Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
A Tokyo college student is attacked by a ghoul, a super-powered human who feeds on human flesh. He survives, but has become part ghoul and becomes a fugitive on the run.
Tokyo Ghoul (2017) is a live-action adaptation of the popular manga/anime that struggles with the compressed narrative inherent in adapting a complex source. The plot feels rushed and undercooked, failing to develop the emotional depth of the original material. Acting is serviceable but uneven, with Masataka Kubota doing solid work as Kaneki while supporting cast performances vary widely. Cinematography has some stylish moments in the ghoul action sequences with decent practical and CG effects that capture the manga's aesthetic. Novelty benefits from the urban fantasy ghoul concept which remains distinctive, though the live-action adaptation format limits originality points. The ending feels abrupt and unsatisfying, clearly setting up a sequel rather than providing proper closure for this film's arc.