Full Review
Steve C
I guess they had to write in that Chun Li fan service to satisfy the pervs and teenage wet dreamers .... haha
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/08/24
Full Review
Cameron L
Surprisingly serious and badass for an animated movie of a video game and it doesn't mess around with cheesy things
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/22/23
Full Review
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