Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is finally here and we know it has been a long wait. But it was absolutely worth it. With season 2 well on the way, we couldn’t miss out on the next chapter of Tanjiro and Nezuko’s story, and what an arc it is. For keen manga fans, they will probably be familiar with the story and where it’s going. But for someone (me) who has only watched the anime, this film was an absolute surprise. I’m so glad I was able to go and see it on the big screen, and as my first film in cinema since the lockdown it was a pretty special one.
So where are we off to in Mugen Train? The official synopsis provides a brilliant overview of the film’s main narrative. However, there are other forces at work than just one Demon’s hunger and lust for power. Tanjiro and his friends will soon realise that being a Demon Slayer comes with many challenges and a lot of devastation.
Check out the full synopsis:
The group have completed their rehabilitation training at the Butterfly Mansion, and they arrive to their next mission on the Mugen Train, where over 40 people have disappeared in a very short period of time. Tanjiro and Nezuko, along with Zenitsu and Inosuke, join one of the most powerful swordsmen with the Demon Slayer Corps, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, to face the demon aboard the Mugen Train on track to despair.
Tanjiro vs Enmu
Watching Demon Slayer: Mugen Train in cinema was utterly brilliant. The crowd was electric, laughing at the hilarity that is Inosuke and I guarantee that 90% of the audience walked out with tears in their eyes. In terms of anime films, particularly films that centre around a series, Mugen Train provided an incredibly unique and more vibrant experience. Unlike the two My Hero Academia movies, there was a degree of unpredictability with Mugen Train because it wasn’t just a side story but a major part of the core story. There will be dire ramifications in season 2 as a result of the Demon Slayer movie so it was nice to immerse myself in a narrative that I couldn’t thoroughly predict. In fact, I had no idea what was going to happen and that just lead to further heartbreak.
One thing that has allowed Demon Slayer to stand out among other shows is it’s insane animation. Years ago, I became highly addicted to Fate: Unlimited Blade Works so when I saw that Ufotable were animating this particular series I was instantly on board. The crisp colours, the unique effects, and the wonderful and charming character designs all put Demon Slayer in a league of its own. As an animated series, it is truly impressive.
But wow, the film was absolutely captivating from start to finish. Mugen Train is full of powerful and epic fights that are elevated thanks to the visually stunning animation. I would argue that Rengoku and one demon in particular allowed the film to push the boundaries in regards to the animation. Remembering of course that Tanjiro and his friends are still learning, introducing an incredibly powerful member of the Demon Slayer Corps let the film take a more experimental approach. Any scene with Rengoku was just a feast for the eyes. They did a fantastic job at displaying his immense power without fully negating the growing strength of the main cast. There’s definitely a clear distinction but the main characters quickly learn that they still have a long way to go.
I can’t say a bad thing about Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. The only thing I can think of is that I wish we got more from Nezuko and Zenitsu. There are some great team ups but the film mostly focuses on Tanjiro and Inosuke. It would have been great to have seen Nezuko and Zenitsu work together especially with them having very contrasting abilities. Having said that, I’m not entirely sure how the film has been translated from the manga. So it might be that we just don’t see a lot from the odd pair. With that in mind, it wasn’t something that effected my enjoyment but I will say that seeing Nezuko always brings a smile to my face. Outside of the crazy combat, there are some incredibly funny scenes with Nezuko and the crew that proves once and for all that Nezuko is “best girl”.
Demon Slayer has always been able to perfectly juggle both humorous and serious tones. The movie really puts those binary tones to the test and they nails it. We get a fantastic mixture. All of the main characters were fun and charming, especially Inosuke and Rengoku. Inosuke is just a hilarious character in general but seeing him captivated by a moving train was just a delight. Rengoku, on the other hand, with his constant smile was a blessed addition to the gang. While being a very powerful fighter, Rengoku provided a warmth that made you instantly fall in love him. But when the fun had to stop there were never any moments that tried to alleviate the rising tension. We became immersed and submerged in the gravity of the situation.
Enmu of the Twelve Kizuki
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is a must-see for any fan who watched the first season and intends to watch season 2 when it drops. The film is just fantastic. There are some great callbacks to season one thanks to the cunning villain who adds an interesting layer to the film. In a weird way, Mugen Train reminds me of Inception. The element of dreaming becomes very crucial and it leads to some very disturbing scenes. Originally, I thought Tanjiro and the crew would just need to defeat a demon on the train and protect the passengers. But Enmu puts an interesting spin on the film that makes it a lot more complex and definitely a lot heavier.
If you love Demon Slayer then you have to watch Mugen Train. You’ll get the charm, warmth and hilarity that you know from the show but what really makes the film stand out is the final fight. I was not prepared for the devastation nor the overwhelming power of both the demons and the Demon Slayer Corps. I am desperate to rewatch the film but I can’t emphasize just how nice it was to enjoy Demon Slayer with a great crowd and on a massive screen where it belongs.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is available to watch in both sub and dub in select cinemas. So what are you waiting for?
Have you seen Demon Slayer: Mugen Train? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and be sure to check out more anime news. While you’re at it, let us know your favourite character from Demon Slayer. We will only accept Nezuko and Inosuke as acceptable answers.
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