Crying Freeman 1988
“Lust, Larceny and Loyalty...”
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
Where to watch
Stream
Free
With ads
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 6 episodes and an average 52-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗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.
Should you watch it?
“A humble potter becomes a tear‑soaked assassin for a deadly Chinese syndicate.”
- Unique premise of an assassin who cries after each kill
- Blend of action and emotional conflict
- Distinctive anime visual style
- 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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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 6 episodes
- E1 Portrait of a Killer Nov 25, 1988
- E2 Shades of Death: Fusei Kakurei (1) Sep 22, 1989
- E3 Shades of Death: Eternal Love (2) Jun 22, 1990
- E4 A Taste of Revenge: Oshu Tohgoku Oct 25, 1991
- E5 Abduction in Chinatown: Battlefield of Kishibojin Nov 25, 1992
- E6 The Russian Connection: The Light in the Darkness Feb 25, 1994
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.