Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- is here, and the stakes have never been higher. Nezuko has conquered the sun, and Muzan is ready to make the next move.
Synopsis
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- will feature “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light” (Episode 11) from the Swordsmith Village Arc, featuring the conclusion of the fierce battle between Tanjiro and Upper Four demon Hantengu, as well as Nezuko’s triumph over the sun. Seamlessly followed by Episode 1 of the highly anticipated Hashira Training Arc, featuring the start of training conducted by the Hashira in preparation for the forthcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.
Review
It’s crazy to think that after 5 years of seriously intense storytelling, utterly mesmerising animation, and some hilarious moments from the characters we’ve grown to love, we’ve officially entered the penultimate arc of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this journey than with a trip to the cinema to see the action unfold on the big screen.
Obviously, the first half of this movie is simply the season finale of the Swordsmith Village arc. While it is safe to assume that most would be fully caught up by now, there is nothing like experiencing Demon Slayer on the big screen. Being able to revisit one of the most epic battles in the series, as well as one of the most emotional sequences with a load of fans is something truly special and very unique to Demon Slayer. It was easily worth the price of admission, and we haven’t even got to the next arc yet.
The cinema experience really allows Demon Slayer‘s strength to shine fully. The entire sequence between Tanjiro and Hantengu was an instant highlight. It was painfully tense, boosted by the incredible soundtrack that completely silenced the crowd. The short but sweet appearance of Mitsuri Kanroji’s battle with Hantengu’s colossal dragon-like form was an additional bonus, but I can’t help but wonder what that entire sequence would have been like in cinema. The icing on the cake was really the sweeping score that accompanied Nezuko’s exposure to the sun and her very first words since turning into a demon… It was simply beautiful. Rengoku’s death was a huge hit for the main characters, but this specific moment is such a significant turning point for the entire show. It’s really a culmination of Tanjiro’s journey, and the beginning of the end; the light at the end of the tunnel getting closer and closer, if you will. But it was also a very punchy reminder of what’s at stake. Behind the elation, there is a real sense of urgency. To share this with everyone was a real gift because you could feel it emanating through everyone. It was a shared experience, and they’re the best kind.
After the recap, we then transition to the highly anticipated Season 4 premiere, picking up exactly where we left off, and it is very much the calm between the storm. Tanjiro reunites with Zenitsu and Inosuke as the Hashira prepare for their next move. In comparison to the more chaotic Swordsmith Village finale, it was nice having that time to wind down. It really gave the characters and audience that rare opportunity to fully process the events and recognise the mountain of a challenge that sits before them, and the set up is perfect.
For those who haven’t read the manga, this episode acts as a really good introduction to the other Hashira members that we haven’t seen a lot of. Not only do we get to see them interact like a family of sorts, we also get to see why they’re the best at what they do. Through the use of the Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa, and (my personal favourite) the Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro, we get to experience their power. The breathing techniques introduced differ massively, and once again the legends at Ufotable were able to create some ridiculously epic sequences that looked incredible on the big screen. The entire opening sequence of this new episode is awesome, simply put. You can’t expand more on it. It’s Ufotable doing what they do best.
Outside of the action, this premiere forms the foundation of this new arc and while some of it is very serious, the heart and fun of Demon Slayer is not lost. Demon Slayer absolutely excels at clean and fluid animation, but it’s also amazing at balancing different tones. Between the hilarity of Zenitsu reuniting with Nezuko, and the tonal shift surrounding the impending war, Demon Slayer knows exactly how to priortise these tones without disturbing that fine balance. Fun, heartbreaking, ridiculously tense, and hopeful. Demon Slayer does it all perfectly.
Verdict
It’s easy to say you can simply watch the new season premiere at home when it eventually airs. But nothing beats this experience, even if you have already seen a good 50% of the content. The combination of familiar and new content make for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but it’s the animation, sound, and vibrant nature of Demon Slayer that makes this all worth while. Sure, it’s great to see the first episode, especially now that the endgame is approaching, but anytime Demon Slayer goes to the cinema it’s very much about the electric crowd and the stunning animation that put Demon Slayer on the map.
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DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA -TO THE HASHIRA TRAINING- is out now in UK cinemas. Have you seen it yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget, you can catch up on all of the latest anime news right here.
