Anime Review – Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training (2024)

The popularity of Demon Slayer has indescribable levels of popularity. Demon Slayer the Movie Mugen Train is the 2^nd highest-grossing film of 2020 but there are a lot of technicalities with that. However not even the pandemic could stop anime fans from supporting this franchise. It is no surprise why; this show has consistently lived up to the hype. The animation is gorgeous and unlike any other show that is currently airing. The way it mixes more traditional anime style with classical Japanese paintings. Combining the animation with Ufotable’s iconic action direction leads to a show that can be simply described as hype.

You may be wondering why I am talking a lot about this show in general rather than this “film” as a whole. Like last year’s Demon Slayer – To the Swordsmith Village where the show is the last episode of the previous seasons and the first episode of the new season. When it comes to this films 1 hour and 44-minute runtime, the first hour or so is parts of the show you have already seen, and the remaining 44 minutes is new material. I am conflicted about this release model. On the one hand, I love seeing this show on the big screen. I was able to see this in IMAX and I was in awe from beginning to end. However, on the other hand, it is hard to justify this release model as you are spending money on cinema tickets for parts of this release you have already seen.

Seeing the first episode/preview for the Hashira Training arc was amazing though. Seeing the story beats being set up for the rest of the arc is genuinely enthralling. I just love how well-written this show is, while it could be argued the manga does the heavy lifting. I still love seeing moments from season one coming back into later seasons. it stops the story from feeling segmented. The animation is still incredible, and no frame stands out as being bad or lacking in quality.

Demon Slayer continues to be hype and I adore watching every moment of this series. The action is some of the best in anime, and the story continues to be engrossing and enthralling. However, while I feel this is a 5-star experience. I cannot justify saying this is worthy of being in cinema. I hope if this trend continues, they do more with it than just showing the end of a previous series and a tease for the future.

★★★★

In Cinemas Now / Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Kana Hanazawa / Dir: Haruo Sotozaki / Crunchyroll / 15

About the Author

Robert Ewing

Author

Rob is a freelance film critic and writer who specialises in Anime and Asian cinema. I have adored film since a young age, having watched films that were far too old for me, such as RoboCop, Die Hard, and Hot Tub Time Machine, to discovering the heights of foreign cinema through films like Headhunters and Battle Royale. Growing up with such a diverse catalogue of films that I cherished sparked my desire to discuss them. This passion eventually led me to become a reviewer. Dissecting films, speaking to filmmakers I admire, and showcasing the best of Asian and anime cinema is how I live my best and truest life.

Visit Website View All Posts