The fourth season of Demon Slayer approaches. Fans anticipate ufotable’s tradition of releasing a “compilation” movie, recapping the previous season’s finale and previewing the new season’s prologue. This streak continues with the upcoming fourth season. But did ufotable succeed in treating fans, or is it merely another cash grab?
Being a Nezuko-chan fan, I couldn’t miss the film’s release in my city. Here’s my take on the new Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training Arc movie. Discover if it’s worth the big screen or if a Crunchyroll subscription is a wiser investment.
Recap: Demon Slayer’s Season 3 Finale
Ufotable maintains its tradition of building anticipation for the next season with the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training movie. Like its predecessors, this film recaps the events from the first two seasons and concludes with the intense finale of Season 3, focusing on the “Swordsmith Village” arc.
Since most of us have already watched the finale, there is nothing much to say except that they have shortened the opening and ending songs. It’s something they failed to do in the previous movie, but after receiving backlash from fans, they decided to do it right this time.
While the Season 3 finale brought a huge revelation, it was a little underwhelming compared to Season 2. However, watching it alongside other fans made it a joyous experience. Next, the moment we were all waiting for arrived, and we saw the Hashiras meet up to discuss subduing the growing power of Muzan’s moons.
Blazing Start to the Gruesome Training Ahead
After a concise recap of Season 3’s finale, the real excitement kicks off. The premiere of the Hashira Training arc starts with a James Bond-esque prologue featuring two Hashiras.
Once again, Ufotable showcases their animation prowess, especially when displaying the true powers of the Hashiras. This opening sequence, absent in the manga, reaffirms Ufotable’s position as the industry leader.
Following a thrilling scene with the Hashiras, the movie slows its pace, adapting the first three chapters of the Hashira Training arc. It omits a lengthy conversation between Tanjiro and Giyu, which may appear in future episodes.
We witness the reunion of all Hashiras in Demon Slayer, igniting excitement for avid fans like myself. With Nezuko’s newfound resistance to sunlight, the Demon Slayer Corps gears up for the ultimate battle against Muzan.
The movie centers on the Hashiras laying the foundation for training the Corps, as envisioned by Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Their goal is to awaken the Hashira’s Demon Slayer Mark and ready their recruits for the final confrontation with Muzan Kibutsuji and his minions.
The Ubuyashiki Family briefly emphasized the mark. The movie title also reveals the training plans for each Hashira. Meanwhile, our favorite trio recuperated at Shinobu’s place, adding a fun dimension to the movie.
Final Verdict: Should You Visit the Cineplex?
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training movie sets the stage for an epic showdown. Skipping the previous seasons’ recap, this film effectively lays the groundwork for the anime-only opening sequence and elaborates on the Hashira’s plans against Muzan’s empire.
As the series is poised to peak, the premiere offers comic relief with our favorite characters, termed the calm before the storm.
Watching the prologue (episode 1) of Season 4 was fun, yet the movie falls short in the final moments due to a glaring absence — the antagonists. We never witness Muzan and the Upper Moon’s preparations to capture Nezuko. However, it’s likely the studio is reserving these moments for Season 4 anime episodes.
However, it’s undeniable that this movie could have adapted the entire Hashira training arc, being a mini-arc. I, too, would’ve preferred that, enabling a swift transition to the Infinity Castle arc. This appears to be a contributing factor to many fans choosing to skip this movie, evident from the half-filled theater during my visit.
Some might argue that today is a working day, which could explain the turnout, but I distinctly recall a similar situation during the Swordsmith Village movie, yet the theater was packed with fans then.
It’s a missed opportunity by the studio, but it won’t deter long-time Demon Slayer fans from enjoying this visual spectacle on the big screen. It’s up to you whether you watch the movie in theaters or at home later this year.
If you’ve seen the movie, share your thoughts in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
