1. Lone Wolf and Cub (1972)
Lone Wolf and Cub, known in Vietnamese as Sói Mang Con, is one of the most iconic manga series from the early era in Japan. The story follows Ogami Ittou, a master assassin of the Suio-Ryu school, who represents the samurai code while facing tragic circumstances. This renowned assassin often travels with his young son, wandering through various lands.
In Vietnam, while the series did not become widely popular, it has inspired six film adaptations and two animated films based on this dark manga.
2. Lady Snowblood (1973)
Created by the legendary duo Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura, Lady Snowblood tells the story of a woman seeking revenge after her family is brutally murdered. The narrative explores her quest for vengeance against those who wronged her.
The film adaptation closely follows the original, and it has served as an inspiration for director Quentin Tarantino.
3. Battle Royale (2000)
If you have ever read the manga version of Battle Royale, you would certainly find its content strikingly similar to The Hunger Games. In fact, we could argue that The Hunger Games borrowed many elements from Battle Royale.
The plot revolves around a totalitarian regime that forces high school students into a deadly game, where they must kill each other until only one remains alive. The storytelling of Battle Royale is notably more violent and intense compared to The Hunger Games.
4. Ichi the Killer (2001)
The manga adaptation of Ichi the Killer sparked significant controversy due to its extreme violence and explicit sexual content. However, it remains one of the most “memorable” works that leave a strong impression on viewers.
The film version remains faithful to the manga’s content, showcasing the intense performance of actor Tadanobu Asano as the sadistic killer Kakihara. However, due to its graphic nature, the film faced numerous censorship issues in various countries.
5. Oldboy (2003)
Oldboy is adapted from the manga of the same name, created by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. When it was brought to the big screen, director Park Chan-wook made significant changes to the plot, transforming it into a work that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
The film follows a man who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years without understanding why. Once released, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his abduction.
(to be continued)
