!! Contains spoilers !!
(This is also my first ever review so it won't be perfect)
I have loved this anime since the first time I watched it back in 2020. The first season really impressed me, and then I watched the Mugen Train movie and it left me speechless. I immediately started reading the manga after, and by the time I finished it, it had become one of my favorite series of all time. I can still remember the void I felt when it ended, and how impressive and emotional the final arcs were, even if it was relatively short. So, with how well ufotable has been adapting this series, I was really anticipating the beginning of the Infinity Castle arc and I had super high expectations for this movie. And somehow, it managed to exceed them!
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Animation / Visuals
Just when you think it can’t get any better, it blows you off your feet. The first time I watched this movie was actually in 4dx so I couldn’t actually appreciate how beautiful it was (it was REALLY fun though). When I rewatched it in regular 2d, I couldn’t help but constantly admire what was being shown to me. The Infinity castle’s animations were fantastic, the direction was exceptional and the fights were insane. There’s really not much else to say that hasn’t been said already, just that I don’t think I have ever seen animation like this before.
Soundtrack / sound design
I always appreciate good music in films and TV, I believe it can definitely enhance the experience. Demon Slayer has always had amazing soundtracks (thanks to the great Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina) and this film is no exception. Each moment/scene has its own score that sets the mood perfectly for you to get chills, hyped up and after a bit cry your eyes out. I’d say the scores that particularly stood out to me were in the Zenitsu fight, the moment he slashed Kaigaku’s head with the 7th form (combined with the phenomenal animation, it was epic) and Akaza and Koyuki’s theme; I have listened to it so many times and I always have the urge to cry. Of course there’s the opening and ending themes by Aimer and Lisa too, which to no one’s surprise are bangers.
Story / characters / development
As I mentioned, I’m a manga reader so I knew what to expect and I was ready for it.. (almost)
Let’s start off with Shinobu. I love how her character is developed in this arc. I actually found her annoying in the beginning of the series but in infinity castle she really gets to shine and show her real self. The girl who lost her family when she was a child, desperately trying to hide her emotions and imitate her late old sister whom she admired. And now she wants to get revenge by the demon who killed her sister, but unfortunately she wasn’t as strong as needed and had the same fate as her sister, killed by Douma. (Spoilers for manga: Spoiler, click to view
however she was intelligent and selfless enough to sacrifice herself in order to insert the poison she made into Doma and eventually kill him
Zenitsu is also a character that has grown on me a lot in this arc, it seems he has matured a lot especially after reading grandpa’s letter. His fighting style was so cool and the reveal of his 7th form was SO satisfying. His battle with Kaigaku was short but definitely top tier.
Now on to Akaza, one of the MVPS of this movie and of my favorite demon slayer characters. I don’t remember any time where I was moved so much by a character’s backstory. The manga had executed it perfectly already but the movie took it to another level with the beautiful voice acting and music. I couldn’t hold back my tears all 3 times I watched it… I find it wonderful how this story manages to make you shift your feelings towards this character to the point that you can’t help but feel empathy for him in the end, despite the horrible things he’s done. Simply because he didn’t ask for it but was forced into it, after not only losing his loved ones, but also losing the last hope he had to have a new beginning. When he said "I have to kill the one I find the weakest" and killing himself right after was such a painful and emotional scene, considering he never got to be "strong enough" to protect the people precious to him. Truly a tragic character.
Tanjiro and Giyu were great in this movie as well and I love their dynamic, but I especially loved Tanjiro's role in Akaza's redemption, the way he's always fighting his opponents with respect is admirable and it's really highlighted here, hence why Akaza smiled at him just before he died. It's such a powerful moment, because for once, Akaza didn't feel betrayed like he did his whole life.
Pacing
I personally didn’t have any problem with the pacing as some people criticize. I think it’s just how it’s supposed to be, since the fights can be long enough for you to want a break. Plus, what’s the point of a senseless fight with no backstory or explanation to it? The flashbacks shown are a great build up to the hype for the crucial moments.
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Overall, this movie was everything I hoped for and more. The breathtaking animation, powerful soundtrack and character moments all reminded me why Demon Slayer is one of my all time favorite series. It’s not just action with great animation—it carries weight, emotion, and meaning, and it sets the stage perfectly for what’s coming next. If the adaptation of this arc is already starting off this strong, I can only imagine how incredible the next movies will be.
Thank you for reading my review! :)
