Fans' first impressions
after its premiere in Japan
The return of Demon Slayer, Kimetsu no Yaiba, to the big screen has been quite an event.
Following the overwhelming success of Mugen Train in 2020, anime fans eagerly awaited the start of the new film trilogy.
The first chapter, titled Mugen Castle Arc: Akaza Returns , premiered in Japan and quickly generated a wave of emotional comments.
Expectations to the limit and a unique cinema experience
Several fans shared how they prepared diligently for this long-awaited day. “I watched the anime three times, all the specials, and even reread the manga to get excited,” one viewer commented.
The 155-minute film maintains a frenetic pace. Those who attended the premiere noted that, despite its length, there were no pauses: every scene felt like a climax.
The animation was another strong point. “It starts off so beautifully that you wonder if it's really an anime. Mugen Castle feels like a visual roller coaster,” noted another fan.
Many emphasized how the combination of music and visual effects completely immersed them in the story. Even those already familiar with the manga's story arc acknowledged that the emotional intensity surprised them and brought them to tears in several scenes.
An experience for the whole family
and an emotional connection with the characters
Another highlight was the group support.
Some families coordinated schedules to experience the premiere together, demonstrating the intergenerational reach of the saga.
“My whole family follows manga and anime. We all went, and despite so many screenings, the theater was almost full,” said a mother who attended with her college-aged children.
The most anticipated battles didn't disappoint. (And I'll digress to advance possible spoilers in the following paragraphs.)
Comments were particularly praised for Shinobu's confrontation with Douma, a duel charged with emotion due to the history that unites them.
Also highlighted was the scene of Zenitsu avenging his master, a moment that brought tears and applause to the audience.
But without a doubt, one of the most talked-about moments was Tanjiro and Giyuu's fight against Akaza, who shines brightly once again in this arc. Fans were moved by the character's backstory, which combines strength and tragedy. "Akaza just wanted to be happy with Koyuki... the final scene broke my heart," expressed one viewer.
A promising start to the trilogy
The consensus is clear: the film is faithful to the original work, maintains impressive animation, and manages to move even those familiar with the story.
Many plan to see it multiple times, especially in formats like IMAX, to fully enjoy its visuals.
With reviews highlighting the intensity, beauty, and emotional weight of each scene, Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1 has not only met expectations, but exceeded them.
Now, fans are counting down the days to find out how this trilogy, which promises to be one of the biggest events in modern anime, will continue.
Aren't you more anxious now than before?
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