Categories Anime Review

Review, Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram (2024)

A few months ago, it was announced that the Detective Conan series would go on hiatus until further notice. In its place, Aoyama Gosho, the mangaka behind Detective Conan, would continue the story of Magic Kaito, a special manga centered on the character of Kaito Kid. Kaito Kid is not only Conan’s archrival but also one of the fans’ favorite characters from the Detective Conan universe.

This year marks the 27th installment of Detective Conan the Movie. In this film, many special moments unfold, and fans will be thrilled to see the action-packed scenes featuring Edogawa Conan, Hattori Heiji, and Kaito Kid all on one screen.

It would be fair to describe Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram as a mystery action film with elements of a semi-heist. The story revolves around the cooperation between Conan, Heiji, and Kid as they work together to solve the mystery of Hakodate’s treasure—a mystery dating back to the Shinsengumi era in Hakodate, Hokkaido.

Last year, Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine finally delivered a high-quality big-screen production after years of disappointment. This year, The Million Dollar Pentagram shines brilliantly as one of the best Conan films ever made, standing alongside classic favorites like Captured in Her Eyes (2000), Phantom of the Baker Street (2002), and Magician of the Silver Sky (2004).

As with any Conan story involving the Phantom Thief, the film begins with the police frantically trying to protect items targeted by Kaito Kid. However, unlike his usual arcs where Kid is only after crystals, this time the phantom thief is targeting a couple of old relics from the Shinsengumi era.

This installment’s setting, including the historical references to figures like Hijikata Toshizo—a famous vice-commander of the Shinsengumi—requires some background knowledge, especially for international viewers. The strong connection between Hijikata, Hakodate, and the Goryokaku fort adds depth and historical richness to the storyline.

A strong, well-developed setting has always been a hallmark of the Detective Conan movies, as seen throughout many installments of the franchise. This attention to detail extends not only to film production but also to special story arcs and various cases in the manga and TV series.

Kaito Kid in Detective Conan Movie 27. Courtesy of TMS

In this film, it is revealed that five katanas made by the same swordsmith can be used to locate a hidden treasure in Hakodate. The knowledge of this treasure attracts several groups, including the film’s main villain, an arms dealer. However, the villain’s role is rather insignificant, serving mainly to advance the plot. The film chooses to focus more on other supporting characters, adding to its epic feel rather than delving into the villain’s background or motivations.

One of the enjoyable elements of this film is the appearance of various characters from the Detective Conan universe, some of whom originate from other mangas, such as characters from Yaiba. Fans of Aoyama Gosho’s work will recognize these characters, and this film marks the first time Nakamori Aoko (Kaito Kid’s love interest, or Kaito Kuroba) appears in Conan’s timeline.

Unlike many other Detective Conan films, this one places significant emphasis on the heist action. The treasure hunt is filled with puzzles that engage the audience, keeping them invested until the very end. The search for the treasure is also packed with action scenes that are both thrilling and entertaining to watch.

The heist concept is central to this film, and the involvement of various characters adds complexity to the storyline. The intricate interplay of characters and plots might make the story difficult to grasp on a first viewing. However, despite these challenges, the film remains easy to follow, exciting, and richly layered.

The film’s score also plays a crucial role in enhancing the excitement and drama of the action scenes. It features the iconic theme song from the Detective Conan anime, arranged by Katsuo Ohno, which further elevates the epic nature of the fight sequences.

One particularly significant (and very important) moment in the film occurs during the credits, where major twists or revelations are revealed. This development could be tied to the earlier mention of Detective Conan going on hiatus and the continuation of Magic Kaito, possibly signaling a new direction in the Conan universe.

Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram is directed by Chika Nagaoka and written by Takahiro Okura, with a voice cast led by Minami Takayama as Conan, Wakana Yamazaki as Ran Mori, Rikiya Koyama as Kogoro Mori, Kappei Yamaguchi as Kid the Phantom Thief, and Ryo Horikawa as Heiji Hattori. The Million Dollar Pentagram marks a significant leap in the development of the Detective Conan storyline, and fans are sure to be delighted.

Our Score (10/10)

Title: Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram
Studio: TMS
Director: Chika Nagaoka
Screenwriter: Takahiro Okura

Written By

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Demon Lord (Editor-in-Chief) of Monster Journal.
Film critics, and pop-culture columnist.
A bachelor in International Relations, and Master's in Public Policy.
Working as a Consultant for Communications and Public Affairs.

(radarbahurekso@gmail.com)

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