The theater goes quiet as the lights dim and the movie begins, revealing a peaceful garden. The audience fills with anticipation as a train whistles in the distance and the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba:the Movie: Mugen Train logo appears on the screen.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: the Movie: Mugen Train came out on April 23, 2021 and was directed by Haruo Sotozaki. Demon slayer in training, Tanjiro Kamado swears to save his little sister, Nezuko Kamado, so she can become human once again after being transformed into a demon. Along his journey, Tanjiro meets and befriends two aspiring demon slayers, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. The movie is teased at the end of season one with the final scene panning to a demon called Enmu atop the train, and the current flame pillar Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.
Every training demon slayer works to be at the top of the demon slayer rank, a Hashira. A Hashira is the strongest of the demon slayers, they have completed their training and mastered their abilities. There are also many pillars to the Hashira such as the water, wind and flame pillars.
The film flows beautifully, with breathtaking scenes and an aesthetic art style with bold outlines that let everything else pop. Not only does it deliver the characters and each of their own unique personalities, but it also provides excellent character development.
When Tanjiro and Inosuke first met in the anime, all they did was argue and fight. They learn to tolerate each other over time, and in the movie they work together to defeat Enmu and prevent him from taking over the train.
Such great character development is rare to see in such a short amount of time. It truly makes the audience love the characters even more because it’s something new that they have not seen.
With every yell, sword slash and flashback, this movie without fail keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
While all the heroes are battling the demon, the train derails near a forest, which brings attention to another demon, Akaza. He is charted at number three in the ranks of demons, which means he wields incredible power. The only one skilled enough to take Akaza on is the flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku.
During the fierce battle, the audience gets to see more of Rengoku’s amazing fire abilities, and what it means to be a Hashira. Rengoku is incredibly swift and wields his sword gracefully, never missing a shot on the powerful demon. He showcases all of his fire abilities, each one outshining the last.
As if this isn’t enough, a flashback during the fight depicts Rengoku in a room with an older man who is revealed to be his father. Upon sharing his great success of becoming a Hashira, his father pushes him aside because he is “unimpressed.”
Sparked with love while remembering his mother, Ruka Rengoku, Rengoku remembers the words she once told him when he was beginning his training.
“It is the obligation of those born strong to defend the weak,” said Ruka. “Your mission requires you to fulfill your mission properly. Don’t ever forget that.”
These words resonate deeply with Rengoku, as he remembers his goal to protect everyone aboard the train. Filled with more willpower to complete his mission, Rengoku brings out a fire form that has not been seen before that easily topped all the other forms. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: the Movie: Mugen Train includes all of the most popular characters and is sure to leave the audience laughing while also tugging at their heartstrings. It is a cinematic masterpiece with a stunning art style that is very worth the watch.
