Demons, Dreams, and Didacticism: Mugen Train Review

Title: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train

Original Release Date: 16 October 2020 (Japan)

Director: Haruo Sotozaki

Starring: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Hiro Shimono, and Satoshi Hino.

Mugen Train is a film that all manga and anime fans should watch. It is visually breathtaking and provides a rewarding and heartbreaking experience. I rarely cry because of films, but I was an absolute wreck by the end of this film. Ufotable did an amazing job with the film, in all aspects, including soundtrack, animation, and voice acting, which is illustrated by its major success. It is the highest-grossing film of 2020 and it is the highest-grossing anime film worldwide. This is a major win for the animanga community, it appears the reality of anime becoming mainstream is closer in reach than ever. Is this a good thing? Only time will tell. But that’s another discussion, let's get back on track (I have no shame). *minor plot spoilers*

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Plot Synopsis

The film starts where the anime’s first season ended with Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, who was transformed into a demon by Muzan who also slaughtered their family. They are joined by Inosuke and Zenitsu on a mission on the Infinity Train with the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku. On the train, they face traditional demons and also face the demons buried within themselves and learn the importance of making our limited lifespans as humans worthwhile.

Review

Mugen Train is not your typical anime film, one thing I really appreciate about the film is the fact that it is actually canon in that it comprises the arcs contained in volumes 7 and 8. This is unlike films from anime such as My Hero Academia and One Piece which are usually centered on material loosely based on the anime and the characters.

We all know from episode 19 of the first season that Demon Slayer is capable of piecing together a conventional plot and making it stand out amongst its counterparts with its amazing animation, beautiful soundtrack, and lovable characters. This definitely translates into the film. Something that stands out from this film is the relationships between the four main characters (Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke). They all use each other's strengths and weaknesses and make each other better people. Not to mention, they add so much to the comedic elements, which is needed considering all the dark elements, you know the murdering demons and stuff. From Inosuke’s animalistic ways to Zenitisu’s cowardice (you know, when he's awake) the film is entertaining in all aspects.

The perfect characterisation also works with new characters like Rengoku, who in my opinion, shines the most in the film. He advocates that although humans do not have unlimited life spans like demons, this doesn't necessarily make us weak. He believes that the sole fact we use the limited lives we’ve gotten to help those who are weaker than ourselves. Not to also mention how strong and cool he is.

The film perfectly adapts Goutege’s heartbreaking chapters, one of the moments that most touched me was when Tanjiro was in a dream sequence by the Lower Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki. Within this dream, Tanjiro is reunited with his family and actually at one point decides to stay with them. However, he comes to a realisation that the best way to cherish his family is moving forward and protect those who can’t protect themselves. This message has great meaning as we see other characters that have been manipulated by the demons become touched by Tanjiro’s kindness so it helps us love the character even more.

The film has lots of beautiful moments that can easily be taken out and used in one of those anime aesthetic Twitter pages (if they haven't already). But seriously, Mugen Train uses an excellent colour palette and the way Ufotable uses colours alongside mind-blowing animation is impressive. This was obviously shown in scenes where characters use their breathing techniques to slay demons but I think we really should highlight how cool the main character of the film looked. Yes, I’m talking about the train. It really highlighted the time period Taisho era Japan (1912-1926) and actually put an element of realism in a film about demons funny enough. The choice of setting is so clever as an entire battle on a moving train creates claustrophobia and urgency as the main characters need to save the passengers while trying not to kill themselves at the same time.

In all anime, I think something we always take away is the soundtrack. Mugen Train’s soundtrack is stunning, euphoric, and painful. The way sound is used to evoke emotion and tension in the film is a masterclass. They seemed effortless with every fight scene in the film as well as every saddening moment in the film (which was a lot). Some of my favourite OSTs include the film’s rendition of Kamado Tanjiro no Uta (the OST used in episode 19) as well as the OST that played between Rengoku and Akaza’s fight.

Last but definitely not least, the voice acting in this film is just incredible Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and Hiro Shimono, the voice actors who play Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, and Zenitsu did a great job and it's clear that their characters have chemistry. However, I definitely think that Daisuke Hirakawa’s voice acting while portraying Enmu/Lower Moon One was intriguing and stole every scene that he was in. He created a menacing and intriguing atmosphere, and in classic Demon Slayer fashion made us feel a little empathy for him and reminded us that these demons, while they seem inhumane, were actually human at one point.

In the end, I really enjoyed this film. I always admire when a film can leave you with important messages while not force-feeding you with morals. It was an exciting cinema experience after being locked up for so long. My eyes may have been foggy from all the crying but it is definitely a film I will rewatch multiple times and I 100% recommend you guys to go and watch it and also the anime if you haven’t already.

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