Detective Conan: One‑Eyed Flashback - Japan Movie Review

Описание: Here is an in-depth review of a Japan Movie.

Movie Name is : Detective Conan: One‑Eyed Flashback, covering its storyline, characters, cinematic style, and why it has broken records. I’ve supported key points with citations and even included fan reactions. Enjoy!

1. Introduction & Cultural Context :

Detective Conan: One‑Eyed Flashback, the 28th film in the long‑running Detective Conan (aka Case Closed) anime series, premiered in Japan on April 18, 2025, and quickly became the highest‑grossing Japanese film of 2025. It also overtook franchises like Super Mario Bros. to become 18th on Japan’s all‑time domestic box office chart. With a record opening weekend of ¥3.43 billion (≈ US $24 million from 2.31 million admissions), it surpassed the previous Conan installment and solidified the franchise’s dominance.

This film marks a milestone in Detective Conan history—not just financially, but also creatively—offering a tightly woven mystery, rich character exploration, and stunning animation, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nagano’s snowy landscapes and observatory locales.

2. Plot Overview :

The film masterfully intertwines two parallel timelines and perspectives:

Flashback (≈10 months earlier) :

Kansuke Yamato of the Nagano Prefectural Police chases a suspect on Mount Mitakaradake, gets grazed in the eye by a stray bullet, and causes an avalanche that nearly kills him.

He survives but loses sight in one eye, carrying both physical and mental scars.

Present Day :

A researcher at Nobeyama Radio Observatory is attacked, triggering Yamato’s eye to flare in pain.

At the same time, Kogoro Mouri, the “Sleeping Detective”, receives a call from “Wani,” a former colleague, reconnecting him with that unresolved avalanche case.

Conan Edogawa gets involved as the amnesiac incident resurfaces, bringing memories of gunfire, betrayal, and buried secrets.

The narratives converge as Kogoro, Conan, and Yamato uncover a high‑stakes conspiracy entangled in memory, trust, and suspense, all set against the snowy expanses of Nagano and the eerie silence of a radio observatory.

 3. Characters & Performance :

Kansuke Yamato :

A compelling addition to the cast, Yamato is portrayed with emotional depth. His physical injury (one‑eyed) is both a symbol of vulnerability and a metaphor for the obscured truth he seeks. Director Katsuya Shigehara, in his feature directorial debut, gives Yamato a spotlight rarely seen in Conan films. Fans even noted the film lean into police drama themes:

“This seems like it’s another one… trailer got me hooked”.

Kogoro Mouri :

Often sidelined, Kogoro steps into the limelight here. Formerly comedic, he shows emotional range and sincerity. The story’s flashbacks reveal a deeper side of the “Sleeping Detective,” and fans were delighted to see:

“It’s nice to see that Kogoro seems to have a noticeable role in this movie”.

Conan Edogawa :

Though not the centerpiece, Conan is the glue tying the mystery together. His sharp intellect and perseverance shine as he pieces together Yamato’s fragmented memories and monetary motives behind the observatory attack. He elegantly balances the interplay of humor and tension throughout.

Supporting Cast :

The inclusion of real–life locations like Nobeyama Observatory and the snow‑laden Nagano terrain adds a textured backdrop. Characters like Yui Uehara assist Yamato, while the “Wani” character brings personal weight to Kogoro’s side. Voice actors, including Minami Takayama, Wakana Yamazaki, and special guests like Mizuki Yamashita and Takayuki Yamada, elevate the emotional stakes.

4. Storytelling & Direction :

Katsuya Shigehara brings cinematic energy to the film. The opening avalanche scene is dynamic and terrifying, switching to restrained tension in the observatory's hush. Critics praised this dual‑tone approach:

A tightly paced, “multifaceted appeal”—mystery, action, and “a touch of mature romance”.

The fragmented timeline and layered mystery echo the tone of classic noir, yet remain accessible to family audiences. The pacing is crisp and the reveals land effectively, culminating in a climax that fuses Yamato’s physical recovery with Conan’s intellectual triumph.

5. Animation & Cinematography :

TMS Entertainment delivers excellent animation quality. Contrasting previous concerns about variable artistry in Conan films, this one looks polished:

The avalanche sequence is visceral, enhanced by sharp cuts, falling snow, and a muted color palette.

Observatory scenes use angular framing and stark lighting to amplify tension.

Wide shots of Nagano’s landscapes evoke atmosphere and realism.

Overall, the film presents clear, crisp images, with emotional close‑ups and sweeping environment shots combining to create cinematic richness expected from big‑budget anime.

6. Music & Soundtrack :

Yugo Kanno continues his run as composer, delivering an emotionally resonant score...