Returning once again with a challenging case for the tiny detective: Detective Conan: The Movie 7: The Crossroad of the Labyrinth (名探偵コナン 迷宮の十字路). This film takes us to experience the classic atmosphere of Kyoto, along with a murder mystery linked to ancient texts and legendary Buddha statues. This time, Conan doesn't investigate alone; he teams up with the Osaka detective Heiji Hattori, and Heiji's love story is also revealed.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers for the Ending)
The story begins with a series of murders in Tokyo and Osaka, where all victims possess copies of the Kikeki (an ancient Japanese text). The killer leaves clues about the Genji Botaru, a long-lost Buddha statue. Later, Conan and Heiji discover that the case involves a gang of thieves seeking treasure hidden in Kyoto. Heiji travels to Kyoto to find a girl he has loved since childhood, believed to be the owner of a white jewel targeted by the killer. Conan follows to help and must solve the mystery amidst Kyoto's historical landmarks.
Performance and Characters
In this installment, Conan remains sharp and resourceful, but takes a backseat to Heiji, who gets a particularly prominent role. Heiji Hattori reveals a softer, more romantic side when confronting his first love. Kazuha Toyama also plays a key role, with a touching development in her relationship with Heiji. Ran Mori has less screen time but still supports Conan. All voice actors deliver excellent performances, conveying emotions and excitement realistically.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Kenji Kodama does an excellent job taking viewers on a tour of Kyoto through beautiful and vibrant animation. Key scenes like temples and ancient streets are meticulously designed, giving a sense of actually visiting them. The soundtrack by Katsuo Ono creates both mysterious and warm atmospheres, especially the main theme that fits the film's tone well. The animation, though dated, maintains quality, particularly in smooth and thrilling action sequences.
Editorial Analysis
The highlight of this film is the seamless blend of murder mystery with Japanese history and culture. Heiji's character is deepened both in investigation and romance, making viewers empathize with his feelings. However, the mystery may be too complex for general audiences, and the pacing in the middle is somewhat slow. Overall, it's a must-watch for fans of Conan and Heiji, showcasing their strong friendship and relationship, along with enjoyable action scenes at the end.
Verdict
Detective Conan Movie 7 is a must-watch for fans of the tiny detective and his partner Heiji. Despite some slow pacing in the middle, the beautiful Kyoto atmosphere, engaging mystery, and touching character relationships make it worth watching.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Kyoto's atmosphere is beautifully realistic
- +Heiji and Kazuha have prominent roles and relationship development
- +Murder mystery well-connected to history
- +Warm friendship between Conan and Heiji
👎 Cons
- −Middle part is somewhat slow
- −Mystery too complex for some
- −Ran has little role
Top Cast
FAQ
Not directly, but it features the same main characters, and events in the film do not affect the main series.
You can watch it anytime, but having seen the series will help you understand character relationships better.
It is suitable for children aged 10 and up due to murder scenes and complex content.
The theme song 'Time after time ~Hana Mau Machi de~' by Mai Kuraki is very famous.
