We are living in anime boom right now. While franchises like 'Pokémon' and 'Dragon Ball Z' have had continued western success, anime films are a global phenomenon. Franchises like 'Haikyu!!', 'One Piece', 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and the juggernaut that is 'Demon Slayer' have all had enormous success at the box office. The latest 'Demon Slayer' film, 'Infinity Castle', not only became the highest-grossing Japanese film, but is currently the fifth-highest-grossing film of the year. 'Chainsaw Man', a hit anime series released in 2022, is now venturing to the big screen with its first theatrical feature.
SWITCH: 'CHAINSAW MAN - THE MOVIE: REZE ARC' TRAILER 2
The Chainsaw Man is Denji (Kikunosuke Toya), a 17-year-old boy who transforms in the titular character. With his power, he becomes a devil hunter as member of Tokyo Special Division 4. He yearns to be with Makima (Tomori Kusunoki), but when Reze (Reina Ueda) enters his world, everything changes. This new love in his life unleashes a new battle that will have Denji fight like never before.
'Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc' is not for newcomers to this world (like myself). It picks right up where the first season ended and doesn't waste its time throwing you into this story. Having said that, I had a really enjoyable time; although it has classic anime tropes, especially when it comes to the over sexualisation of its female characters, when it gets to the action, it's a delight. The first half of the film is slow, mainly focusing on the romantic (horny) elements of the story, but when it unleashes the Chainsaw Man, it doesn't hold back. The action is the big draw here, and if you are seeking this out, I highly recommend seeing this in large format or IMAX where possible. The animation in the action pieces, combined with the electric score, is pure cinematic magic.
The action is the big draw here, and if you are seeking this out, I highly recommend seeing this in large format or IMAX where possible. The animation in the action pieces, combined with the electric score, is pure cinematic magic.
However, the first half particularly feels very episodic, even having fades to black like credits were about to roll. It takes a whole team to translate this show into a cinematic experience, but when it does, it soars.
'Chainsaw Man – The Movie: The Reze Arc' was a pleasant surprise for someone like me who has no in-depth knowledge of the show. While it does have a strong focus on the hypersexualisation of its (underage!) female characters, the action is a cinematic treat.