Fifteen years ago in a barren stretch of the Pacific, a cruise ship collided with an iceberg and was lost at sea. More than a decade later, Hideto Yashiro—a ship engineer—died in a fatal car accident. The unlikely connection between these events only comes to light on the luxury liner St. Aphrodite during her maiden voyage.
Aboard it on a much needed vacation, Kogorou Mouri, his daughter Ran, Conan Edogawa, and the Detective Boys enjoy a trip provided by Sonoko Suzuki's family. But their fun is soon cut short when a game of hide-and-seek leads to Sonoko's disappearance. Some time later, the CEO of the Yashiro group, who built the St. Aphrodite, is found stabbed to death and her father missing. While the police's investigation turns to a dead end, Conan closes in on the culprit. Unwilling to be apprehended, the culprit threatens to blow up the St. Aphrodite and sink all her passengers.
As the ship's hull rapidly fills with water, the truth behind the vengeful murders is finally revealed. With no place to escape, Conan and Kogorou must wrestle with the elusive culprit before everyone on board is dragged to the ocean floor.
Anime Review: Detective Conan Movie 09: Strategy Above the Depths
Story Synopsis
Like a mystery waiting to be unraveled, Detective Conan Movie 09: Strategy Above the Depths sinks into an intellectual adventure set in the backdrop of the wide-open sea. The famed detective from the beloved manga and anime, Conan Edogawa, finds himself captivated by a suspicious event—a ship named “The Saint” sunk mysteriously a decade ago, followed by another tragic incident on its replica a decade after.
The plot thickens as beloved characters like Ran Mouri becomes an unknowing participant in the tangled threads of the past, poisoned and captured. It is now up to Conan Edogawa and his friends to untie the knot of forgotten secrets, hidden vendetta and underhanded schemes before it’s too late. The movie is both a continuation of the “Detective Conan” series and a standalone story, efficiently moving in its seafaring narrative path.
Thrill to the Mystery
Lovers of both anime and mysteries will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in “Strategy Above the Depths”. From the start, the movie cleverly weaves an intriguing narrative—a ship sinking under ominous circumstances, another one facing the same fate a decade after, valuable gems, double-crossing and hidden identities— the movie has it all.
Character Depth
The movie does a stellar job of portraying the characters in a layered and engaging manner. Conan, with his sharp wit and logical prowess, is as lovable and appealing as ever. The other characters, including Ran, Sonoko, and the entire detective boys’ gang, are skillfully personified, thereby providing a rich and nuanced depth to the story.
Animation Quality
Detective Conan Movie 09: Strategy Above the Depths delivers on its animation with detailed frames, fluid movements, and impressive artistry. The ship background is rendered in beautiful detail with attention to both grandeur and minutiae. The character designs retain their unique charm and ably complement the spectacular background details.
Music and Sound Design
The audio and sound design of the movie ceaselessly contributes to the overall high-stakes ambiance, making every poignant, harrowing or triumphant moment vividly felt. The thematic tunes and background music elevate the suspense, mystery, and emotional undertones beautifully.
Final Verdict
Each passing frame of Detective Conan Movie 09: Strategy Above the Depths intrigues, captivates, and surprises. It is a high-quality complex tale that seamlessly balances all essential elements—mystery, adventure, character depth, animation, and sound design. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or a newcomer to the franchise, this anime movie is wholly worth your money and time. Rent it, buy it, or stream it, but don’t miss the chance to embark on this seagoing adventure. I rate this movie a solid 8.5 out of 10.
So, all aboard mystery seekers. It’s time to set sail with Conan and decipher the strategy above the depths!
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