Regarded as a detective legend among Vietnamese audiences, Detective Conan has maintained an impressive streak for nearly three decades. Each year, the young detective returns to the big screen with chilling cases and an outstanding track record few animated films can match. The 28th installment, The Darkest Nightmare, has already earned over 100 million yen within three weeks of release in Japan, marking the third consecutive year a Conan movie has crossed this milestone. In Vietnam, Conan Movie 28 pulled in nearly 50 billion VND over just one weekend, surpassing even Superman and The Smurfs at the box office.
Directed by Katsuya Shigehara and written by Takeharu Sakurai, who helped shape Conan’s signature action-detective style in recent years, this film reunites fans with Nagano Prefecture’s police trio: Inspector Kansuke Yamato, who lost an eye in a severe avalanche, the strong-willed officer Yui Uehara, and their comrade Taka’aki Morofushi. These characters have been absent since Movie 13: The Raven Chaser, making their return highly anticipated. Later, Yamato crosses paths with the “sleepy detective” Mori Kogoro and young Conan during a mysterious murder investigation. What seem like separate cases gradually reveal unexpected connections tied to Kansuke’s fragmented past, leading to a long-buried truth.
A Cleverly Crafted Complex Story
The film’s first highlight is its subtle and skillful screenplay, building a layered, logical detective narrative that invites viewers to think deeply. The story begins with a mysterious murder case that gradually expands through details etched in the protagonist’s memories. Kansuke Yamato is a victim of a devastating avalanche that cost him an eye and his memory. After ten months, he returns with faint but haunting recollections. Clues are revealed with finesse, such as the numbers reflected on the Nobeyama Observatory radar in his eye or objects left at the scene. When Conan and Mori arrive in Nagano, they uncover unusual similarities between the current murder and the past accident. Two seemingly separate storylines connect smoothly through sharp logic and insightful deduction.
If you look closely, the focus on exploring characters’ inner depth began around Movie 25 and continues here. The script no longer emphasizes complex cases or intricate codes but instead delves into relationships and psychology. This delicate blend of classic Conan detective work and fresh emotional depth is unprecedented. Kansuke carries deep regrets and haunting memories of an unresolved case. His close colleague Yui struggles emotionally with his return. Conan and Mori work together with subtlety. While Conan remains sharp and composed, Mori breaks his “sleepy detective” stereotype, showing unexpected poise and sharpness that delight fans and invite a fresh appreciation of his character.
The film doesn’t rely heavily on special effects or thrilling action to captivate audiences. Instead, it builds tension slowly and thoughtfully. Action scenes like the fake landslide Conan uncovers or the chase involving a giant satellite antenna at the observatory come at just the right moments, feeling natural and purposeful rather than excessive. Every detail serves the deduction process and gradually reveals missing pieces of the puzzle. The film’s tight structure leaves no gaps. Questions about memory, honor, and truth are peeled back layer by layer, demanding viewers’ full attention and reasoning alongside the characters.
Notably, the film cleverly injects humor to relieve tension. For example, Conan’s playful interactions with national agency forces, where he openly uses them as his personal assistants and boasts about knowing all their tricks, bring laughter throughout the theater. This lightens the intense atmosphere. The pacing is tight, skillfully weaving past and present to keep viewers glued to the screen. The early parts feel slow and mysterious, leading to a finale packed with sharp logic and deep emotion.
A Fresh Take on Familiar Characters
Movie 28 impresses not only with its intricate plot but also by revitalizing familiar characters in exciting ways. Mori, once seen mainly as a comedic detective living in Conan’s shadow, undergoes a remarkable transformation. Here, Mori is no longer the “sleepy detective” relying on Conan. Instead, he displays expert marksmanship, sharp insight, and decisive action, revealing a mature man ready to take responsibility and fight for justice. This Mori is a multi-dimensional character who balances charm with admirable qualities.
Another highlight is the focus on Nagano’s police trio, especially Kansuke Yamato. Unlike typical animated police characters, Kansuke is serious and diligent. Though he appears sparingly in Conan’s world, his presence carries great weight. He is not just a skilled officer but a principled law enforcer willing to face tough challenges to uphold justice. The film explores Kansuke’s painful past and psychology in depth, creating a layered character defined by determination and haunting memories.
Kansuke’s colleagues Yui Uehara and Morofushi are also well developed, forming a police team strong in expertise and diverse in personality. Each has a distinct role and character, enriching the story with emotional and psychological balance. They are more than side characters, placed at the story’s core to balance detective work with heartfelt relationships.
Throughout the film, familiar characters get chances to grow and reveal new facets. This adds a special appeal, as viewers don’t just watch a detective story but follow the psychological growth, maturity, and rebirth of long-loved characters. They are no longer “old faces” but become “new and captivating” in fresh ways.
Rating: 4/5
Overall, Movie 28 stands as an impressive comeback for Conan. Fans of Mori will find a rare chance to witness his remarkable transformation. He is no longer just funny but sharp, decisive, and powerful like never before. For mystery lovers, the film offers a feast of refined logic with carefully arranged plot points that satisfy curiosity and the desire to deduce. For longtime Conan fans, The Darkest Nightmare is a heartfelt tribute from the team to their love and loyalty over nearly thirty years. If you want a detective movie that’s both sharp and emotionally rich, grab your rice bowl and head to the theater now!
