The opening chapter in the final ”Demonsklayer” Film trilogy Start with our heroes in free fall. Tanjiro Kamado and the other Slayers sink down endless stories after the ground was literally pulled out under them in a cliffhanger at the end of season four. There is no time to get a breath between then and now, just as there is no chance for Tanjiro to do the same as he immediately runs in action, slices through discover of demons that look like twisted rejects from the bathhouse in “Spirited Away.”
“Demon Slayer” is in constant motion, and the same goes for the franchise as a whole. Like the infinite Infinity Castle from which this trilogy draws its name, there seems to be no limit to the success of this hit -Anime – and no room for Latecomers to jump on board. After crushing box officials for the biggest single day and Opening weeks in Japanese history earlier this summer, “Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle” has become the highest ranked original anime movie of all time on IMDB. Unwavering classics such as “Your Name” and “Perfect Blue” have fallen under Tanjiros Blade, not to mention every studio Ghibli movie ever made. And that is before “Infinity Castle” has even come to the west.
It is safe to say that “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle” is about to become the most successful anime film through the ages – at least in the case of international cash office – with the potential to knock out none other than ”Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba: Mugen Train“(Who beat” your name “from the top 2020).
With such a significant fanbase behind it does not make it “infinity castle” needs To meet newcomers, but for a wider audience who can be curious, know that you have come in at the end, just like Tanjiro and his friends are on their way to a final fight to death against Muzan Kibutsuji. But first, they have to fight with the upper rank demons that defend Demon King, each one more deadly than the last in ways reminiscent of classic video games when we build up to the final boss. However, that is not everything. The castle itself is an enemy in its own right, shifts and breaks around the murder to throw them away from guard and keep them apart. This hazardous playground in which they are located is as expansive as it is claustrophobic, which extends beyond where the eye can see even when the floors provide space and the walls are closed.
Works together with animation director Akira Matsushima, long “Demon Slayer” director Haruo Sotozaki has raised its already fantastic series to new film heights and combined hand -drawn frames with computer graphics to really fantastic effect. From intricate background details to the advancing fight choreography, everything is just seamless, alive to perfection. Against such an impressive craft Popar Koyoharu Gotouge’s original character designer they have never done before on the screen. Some may go so far as to indicate that Ufotable’s work is approaching the top of what the animation can achieve this decade and utilize the infinite potential of the cinema’s most flexible medium (your mileage will vary).
Speaking of, such bold statements risk distracting from the film’s equally impressive hearing elements as new songs from Aimer and yes, Lisa (so as not to confuse with Blackpinks Lisa, of course). Combined with Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina’s points, this sound picture strengthens fights and emotional flashbacks without any degree of subtlety. The cinematic surplus they bring is reflected in the sound effects, with all the high awesome and squelch that fits speakers at your local theater rather than just a laptop at home. What prevents all this from becoming too overwhelming or over-the-top is the film’s estimated use of silence throughout the time, which increases the voltage at key twist points in each battle. Besides, it’s not like anyone comes to a “Demon Slayer” movie just to cool. In fact, the franchise is mostly defined by excess, whether through Inosuke’s outbreak, Tanjiro’s big heart, or of course the “demon slayer” signature struggle scenes.
“Infinity Castle” also does not disappoint on that front. Just like in the show, blowing choreography that defies all physics teams that are known for human smokes and demon against each other with artistic flourishes personified by parts of the natural world. There is real beauty in the way that Giyu Tomioka channels water breath techniques, for example complete with elaborate names such as first form: water surface slash or seventh form – release ripple prints (which of course must be spoken high every time they are used). Despite the lyrical quality of these traits, “Infinity Castle” is perhaps more violent than usual. If this movie is traditionally animated, Japan would be a lack of red ink in each shadow thanks to the large blood volume that drops and sprays and even defects out of cut arteries depending on the movements in question.
As such, there has always been a tension of danger to every struggle, but the difference this time is that the efforts are much higher than usual. If you have not read Gotouge’s manga until the end, there is a real feeling here that someone (apart from Tanjiro) can die within the ever -changing walls of this castle’s fortress. And it is especially true when a demon that is as Lumsk as Doma or Brutal as Akaza enters the frame (especially screaming to the delicious cruel and twisted sympathy Doma shares for his opponent Shinobu Kocho during their struggle).
Like “Mugen Train” before it looks “Infinity Castle” really as if it belongs to the big screen, perhaps more so even than that mammoths did in 2020. However, the problem is that the latest part is still still feel As it belongs on the small screen, at least in some important respects. As refreshing as it is to see Tanjiro enjoy a new adventure rather than a compilation film of what has happened earlier in the show, there are some unfortunate stimulation problems here that are impossible to ignore.
As is often the case with “Demon Slayer”, many of the fights are punctured by Flashbacks that pull you out to reveal a hidden backstory or motivation that adds new layers of emotions to the current conflict. That in itself is not a question. In fact, this is very typical of not only this series, but the shōnen anime in general. I would also argue that this approach can actually be quite effective sometimes, especially during Shinobus struggle with Doma run by former trauma that comes to light halfway. Zenitsu Agatsuma also enjoys a much needed growth in all aspects of his confrontation against Kaigaku, a former senior with which he has unresolved beef. But the more these outbreaks occur in connection with a movie, the faster the patterns appear where critical moments are undercut off several breaks that pull things out to a not so-well 155 minute driving time. It’s like the story interrupts to tell other stories so that the central will be more meaningful.
This is not so much a problem with a week anime drop, especially since the built-in breaks between sections can encourage reflection on any new reveal or twist that these flashbacks provide. When handled correctly, it is actually one of the greatest strengths of the franchise. The problem is how scrubbing this can be over a rather difficult driving time, especially when it comes to Tanjiro’s climate fight with Akaza at the end. Flashbacks to the demon’s past are admittedly quite moving and add emotional depth at exactly the time it is needed most, as a story on its own terms is quite effective. The problem is not with the story itself then but how the said story is told, to the point where the third act’s momentum slows down just when it needs to reinforce the most. Had Sotozaki and his team cut up the source material a little differently, deviant more from Manga’s original structure, concessions to what works best in a cinematic space could really have benefited “Infinity Castle” much more.
This insistent on being faithful to Gotouge’s vision – even though it is admirable – also means that the titular demon Slayer is barely during the first hour or so, and his sister, Nezuko is not in the film at all, apart from a quick to the side. Given that she once was the heart of this story and remains the primary driving force for Muzan’s destruction, Nezuko’s absence is a failure of the source material that continues to be felt here in this adaptation. Other popular characters are also largely missing in action, including the fan favorite love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, although they are clearly lined up for what comes afterwards.
It is perhaps unfair. to criticize a first part of a trilogy so as not to squeeze in even more than it already has). After all, “Infinity Castle” has the thankless job of continuing Tanjiro’s story from season four and Set the last trilogy at the same time Delivers a valuable, independent experience for cinemas. With that in mind, it is no wonder that the story feels a little busy or overflowing in places. But for a franchise that is so frenzy and kinetic in general, “Infinity Castle” effectively sets the tone for what will come, and promises Diehard fans spectacle they have longed for which newcomers will also find fun, if something confusing sometimes. So sure, the beginning of this franchise ending may not be up there with defined classics from the past, such as “Your name”, “Perfect Blue” or most things Ghibli, but regardless, it will not prevent “Infinity Castle” from taking over the world.
Rating: B-
Crunchyroll releases “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle” in theaters on Friday 12 September.
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