“Demon Slayer,” with its engaging story and unforgettable characters, has become one of the most popular anime series. Now with a newly released movie, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” the series continues to prove its deserved relevance. With its intense action, intentful score and interchanging animation, the film delivers a spectacle that matches the hype.
The film was directed by Haruo Sotozaki and Hikaru Kondô and is based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge.
The movie, which is the first in a trilogy to be released, picks up after the explosive finale of season four, “Hashira Training Arc.” The Hashiras, the group of highest ranking demon slayers, enter the Infinity Castle dimension, which is an ever-growing fortress. Once there, they face off against a multitude of demons and the Upper Moons, the strongest demons that are all led by Muzan Kibutsuji, their leader.
Building destruction, head slicing and breathing styles, which are a combination of breathing and combat techniques that produce different powers, ensue throughout the film’s runtime.
Intimate moments and running jokes appear amidst the chaos, as is standard throughout the series. Funny moments follow nail-biting tension, like when Tanjiro and Giyu have a realization shown with dotted eyes and a small smile. Seeing the characters’ facial expressions morph from their distinctive faces to a blank appearance is a relatable experience.
Traditional and 3D animation harmonize and show off the magnitude of the battles. The camera angle pans around to show the scale of the dimension, initially depicting it through 2D animation before switching to 3D. While two of the Hashiras are running in search of the Upper Moons at one building, lower-ranking slayers swing their swords against giant demons in another faraway structure, creating a layered and astounding shot. The Infinity Castle’s size proves its name through the countless buildings all around.
A mixture of melodies forms the soundtrack, ranging from a tender solo piano to a symphonic spectacle.
With a quieter yet steady score, softer parts of the story breathe and the dialogue becomes more impactful. While different yet still the same, when the score is delivered through a full orchestra, it adds to the variables that are to be affected by the outcomes of the ardent fight sequences.
In the showdown between Shinobu and Doma, a battle between the insect-powered blade slayer against the bloodthirsty fan-wielding demon, the clanging of weaponry and Doma’s defense against Shinobu’s buzzing offense happen as an electro-symphonic score intensifies.
An electronic beat with synth embellishments energizes the thunderous exchange between Zenitsu and Kaigaku. The welcomed shock that was revealed by the trailers is seeing that Zenitsu is now in unconscious combat mode, which brings him to his full power. As both characters were students from the same teacher, this clash of blades and bolts answers the question of who is truly worthy of wielding the thunder-breathing ability.
A gritty rock beat grounds the battle of fists versus swords as Tanjiro combats Akaza in a fight that spans throughout an entire sector of the map. Orchestral strings join the beat as Akaza continues to withstand and return attacks.
Stakes—while already high—shoot higher with occasional flashbacks reminding the viewers of the characters’ journeys that led to this point. Such is when Tanjiro re-encounters Akaza and while gripping his sword, the camera focuses on the flame-shaped hand guard, reminding viewers of the previous showdown that caused the death of Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira.
Believing in being able to win no matter what happens is the prevalent theme in this movie. Having had previous battles with other demons throughout the series, the slayers understand the importance of finally winning the war, as they go all in with their abilities as they fight. Whether it’s teaming up with one another, fighting solo and finding methods to victory, the heroes give it their all to defeat the demons.
All in all, the combination of action, animation and music delivers a captivating story and is a perfect start to an epic trilogy.
Copy edited by Vanessa Orozco
