Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie review – A gripping and gorgeous anime spectacle

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Approximately six years following the debut of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime on television screens in early 2019, its final chapter is now unfolding.

The initial installment of the trilogy based on the last sections of Koyoharu Gotouge’s popular manga, titled Infinity Castle, is set to debut in UK theatres.

The movie versions of this anime often surpass box office records, much like how Tanjioro and his companions hack through monsters. For instance, Mugen Train was the highest-grossing film worldwide in 2020, and Infinity Castle set new weekend box office records upon its release in Japan.

After experiencing it ourselves, we’ve been reminded why this movie is so compelling. While it may not be suitable for those just starting or those who are several seasons behind (unless they enjoy spoilers), avid fans of the global phenomenon that is Demon Slayer will undoubtedly appreciate the first cut of its finale.

The story in Infinity Castle continues directly from the end of episode 8 in the fourth season of the anime, which marked the conclusion of the Hashira Training arc. Although a quick recap of the ending is provided to refresh your memory, it’s recommended that you rewatch the finale or catch up if necessary for a more seamless viewing experience.

Despite Kagaya Ubuyashiki and Lady Tamayao managing to catch Muzan Kibutsuji off guard, their victory came at a heavy price as Kagaya sacrificed himself, along with some dear ones, in an enormous explosion of his mansion. Consequently, the Demon King retreated to his stronghold, known as Infinity Castle, for recovery.

With Demon Slayer Corps members cornered across this expansive area, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and various Hashira set out to locate Muzan for a final showdown. However, the journey won’t be simple as they’ll inevitably encounter the remaining formidable upper-rank demon minions along their path.

Initially choosing to produce Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle arc as a three-part movie series instead of releasing them individually raises some intriguing questions. This approach might lead to each film becoming overly lengthy or excessive, depending on the content included.

In execution, this approach does make the pacing more engrossing.

Primarily, transforming the story into a full-length movie seems to have granted a significantly larger budget for the animations, enabling Studio Ufotable to make Demon Slayer appear more visually striking than before.

Despite initial expectations, Ufotable has managed to raise the bar even higher on Infinity Castle, leaving us just as astonished as we were when they made a splash online with episode 19 from season 1 many years back.

Each week’s episode in the anime boasts a dramatic, movie-like quality, but the impact of the recent full-length production on the budget is truly breathtaking.

In a smooth and harmonious fashion, the merging of the three-dimensional settings within the Infinity Castle and its two-dimensional character design proved impressive. This impression intensified as one transitioned from the castle’s ever-changing corridors to the consistently stunning displays of elemental sword attacks.

In various sword-fighting techniques displayed by our favorite characters throughout the years, the visual impression has always been striking. However, this new film takes it to another level, making each action scene appear more realistic and intense, enhancing the force and power behind every strike.

I could sense the elevated quality even in the auditory realm, with a melodious symphony that graced my ears, courtesy of returning composers Kajiura and Go Shiina. Their gentle yet compelling compositions serve as a subtle reminder of their exceptional skill in the realm of anime music, making them stand out among contemporaries today.

This production boasts exceptional voice performances in both subtitles and dubbed versions, accompanied by a charming soundtrack featuring standout vocal tracks: Taiyō ga Noboranai Sekai by Aimer and Zankoku no Yoru ni Kagayake by LiSA. The music beautifully captures the poignant undertones of Demon Slayer, as well as the intense emotional energy of its climactic battles.

The amusing comic moments, expressed vividly through humorous, striking facial expressions, appear even more accentuated. These instances are strategically placed and harmonize well with the pivotal battles, ensuring a consistent tone.

One notable altercation involves Insect Master, Shinobu Kocho, whose personal story and driving forces are unveiled. Similarly to the comic book version, her battle is exceptionally memorable, meriting a grand cinematic presentation with rapid movements, dramatic effects, and simmering fury that overflows her previously tranquil composure.

The enhancement in animation quality makes the already intimidating higher-rank demons, such as Doma (Upper Rank #2), even more terrifying. This demon exudes an air of casual elegance and beauty, yet is among the most malevolently evil of them all.

The improved animation quality adds to the growing sense of dread surrounding higher-rank demons like Doma (Upper Rank #2). With a deceptive charm that belies its wicked nature, this demon is one of the most evil among them.

In the realm of Demon Slayer, I’ve often found Zenitsu to be a comedic relief. But this movie presents something remarkable for him – a heart-stopping scene that marks his most significant transformation yet. Here, his persistent fear surprisingly morphs into determination after unearthing a profound personal link with one of the Demons residing within the castle.

Despite requiring a revisit of the Hashira Training arc for full comprehension, it’s captivating to witness his evolution from comedic character to formidable warrior, offering a delightful blend of satisfaction and excitement as the transition unfolds.

As we approach the midpoint, the story reaches a climactic point where tension intensifies significantly, marking Akaza’s direct entry into the fray. This dramatic turn of events serves as a compelling continuation to Tanjiro’s arc, initiated by Rengoku’s demise. It also offers an exhilarating sequence of well-executed fight scenes that maintain an astonishingly fast and engaging pace while ensuring clarity for viewers regarding the action unfolding on screen.

What makes the epic boss battles in Demon Slayer particularly thrilling is that a single misstep during a powerful attack can lead to grave consequences for important characters, potentially resulting in the loss of limbs or even lives. With Infinity Castle, the suspense is more intense than ever.

The fight scenes are portrayed as a progressively artistic yet menacing dance of swords, fists, and other supernatural weapons, becoming more precise as the story unfolds.

While Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle primarily concentrates on Akaza’s storyline, it seems that other narratives from this trilogy segment are somewhat sidelined as a result. One such narrative, left in suspense with an unresolved cliffhanger, could be frustrating for fans who only watch the anime and aren’t caught up with the manga, given that other storylines were given focus instead.

I might contend that staying true to the original content was a priority, an aspect the animation never overlooked. Moreover, incorporating a conclusion to that particular narrative could have extended it excessively, given the extensive duration dedicated to combat sequences.

Despite the captivating Akaza battle, some viewers might find the third act to be overly prolonged, lasting approximately 10-15 minutes more than necessary. If you’ve only watched the anime up until now and aren’t aware of subsequent events, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were left feeling a bit exasperated.

From an avid reader perspective, I must say that Infinity Castle concludes fittingly, serving as a launchpad for Tanjiro’s ‘Rengoku revenge’ journey, which was ignited during the Mugen Train arc.

And, of course, the even bigger battle to come.

Although slightly unbalanced in how it introduces the initial storyline of the numerous plotlines in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s final arc, the first part of Infinity Castle presents a visually stunning anime masterpiece that faithfully portrays the original source material.

1. For newbies, it’s best to steer clear, but given Ufotable’s knack for knowing their audience, this has turned out to be a nearly flawless delivery for Demon Slayer fans worldwide. It’s an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed escalation that leaves us on the edge of our seats. Even compared to the manga, it’s both the most visually stunning and suspenseful adaptation yet, leaving us eagerly anticipating part 2.

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2025-09-02 19:37