Anime Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle

Kimetsu no Yaiba, or Demon Slayer, is one of the most successful and highly recognised anime and manga franchises in the world, and for good reason. The series includes several epic moments, interesting characters, heartfelt scenes, and more. As such, it’s no surprise that the series has garnered immense commercial success, and it’s also no surprise that one of the most successful anime films, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, now has a sequel adapting the story’s final push. After watching it, I can say that while not perfect, the movie deserves its flowers and attention. Spoilers ahead for the film.

The Final March

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle takes place immediately after the Hashira Training Arc and sees main villain Muzan Kibutsuji trap the demon slayer corps, along with Tamayo, in the Infinity Castle, together with his upper demons. To get to Muzan before he fully heals and harms Tamayo, the corps and all the Hasira race through the massive, seemingly endless labyrinth-like structure that is the Infinity Castle. They do this all while fighting several of the upper-rank demons trying to stop them, which triggers epic fights, emotional moments, and lots of sad backstories.

The movie is essentially split into several sections and fights. After Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Hashiras arrive at the castle, an all-out war breaks out between the Demon Slayer Corps and demons.

The first segment of the movie sees Hashira Shinobu Kochu face off against the Upper 2 demon Doma. This is notably a very important fight for Shinobu, as this demon killed her sister, which led Shinobu on the path to becoming a Hashira. Doma, like many demons, is dismissive, patronizing, egotistical, and looks down on Shinobu for her size and stature. Despite this, Shibobu puts up a good fight and showcases excellent wit, resourcefulness, and strength. Sadly, she fails and is defeated by Doma as Poison, her main weapon, is ineffective against the demon, and she lacks the strength to decapitate him. She dies in pain, anguish, and laments over the fact that she couldn’t avenge her sister.

A Melancholic, CInematic War

This first fight succeeds at flexing the marvelous, awe-inspiring animation and production muscles of Ufotable. Not only are the visuals and special effects magnificent, but the fight, like others, showcases the personalities and combat styles of both fighters excellently. Shinobu is petite and light on her feet, and her motions, speed, and intricate fighting style and footwork are displayed excellently. Both fighters’ strengths and fighting styles are superbly displayed through mesmerizing visual effects. 

Additionally, from Shinobu’s death, viewers can understand the weight behind each fight. The gravity of the Demon Slayers’ desperate situation and the emotional impact of each death. The narrative, specifically focused on  the battle between the two groups, is grim and seemingly hopeless. The flashbacks, while touching, also excellently evoke a melancholic nature upon knowing the character’s fate.

The next fight sees Zenitsu face off against his former senior and fellow trainee, Kaigaku, who’s now a Rank 6 demon. The film does an excellent job of portraying the complex relationship between the two through their flashback sequence, as well as Kaigaku’s jealousy, hatred, and insatiable hunger for power. This hunger led him to become a demon and their former master, committing suicide to make up for the shame.  The flashback scenes that stem from their fight add to the solemn nature of the film.

All these emotions cascade to a memorable and impactful fight between a fighter who can only use the first form lightning technique and one who can do all but the first. While shorter than the rest, the fight is a visual marvel, featuring excellent choreography. Zenitsu creates a seventh form technique that is not only hypnotizing but also incredibly effective against Kigaku, winning the fight.

The final fight between Akaza, Giyu, and Tanjiro is clearly the main event. Giyu and Tanjiro try to fend off Akaza’s relentless attacks, and while they can hold their own, they are clearly powerless against his strength. However, through another touching flashback of his father’s inhuman skills,Tanjiro awakens another ability that lets him enter the Transparent World and Selfless State. Not only is this ability displayed in a near psychedelic and vibrant way not seen in the anime thus far, but it also enhances the fight’s engagement. This ability is a natural counter to Akaza’s abilities and fighting style, and Tanjiro is able to decapitate Akaza.

An Impactful But Frustrating Conclusion

However, despite already pre-established rules, Akaza refuses to relent even when beheaded and begins regenerating his head. This aspect frankly feels cheap and undeserved, as Akaza not dying felt like an excuse to trigger the next flashback scene and to elongate the fight. Despite this, the detailed flashback finally showing Akaza’s backstory is directed immaculately with several touching moments. The backstory does a great job of making the audience empathize with him and open to the fact that not all demons are inherently cruel and that everyone has a story to tell. 

The final fight between the three is also nothing short of epic. The visuals, sound effects, music, and special effects all work together stupendously to create an unforgettable viewing experience. All these fight scenes and flashbacks showcase a central core theme of family, loss, and the indomitable fighting spirit and will of man. These elements are what make Demon Slayer an impactful shonen, and this film does justice to its franchise.

Unfortunately, while a lot happens in the first Infinity Castle film, it falls short of even coming close to completing the story. I feel a lot more progress could have been made if the film hadn’t focused more on flashbacks, impactful or otherwise. As such, anyone hoping for an epic climactic finish will not get that, especially considering the ending of the Akaza fight.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is a fantastically cinematic and well-directed anime film. It presents the peak of what the medium can offer so far, and while the story doesn’t quite keep up with its production value, it gets pretty darn close.

Have you seen Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle? What do you think of this review? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.