After dethroning all of the highest-grossing anime films including, “Spirited Away” in Japan and the rest of the world, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train has finally arrived in America. Early reports suggest the anime film has outperformed the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise, “Mortal Kombat” on their opening night. The fans of the anime series will find the Mugen Train, to be an emotionally moving and action-packed film. However, newcomers interested in the anime must be warned not to watch the film without watching the series first. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is a direct sequel to the anime series.
Continuing from where the anime series left off, Mugen Train follows the heroes, Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu as they are assigned to a mysterious train where passengers have gone missing. Once they are aboard the train, the three young warriors and the audience get a sneak peek of Rengoku, a member of the Hashira, extraordinary powerful as he quickly slays a few demons. Hinting at the strangeness, it becomes apparent, Inosuke may have been right about the train being a demon after all.
While the four demon slayers are fast asleep, the demon Enmu, invades and manipulates the heroes’ dreams. As expected, both Inosuke and Zenitsu dreams are mostly for comical effect. However, Tanjiro and Rengoku’s dream gives the audience an emotional and in-depth understanding of their ambition. Each one of these dream sequences shows us a metaphorical look at the heroes’ subconscious. The flame Hashira, subconscious is an ever-burning plane of fire, expressing his abiding sense of purpose. An endless soothing lake below a bright summer sky symbolizing the peace and warmth of Tanjiro’s heart.
Each of the demon slayers is given their own time to shine in the spotlight throughout the film. The three young warriors are all shown some character development that was seen during the ending of season one. Inosuke, in particular, shown some great character development from the anime series. Despite this, some new and old characters weren’t so lucky in their development in the film.
One of the few weak aspects of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is the antagonist demon, Enmu. The lower twelfth demon, unfortunately, receive no backstory, character development, or redeeming empathy from the heroes, like past foes they have faced before. Without a clear motivation and the long exhausting monologues makes the demon an easily forgettable villain of the anime film.
Rengoku will easily become a fan favorite, as the audience laid witness to the flame Hashira, superior swordsmanship, and overwhelming astonishing power of the fire breathing technique in the ending climax. Although there is some backstory the film gives to Rengoku, the lack of this aspect may leave the audience needing more. The Hashira warrior is revealed to be the true heart of the film. With the filmmakers’ decision to confine the Mugen Train manga arc into a movie, some may have some difficulties in connecting with Rengoku emotionally.
Moments throughout the film could have been used to develop the characters more or a shorten anime season would beneficial in these where the film is lacking in. Both Nezuko and Zenitsu are also given no character development or additional backstory. After Zenitsu saves his beloved Nezuko from the demon, the two are sidelined and don’t reappear until after the epic climax in end.
Fans of the anime series will be pleased to know the animation studio, Ufotable, once again delivers jaw-dropping visuals. Both of the two major battles, as while as the smaller fights, are testament to Japanese action anime. Ufotable animation style perfectly combines traditional animation with digital effects to intensify the depth and aesthetics in each action scene.
Despite the absence of needed character development and backstories, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train does live up to the hype. With its solid continuation from the anime series, fans will no doubt be delighted with the film. The anime film stays true to the delivering fantastic fights and emotionally driven storytelling the series become known for. If you are a fan of Demon Slayer the anime series, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket. Newcomers of the franchise, watch the series on Netflix then buy a ticket.
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