Demon Slayer is a dense and complex manga and the anime is subsequently rather involved as well. With the first season of the anime behind us, this latest movie is there to bridge the gap and lead us all into the second season. However, this movie was also unbelievably popular at the Japanese box office, breaking all manner of records during its theatrical run. Even more impressive, was that this all happened during the effects of COVID-19. So it’s safe to say that Demon Slayer: Mugen Train found its very eager audience in Japan. A visually stunning theatrical continuation of one of anime’s biggest recent hits, Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train only slightly misses the mark. The point of this film is to show us how the characters have grown from training after their last life-and-death battle—and to have them learn the hard way just how far they still have to go. Picking up moments after the end of the TV series, the film -- a blockbuster success in international release -- follows our team of heroes as they board a train where both normal people and demon hunters have gone missing en masse—likely due to demons. Of course, this means that whatever’s going on is a bit too much for mid-level hunters like Tanjiro and his friends, so they are assigned to work with Rengoku, one of the nine strongest hunters in their organization. Yet as they begin to explore the mystery of the train, it quickly becomes clear that raw power alone will not be enough to save all those on board. Each side character gets their time in the spotlight to do something meaningful -- especially Inosuke -- with the film providing a convincing rationale as to why the far more powerful Rengoku doesn’t just solve everything himself. Much of the plot here deals with dreams. This, in turn, allows for an insightful view of what our heroes’ deepest desires are. While some dreams, like Inosuke and Zenitsu’s, are used mainly for comedic purposes, others, namely Tanjiro and Rengoku’s, show us what exactly they lost due to the demons -- the everyday life and familial connections that were so precious to them. We also get a more metaphorical look at several characters’ subconscious. For Rengoku, it is an ever-burning hardpan desert symbolizing his undying personal drive. For Tanjiro, it is an endless serene lake under a stunning summer sky symbolizing the peace and warmth at his very core. All this helps us better understand our heroes and empathize with what they are going through. On a visual level, there are few anime out there that look better than Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train. It expertly combines 3D and traditional animation in a way that makes both look amazing. Vivid colors, dynamic camera movements -- this film has all the things we’ve come to expect from Ufotable’s animation in recent years.
But where it truly stands apart from other Ufotable works is in its effects. While the Demon Slayer TV series focused mainly on the water effects -- making them look as if they came straight out of a Hokusai painting -- this film aims to do something comparable with fire. It feels powerful, otherworldly, and perfect for something that’s supposed to be able to destroy even the most powerful of demons. It’s hands down the visual highlight of the film. Even if the film slips a bit at the conclusion, Ufotable's jaw-dropping graphics alone make Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train well worth a viewing. However, it's usually wise to keep your expectations in check before you go. While it is a decent film, it is not the next eternal anime masterpiece, despite its current popularity.
1 Comment
Shubham Kumar
27/6/2021 08:12:12 pm
Sounds amazing!
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