Watch Kamen Rider Ryuki
- TV-PG
- 2002
- 1 Season
-
8.0 (840)
Kamen Rider Ryuki is a Japanese tokusatsu drama television series that originally aired from 2002 to 2003. This series was brought over to American audiences by Shout! Factory TV, who translated and subtitled the episodes. The show follows the story of Shinji Kido, a photographer who becomes involved in a dangerous game when he is transported to a parallel world called the Mirror World.
The beginning of the show sets up the premise that multiple people have been invited to participate in the Rider War, a game where riders from the Mirror World battle each other in order to obtain a powerful wish-granting device called the Advent Deck. Each rider is paired with a unique advent monster, or "contract monster," which they must control in order to have any chance of winning the Rider War. The winner of the Rider War gets to use the Advent Deck to grant any wish they desire.
Shinji, being transported to the Mirror World, is given the chance to become the Kamen Rider Ryuki, one of the participants in the Rider War. Alongside him are other riders like Ren Akiyama, Kamen Rider Knight, who is mysterious and stern, and Kamen Rider Zolda, who is ruthless and selfish.
The show follows these riders as they compete against each other in battles both inside and outside the Mirror World, forming bonds and rivalries along the way. As the show progresses, it quickly becomes clear that there is more at stake than simply winning the Rider War. As riders are defeated and contract monsters are lost, darker forces begin to emerge, unraveling the true purpose and danger of the Rider War.
Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a wide variety of battles and action scenes featuring the riders and their contract monsters. The show does a great job of showcasing the different abilities of each rider, while also developing their unique personalities and motivations. The acting is solid across the board, with special mention given to Takamasa Suga as Shinji and Satoshi Matsuda as Ren. The chemistry between these two characters in particular is a highlight of the show, with their interactions providing some of the most emotional moments in the series.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Kamen Rider Ryuki is the way it blends elements of drama, action, and science-fiction. The Mirror World is an intriguing concept that is explored in depth throughout the show, with unique rules and mechanics that keep the battles fresh and exciting. The show also has a number of twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what to expect next.
In terms of production value, Kamen Rider Ryuki is a bit uneven. While the practical effects and action sequences are generally strong, some of the CGI is a bit dated (even for a show that aired nearly 20 years ago). However, this is a minor complaint that is easily overlooked thanks to the strong writing and character development.
Overall, Kamen Rider Ryuki is a fantastic show that is well worth watching for any fans of tokusatsu or science-fiction. The show has a great balance of action and drama, with engaging characters and an intriguing plot that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. And thanks to Shout! Factory TV, it's never been easier for American audiences to experience this classic series.
Kamen Rider Ryuki is a series that ran for 1 seasons (50 episodes) between February 3, 2002 and on Shout! Factory TV
