Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train
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 "No matter how devastated you may be by your own weakness or uselessness, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead"
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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (also known as Demon Slayer: Mugen Train or Demon Slayer: Infinity Train) is a 2020 Japanese animated dark fantasy period action film based on the shōnen manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge. The film, which is a direct sequel to the first season of the television series, was directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable. Due to its success, a second season of the anime series has been announced and is set to premiere in 2021, with the staff and voice cast from the first season and film returning.
Plot
Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke board a train to assist the Flame Hashira Kyōjurō Rengoku in his mission to hunt for a demon that has killed many demon slayers. Soon after boarding, all of them are enchanted and fall into a deep sleep. Enmu, Lower Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki, instructs four passengers, all suffering from severe insomnia, to enter the demon slayers' dreams and destroy their spiritual cores so that they can't wake up again. In exchange, Enmu will allow them a peaceful sleep.
Why It Sets Its Heart Ablaze
- It's one of those rare instances where an anime film itself is a continuation to an ongoing story, this film rightfully picks up where the cliffhanger in the final episode of the first season, which ended on the same scene this movie began. Rather than just making it its own thing.
- This movie stays faithful to the manga and TV show this film is based on.
- As expected from the same studio that created many Fate storylines and spinoffs, ufotable never fails to surprise viewers with its impressive animation and choreography.
- The premise is creative and interesting
- Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, and Zenitsu are still likable as always.
- Rengoku, is actually one of the most well-written characters in the movie, and it's also nice to see what the characterization of the Hashira are like.
- Just like the show this was based on, the demons in this film are terrifying.
- Nezuko is still cute, as always.
- ”Go ahead and live with your head held high. No matter how devastated you may be by your own weakness or uselessness, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead.”
- Kyojuro Rengoku’s death at the end was very emotional and heartbreaking. Also, Kyojuro Rengoku actually died trying to kill the demon that got away at the end, and it did not end the film with a truly negative outlook, but rather on a truly emotional note, and is by no means a mean-spirited way to end any sort of anime media with someone dying. Take notes, Danganronpa.
- Enmu and Akaza are really terrifying.
- The cliffhanger serves as a set-up for Season 2.
Bad Qualities
- Tanjiro Kamado trying to commit suicide was a stupid move, even if he was trying to awaken from his dream.
- Poor character development of Rengoku: in fact this character died too quickly to be familiar with it, also because he appeared in the series in only 3 episodes!
- Horrific CGI effects (like in the anime), not to mention how jerky they are now!
- The movie felt pretty pointless now that there is a season with the exact plot between Seasons 1 and 2.
- The MPAA's R rating is rather harsh, given that there is not too much violence or disturbing content. Because of this, it would have likely made a bit more sense for it to be rated PG-13.
Reception
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train received positive reviews from critics and anime fans, who praised the combination of 2D and 3D animation techniques, the music, and the character writing. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a critic score of 97% and an audience score of 99%. Its critics consensus reads, “Demon Slayer's visually stunning animation and masterful action set pieces serve a heartfelt plot that is sure to satisfy fans,” while the audiences consensus says, “From its stunning animation and spectacular fights to its emotional storytelling, Demon Slayer is everything fans of the source manga and anime series could hope for.“ On Metacritic, the film has a score of 75/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. It grossed over $500 million at the worldwide box office, making it the highest-grossing film of 2020, the first time a non-Hollywood production topped the annual box office. It also set the box office records for the highest-grossing anime film and Japanese film of all time.
Trivia
- This film's theatrical release in China was delayed when a controversy surrounding the film Monster Hunter led the Chinese censors to review some foreign films a second time.
- The film had a very staggered international release, which varied from as early as October 30, 2020 in Taiwan to as late as August 13, 2021 in India.
Videos
External Links
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train at the Internet Movie Database
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train on Rotten Tomatoes
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train on Metacritic