Meitantei Conan Movie 23: Konjou no Fist

The world's greatest blue sapphire, the "blue lapis fist", said to have sunk in a pirate ship in the late 19th century, on the coasts of Singapore. A local millionaire plots to retrieve it, and when it's exhibited in an exhibition at the Singaporean Marina Sands hotel, a murder takes place. A bloody Kaitou Kid announcement card is found in the crime scene.

In the meantime, Ran and Sonoko have come to Singapore to see a karate tournament held there. Conan, who doesn't have a passport and can't travel overseas, was supposed to stay at home. But Kid, who wants to make use of him, uses a magical trick to forcibly drag him to Singapore. Conan must obey Kid if he wants to get back to Japan, gets his glasses, wristwatch and clothes, amongst others, all stolen from him and he has to disguise himself.

Ran, who doesn't realize who he is, asks him his name and he improvises the name Arthur Hirai. Kid eventually gets a hold of information about the "fist" being stored in a manor's underground vault. Just when he was thinking that he'd made it inside very easily, he finds a dangerous trap awaiting him. Facing him is the strongest karateka with 400 consecutive victories: Makoto Kyogoku.

(Source: Detective Conan World)

Edogawa, Conan Main

Takayama, Minami Japanese

Kuroba, Kaito Main

Yamaguchi, Kappei Japanese

Mouri, Ran Main

Yamazaki, Wakana Japanese

Mouri, Kogorou Main

Koyama, Rikiya Japanese

Kyougoku, Makoto Main

Hiyama, Nobuyuki Japanese

Haibara, Ai Supporting

Hayashibara, Megumi Japanese

Agasa, Hiroshi Supporting

Ogata, Kenichi Japanese

Suzuki, Sonoko Supporting

Matsui, Naoko Japanese

Yoshida, Ayumi Supporting

Iwai, Yukiko Japanese

Tsuburaya, Mitsuhiko Supporting

Ootani, Ikue Japanese

Nagaoka, Chika Director, Episode Director, Storyboard

Urakami, Keiko Sound Director

Urakami, Yasuyuki Sound Director

Shigehara, Katsuya Episode Director

Reviews

Jul 18, 2023

Flash21

Recommended

Detective Conan Movies Rewatch Before Watching Movie 26: Movie 23

Of all the movies that I thought needed more run time, this one needed it the most. Movie 23 finally introduced our beloved cast in a new country: Singapore. Kaito Kid is back, and this time used in an intriguing case. In addition, the movie finally decided to focus on Sonoko for once, this time alongside Makoto Kyogoku, both of whom are somewhat under-focused in the main series.

The movie automatically gets a bump up for utilizing a different country as the setting, as DC fans naturally do not see Conan traveling internationally. In addition to the ... freshness of the setting, the movie was gorgeous. The animation was generally excellent, and some of the shots were very pretty to watch. The BGM was good (as it has been over the past couple of movies). Character interactions were great to watch, as Kid and Conan's partnership shines throughout the movie. The antagonist this time was creepy, and the victims were presented in a jarring, memorable way.

However, the movie wasn't as smooth as the previous movies in terms of storytelling. As stated, this movie really could have used at least 30 minutes to fully develop some of the plot points, as some were simply presented in your face without thought, and it was difficult to follow some of the developments even upon a rewatch. In addition, they could have done more with Sonoko and Makoto's relationship with additional air time. Unfortunately, Conan movies are bounded by their two-hour limit.

Overall, movie 23 was still enjoyable to watch, but some issues prevented it from being an excellent movie. 7/10

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Feb 3, 2020

ActionManonAnime

Mixed Feelings

After first hearing about this movie, I had a pretty good feeling about what I was getting into: it will be really weird, but a little fun. For one, I had no idea how a movie set outside japan will be done, let alone it being focused on a character I almost forgot about. However, with it being another Kaito Kid movie, I felt assured that we would at least get some fun moments thrilling heists and goofy not-Shinichi moments. And sure enough, that's exactly what I got (warning: long review full of spoilers).

To start with, this movie looks really good! Whether it’s because of ... how much effort they put into the art style and animation or I’ve just gotten used to the old style while re-watching the series, this is definitely one of the best looking movies in the series. The luxurious setting of Marina Sands Bay really makes it possible for some beautiful eye candy. The animation during intense scenes is insane and over the top (as is the norm with these movies).

Kaito Kid returns and he needs Conan’s help! Having been rivals for nearly 23 years, it’s always fun to see them working together. The pacing of this movie is also really good. Everything moves at a snappy pace when it needs to, only slowing down either to reflect on the case or for some much needed down time. My favorite scenes are definitely Kaito’s heists as these are the scenes where the most action is going on.

Lots of high praise, for sure. But unfortunately, this movie does have some faults I can’t ignore. While the mystery is interesting, there were some bits that were a bit hard to follow. It also doesn’t help that the villains aren’t particularly impressive. The central antagonist is just so blatantly bad. For the real culprit, I had a hard time understanding how he was able to manipulate everything to his favor. The only other villain I can enjoy is the one who just wants to fight Makoto and he barely gets any characterization.

The other weak point for me was Makoto and Sonoko’s subplot. It’s got its moments, like Sonoko going out her way to help Makoto get back into the tournament, when she gets attacked as well as the secret of Makoto’s bandage. My only problem was this whole drama that develops between them. I don’t really think it was necessary. Also, I’m not a big fan of how the main antagonist... uh... “hypnotizes” him to not fight and stuff until the end. That was just weird.

So yeah, weird stuff. But overall, the pros out way the cons (just slightly). If you love Kaito Kid and really cool action, then you’ll totally dig this film. Who knows? Maybe you might like Makoto and the villains more than I did. For me, I would probably put this movie between Movie 9 (Strategy Above the Depths) and Movie 1 (The Time-Bombed Skyscraper). A very fun movie, despite its flaws. Check it out if you’re interested.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Jan 8, 2021

lethargilistic

Not Recommended

I didn't hate this, but it's a real snoozer for almost the entire time. The mystery isn't interesting. The characters' relationships aren't particularly thrilling. Half of it is in awful Engrish, which was A Choice.

The climax, while very action-y and well-realized, wasn't *that* good, so I can't even recommend waiting for it.

Just kinda baffling to have a Kaito Kid movie with so little magic, and so little style...

And Haibara is barely in it, so what's the point? Shinichi and Ran will just never interest me as much. Give me a movie about Haibara that's actually ABOUT her. Let her be the main character. Please.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4

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