Tag Archives: crunchyroll

Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is a Must-See for Every Fan

By Toho Aniplex – Natalie.mu

From the opening scene to the final battle cries, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is a jaw-dropping spectacle that delivers exactly what fans have been waiting for. With Ufotable once again proving why they’re at the top of the anime game, this movie kicks off the series’ final arc with explosive battles, heart-wrenching character moments, and visual storytelling that’s nothing short of legendary.

Let’s be honest: when you hear “Ufotable,” you already expect top-tier animation, and they deliver hard. The Infinity Castle itself is a living, breathing labyrinth that folds and twists with a kind of chaotic beauty. Every fight scene is framed like a masterpiece, with seamless blends of 2D and 3D, color palettes straight out of ukiyo-e art, and cinematography that somehow makes every battle feel even more intense than the last. Whether you’re watching in regular format or IMAX (which is absolutely worth it, by the way), the visuals grab you by the collar and don’t let go.

What really makes this movie shine isn’t just the animation – it’s the way it balances pulse-pounding action with raw, emotional storytelling. Shinobu’s battle with Doma is elegant and strategic, fueled by quiet vengeance and sisterly love. Zenitsu, usually the comic relief, gets his big moment of growth as he takes on his former mentor Kaigaku, showing us that there’s way more to him than just lightning-fast reflexes and panicked screams.

But it’s Tanjiro and Giyu’s showdown with Akaza that really steals the show. The choreography is relentless, the emotions are high, and seeing Akaza slowly recognize Tanjiro’s strength gives the whole encounter an extra emotional punch. Add in Akaza’s tragic backstory, and you’ve got one of the most memorable confrontations in the franchise so far.

Filipino fans, in particular, have shown massive love for the film—and rightly so. It smashed local box office records, raking in PHP 238 million in its opening weekend alone and becoming the biggest anime film debut in the country this year. Early screenings sold out in just 30 minutes, and social media is packed with fans celebrating their favorite moments and encouraging everyone to see it on the big screen.

And honestly? They’re right. Watching it in a theater, surrounded by fellow fans gasping, cheering, and tearing up, makes the entire experience unforgettable.

If there’s one critique, it’s the pacing. It felt that the emotional flashbacks sometimes slowed down the momentum of the fights. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but in a movie this action-packed, it’s something fans might notice.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is more than just a movie—it’s a celebration of everything fans love about the series. It’s packed with jaw-dropping visuals, emotionally rich storytelling, and character moments that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just catching up, this movie is best experienced in cinemas, with a crowd of fellow fans who love the series just as much as you do.

If you’re thinking about skipping this and waiting for the episodes to drop on streaming… don’t. Trust me. This one’s meant to be seen on the big screen—with your heart in your throat and your hands gripping the armrests.

Rating: 4/5

Anime Review: Solo Leveling (2024)

Solo Leveling” is a South Korean web novel series by Chugong that has been adapted into a popular webtoon and light novel, and eventually an anime series produced by A-1 Pictures. The narrative focuses on Sung Jin-Woo, in a world where portals connect it to a realm filled with monsters and dungeons. Initially deemed as the weakest hunter, he swiftly transforms into a figure akin to a protagonist in a video game, where strength levels up with each encounter, evoking a sense of gratifying progression reminiscent of classic RPGs.

The allure of “Solo Leveling” lies not only in its captivating storyline but also in its innovative premise. The emergence of gates, unleashing hordes of menacing creatures, sets the stage for a thrilling spectacle similar to the grandeur of “Pacific Rim.” This infusion of sci-fi elements heightens the stakes, propelling the narrative forward with an exhilarating blend of action and intrigue.

Central to the series is Sung Jin-Woo’s evolution, a character arc with both depth and nuance. His transformation evokes parallels to the enigmatic Light Yagami from “Death Note,” as he grapples with newfound power and the moral implications it entails. The last episode very much showed this as he gains the title “Shadow Monarch” and the ability to bring the dead back to life as his “shadow army.” This juxtaposition of strength and darkness adds a layer of complexity to his character, elevating him beyond the confines of a typical protagonist.

(photo via A-1 Pictures)

While I thought the animation quality falls short of the visuals by its contemporaries like “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” or “Mob Psycho 100,” the discrepancy is mitigated by the sheer strength of its narrative, with its exciting plot twists and compelling character dynamics.

 One area of contention, though, lies in the episodic endings, which often culminate in frustrating and anticlimactic cliffhangers. While effective in maintaining suspense, these abrupt conclusions annoy the hell out of me. Nevertheless, this minor flaw does little to detract from my overall enjoyment of the series.

When it comes to the series’ supporting characters, “Solo Leveling” showcases a diverse ensemble, albeit with less impact. While some secondary characters leave an impression, others fade into the background, their potential untapped. Yet, this is forgivable since this is just the first season.

In conclusion, “Solo Leveling” emerges as a captivating addition to the anime landscape, boasting a compelling narrative and memorable characters. Despite its minor flaws, it left me eagerly anticipating its second season and beyond. As the journey continues, “Solo Leveling” stands poised to captivate audiences with its potential and immersive world-building. I highly recommend it.

You can stream and watch Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll or Netflix if you are in the Philippines.