Detective Conan Movie 28: One-Eyed Flashback

Detective Conan Movie 28: One-Eyed Flashback – A Frosty Mystery with Heart

If you’re a die-hard Detective Conan fan, you know the drill: each movie brings a new case, a dash of danger, and that signature blend of logic and heart. One-Eyed Flashback (the 28th installment, produced by TMS Entertainment) doesn’t break the mold, but it carves out its own icy niche—literally. Set against the snow-capped backdrop of Mt. Mitakara, this film dives into the Nagano Police’s world, and let’s just say, it’s more than just footprints in the snow.

First off, the premise: Inspector Yamato, a fan-favorite from the Nagano force, gets caught in a chase gone wrong and buried under an avalanche. Cue Conan and the gang (plus a very determined Kogoro Mouri) racing to solve the mystery behind his attack. The setting is gorgeous—think frosty forests, cozy mountain lodges, and that crisp winter air you can almost feel through the screen. But don’t let the snow fool you; the tension here is as sharp as an icicle.

Now, let’s talk about what fans are buzzing about. Over on MyAnimeList, opinions are split but mostly positive. One user raved, “The final scene with Kogoro was Insanely cool!” And honestly? They’re not wrong. Kogoro, usually the bumbling comic relief, gets a chance to shine here—think less “sleeping detective” and more “action hero with a badge.” Another fan noted, “It was an interesting movie to get to know Kogorou no oji-san a bit more,” which is a big win for character development.

But wait, the Nagano Police focus? Some viewers were skeptical. “I went in with low expectations because to me the Nagano police is not super interesting,” admitted one reviewer, “but the whole writing and animation was just top notch.” That’s the magic of this film—it takes a supporting cast and gives them depth. Yamato’s backstory, tied to a past case (shoutout to the Furinkazan arc, which you definitely should rewatch before this), adds layers to the mystery. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about confronting ghosts.

Is it canon? That’s the million-yen question. “Will it be recognized in the main story? It feels like a waste of time otherwise no?” a fan wondered. While the film nods to manga events (hello, Yui’s marriage situation!), it’s probably a standalone. But here’s the thing: even if it’s not “essential” to the main plot, it’s fun. The animation is smooth, the clues are clever (Conan’s deduction scene involving a one-eyed symbol is chef’s kiss), and the emotional beats land.

Critics might say it’s “tamer” than recent films (looking at you, The Scarlet Bullet with its bullet trains and explosions), but that’s a strength here. One-Eyed Flashback slows down to breathe. It lets us spend time with characters we love, crack jokes (Aoyama’s humor is alive and well), and savor the small moments—like Conan and Haibara sharing a quiet conversation by the fire.

Oh, and let’s not forget the “Angel Rider” tease at the end. Fans are already speculating who that could be (Akai? Amuro? A new character?), and honestly, it’s the perfect hook for Movie 29.

So, should you watch it? If you’re a Conan fan, absolutely. It’s not the best movie in the series, but it’s a solid entry that honors the franchise’s roots while trying something new. The Nagano setting, the focus on supporting characters, and that killer Kogoro scene make it worth the ticket. Just grab a hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to solve a mystery—winter style.

Final Verdict: 8/10. It’s cold, it’s clever, and it’s got heart. What more could you ask for?

P.S. Rewatch the Furinkazan arc first. Trust me.