Demon Slayer Mugen Train Review: Choo Choo and All Aboard
Summary:
Picking up right after the end of the first season, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train starts with our three protagonists boarding the train said to have disappearing passengers. After boarding, the team meet Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira and spend a bit of time bonding. After the train conductor clips their tickets, the four are placed under a spell from Emmu, a demon of the Lower Moons. Lost in a deep slumber, the group must find a way out and save the passengers.
Characters:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train features our main three from the first season, Kamado Tanjiro, the protagonist and caring older brother, Agatsuma Zenitsu, the scaredy pants that shows unusual strength when asleep, and Hashibira Inosuke, a wild boy raised by wild animals. Alongside our main three is Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, who is caring and has natural leadership. Fighting against our heroes is Emmu, Lower Moon One, who has the power to manipulate sleep and dreams.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Review
I know I don’t usually drop these 10 scores, as that’s usually Seb’s job, but here I am dropping my first 10. It’s been a long time since I’ve watched a movie I was hyped about and for something that not only met but exceeded my expectations. Before I get into the details, I would greatly advise watching the first season of the show before tackling the movie. The only downside of this movie is that it doesn’t explain anything for people who haven’t seen the first season, but in all reality, who would watch this movie before watching the anime?
Anyways, let’s get into this review, because boy do we have a lot to unpack.
First things first, plot and setting. For this, I feel like the two blended together very nicely. For the most part the plot is centered around a train ride, and the majority of the movie stays on the train. I really liked this aspect for many reasons. For one, concentrating the setting on a train both is constantly moving, and it’s not. You can feel the progression and the pace of the movie without really getting lost. The plot also makes sense for a movie. Being a bridge between two seasons, this arc in the Demon Slayer series is the perfect length for a movie. There just isn’t enough content to warrant a whole season on this arc, which is why it’s perfect in movie form.
Now, onto the characters. If you’ve seen the anime, then the core trio is the same and is as enjoyable as usual. The trio have their moments and arguments, but they are a true team together. They come together when needed. Rengoku is the perfect Hashira to join the fray. When you first meet him, sure he might be a bit weird, but he has a heart of fire and uses his talents to protect those weaker. I find that an admirable trait and it makes him a loveable character. Even the villains are interesting. Emmu’s power to control sleep and dreams is such an interesting demon art. It was super fun watching everyone deal with this power. Emmu also employed the help of regular humans, which added depth to the conflict.
Finally, I need to talk about the animation and the music, because it is an anime movie after all. If you’ve watched the show, then you know the animation is top notch. The breathing techniques and swordplay were all drawn beautifully and uniquely to represent each user. The different colours and lines really made the movie pop and was a pleasing sight to the eyes. The music accompanying each scene was also chosen perfectly to represent the emotions. The animation and the music are a perfect combination.
Overall, this was the greatest movie I have seen in a long time. From loveable characters, to great animation, to great music, and a solid plot, this movie does well on its own and is the perfect bridge between the two seasons. If you’ve seen the show, then this is a must watch.
