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Crying Freeman 1988

“Lust, Larceny and Loyalty...”

Status
Ended
First Aired
November 25, 1988
Last Aired
February 25, 1994
Format
1 season · 6 eps
Total Runtime
~5.2 hours (52 min/ep)
Highest Rated Episode
S1E1 "Portrait of a Killer" (★ 3.7/10)
Created By
Kazuo Koike
Where to Stream
Retrocrush, Eternal Family, Cineverse
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 7.4/10 from 8 votes Action & AdventureAnimationDramaCrime 1 seasons · 6 eps Ended
Community & Your Rating
★ 7.4/10
Where to watch: PlexFawesomeRetrocrushEternal FamilyCineverseRetroCrush Amazon Channel
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Quick answer

What is Crying Freeman?

Crying Freeman is a 1988 television series that follows the life of a man named Yo Hinomura. Originally an ordinary Japanese potter, his life undergoes a permanent transformation following an unexpected encounter with a Chinese mafia organization.

Type
TV series
Year
1988
Status
Ended
Episodes
6
Runtime
52 minutes
First aired
Nov 25, 1988
Last aired
Feb 25, 1994
Original language
JA
Origin
JP
Genres
Action & Adventure, Animation, Drama, Crime
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 7.4/10 from 8 votes
Format
1 season · 6 episodes
Episode runtime
~52 minutes
Status
Ended
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

Stream

RetrocrushEternal FamilyCineverseRetroCrush Amazon Channel

Free

Fawesome

With ads

Plex
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Overview

Crying Freeman is a 1988 television series that follows the life of a man named Yo Hinomura. Originally an ordinary Japanese potter, his life undergoes a permanent transformation following an unexpected encounter with a Chinese mafia organization. This event leads to his recruitment as an assassin for the 108 Dragons, where he is trained to function as a highly efficient killing machine. Despite his lethal role within the criminal underworld, Yo experiences profound emotional reactions to his actions. As a sign of remorse for the individuals he eliminates, he sheds tears after completing his assignments. This unique behavior earns him a reputation among the 108 Dragons and various international crime syndicates. He becomes infamously known throughout the global criminal community by the title Crying Freeman. The series documents his journey as he navigates his existence as a reluctant operative caught within the structure of a powerful organization, defined by his professional skill and his persistent, sorrowful response to the victims of his work.

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Should you watch it?

“A humble potter becomes a tear‑soaked assassin for a deadly Chinese syndicate.”

Reasons to watch
  • Unique premise of an assassin who cries after each kill
  • Blend of action and emotional conflict
  • Distinctive anime visual style
Keep in mind
  • Graphic violence may not suit all viewers
  • Focus on a single anti‑hero limits character variety

Watch it if you enjoy stylized action dramas with a tragic anti‑hero.

The series features graphic violence and somber themes, making it appropriate for mature audiences only.

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Episode guide

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Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (3): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
Season 1 · 6 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Crying Freeman?

Crying Freeman is Yo Hinomura, a former potter turned assassin for the 108 Dragons.

Why does he cry after his kills?

He sheds tears as a sign of remorse for each victim he eliminates.

What criminal organization does he work for?

He works for the 108 Dragons, a Chinese mafia syndicate.

What genre does the series belong to?

It combines action, adventure, drama, and crime elements in an animated format.

Is the series suitable for younger viewers?

Due to its graphic violence and somber tone, it is intended for mature audiences.

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