New posts

Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Dany28, post: 331474, member: 856878"] [ATTACH type="full" size="1200x675"]113188[/ATTACH] With the first installment in the "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" film trilogy, the globally popular anime franchise is entering the home stretch. I watched the movie on Saturday and was very surprised at how sold out it was but it was worth it. After four seasons the hugely popular anime hit Demon Slayer is now gradually approaching the home stretch! The grand finale of the popular fantasy adventure is being released as an anime film trilogy and Part 1 marks the beginning of the end for the series. Like the first film in the franchise, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie – Infinity Castle Chapter 1: Akaza Returns" has also shattered numerous records. [HEADING=1]Our heroes in the lion's den[/HEADING] [COLOR=rgb(20, 20, 20)]As the official sequel to the anime series the new film naturally picks up where Season 4 left off: Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu and the remaining pillars of the Demon Slayers are hot on the heels of the arch-villain Muzan Kibutsuji. Now they find themselves in the villain's lair the titular "Infinity Castle." Our heroes are thus in the lion's den and the stakes have never been higher! [ATTACH type="full" size="800x450"]113189[/ATTACH][/COLOR] Before they can confront Muzan personally they must defeat the remaining demon moons. This is a particularly personal matter for Tanjiro as he suddenly finds himself facing the powerful demon Akaza. After the events of the "Mugen Train" anime movie our protagonist as we know still has a very personal score to settle with this villain. With a running time of 155 minutes, "Akaza Returns" is a true heavyweight and significantly more comprehensive than previous installments in the franchise that have made their way to the big screen. Despite its length which is clearly noticeable in the anime film many characters are somewhat neglected. This brings us to the biggest weakness of the first "Infinity Castle" installment its narrative structure. [HEADING=1]Narrative with structural weaknesses[/HEADING] As in the anime series the new anime blockbuster also relies on flashbacks to illuminate the backstories of various characters. Here, we get insights into the origin stories of some characters revealing a whole new side of them. I particularly enjoyed the glimpses into Akaza's past as they are among the emotional highlights of the film. [ATTACH type="full" size="800x450"]113190[/ATTACH] The problem is how these flashbacks were woven into the story of the first "Infinity Castle" film. Far too often they act as a drag. There are several points where the pace picks up considerably only to come to an abrupt halt. Furthermore there are simply too many flashbacks and resulting in a rather uneven narrative flow at times. This narrative structure works much better in a classic TV series where these tonally distinct moments have more time to impact the viewer. This condensed into a two-and-a-half-hour movie it's simply too much. In this way "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Chapter 1" ultimately repeatedly shoots itself in the foot and wastes potential. [HEADING=1]Exciting goosebump moments[/HEADING] Although I complained a lot that doesn't mean the anime film doesn't have its merits. As mentioned before long-time fans of the series finally get to see some fights they've been waiting for. For example Insect Pillar Shinobu faces off against the Demon Moon Doma who is a real scene-stealer with his dramatic yet cold-blooded demeanor. [ATTACH type="full" size="800x450"]113191[/ATTACH] Tanjiro's confrontation with the most powerful demon Akaza is the clear highlight of the new "Demon Slayer" film both audiovisually (more on that in a bit) and narratively. After numerous fierce battles the fight against Akaza is our protagonist's greatest challenge. Once again Tanjiro must overcome his limits which leads to some thrilling scenes. Akaza also benefits enormously from this duel. Not only because he can finally show what he's really capable of but also because we gain insights into his past. Although these aren't always perfectly implemented they help transform a previously one-dimensional character into a tragic figure whose fate truly touches us. At its best the first "Infinity Castle" installment combines all the strengths that have already made the TV series a global phenomenon unbridled fighting spirit and a whole lot of heart! Studio ufotable conjures several gripping spine-tingling moments onto the big screen that fans of the fantasy adventure absolutely shouldn't miss! [HEADING=1]An audiovisual spectacle[/HEADING] What I have absolutely no complaints about is the audiovisual splendor of the anime film. What ufotable conjures up on the big screen is simply impressive and an absolute firework. The jerky movements of the "Infinity Castle," which seems almost like a living organism and especially the breathtakingly staged battles between our heroes and their demonic adversaries are spectacular to watch. [ATTACH type="full" size="800x450"]113192[/ATTACH] The special abilities of the demons and demon slayers in particular have been impressively brought to life and looking almost like paintings come to life. Magnificent colors and incredibly dynamic camera movements which many live action film productions could learn a thing or two from a merge into an exhilarating experience that no other anime franchise currently offers in this quality. All of this is rounded off by an outstanding soundtrack. This perfectly underscores both the emotional quiet moments and the brutal action. In the German version you can also look forward to the first class voice cast of the Demon Slayer series once again. They once again deliver fantastic performances. Everyone is clearly putting their heart and soul into it. [HEADING=3]My Conclusion[/HEADING] With Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie – Infinity Castle Chapter 1: Akaza Returns the anime phenomenon heralds the beginning of the end and unleashes an audiovisual fireworks display that you absolutely must experience on the largest possible screen. Added to this are the familiar strengths the intrepid heroes and their unwavering fighting spirit that already made the TV series a hit. Unfortunately the first part of the film trilogy occasionally shoots itself in the foot. The recurring flashbacks abruptly slow down the largely rapid and thrilling narrative pace and resulting in an occasionally frustrating viewing experience. Furthermore there are simply a few too many flashbacks. With a bit of restructuring there could certainly have been more. Nevertheless the film's advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages in the end and offering a prelude to the finale of the anime hit that you shouldn't miss. The action is superbly staged some character moments are truly heartfelt and the bloody battles make the risk for each of our main characters almost tangible. The first part of the final chapter of the anime hit leaves you wanting much more! [IMG]https://www.play3.de/wp-content/themes/rd-play3-2025/assets/images/thumb-up.png[/IMG] [B]PRO[/B] [LIST] [*]Impressive animation quality [*]Brutally staged action scenes [*]Character moments that touch the heart [*]Excellent German dubbing [/LIST] [IMG]https://www.play3.de/wp-content/themes/rd-play3-2025/assets/images/thumb-down.png[/IMG] [B]AGAINST[/B] [LIST] [*]Too many and often suboptimally placed flashbacks [*]Some characters are a bit neglected [/LIST] [/QUOTE]

Verification

Online statistics

Members online: 139

Guests online: 3,390

Total visitors: 3,529

Totals may include hidden visitors.

Forum statistics

Threads: 13,247

Messages: 322,043

Members: 876,073

Latest member: Drpupperwashere

Reply to thread

Online statistics

Forum statistics

Advertisers