“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” warrants little introduction. Koyoharu Gotougeโs riveting manga series was adapted into a groundbreaking anime by Ufotable in 2019, and the rest is history, as the anime has spawned a steady, ever-growing fanbase and two sequel films over the years. While “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba โ The Movie: Mugen Train” sported a standalone story that translated pretty well on the big screen, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba โ To the Swordsmith Village” acted as a companion film to the anime that did not offer a conclusive ending.
The latest “Demon Slayer film, To the Hashira Training,” follows a similar pattern where it is a mash-up of two episodes from the anime โ the final episode of the Swordsmith Village Arc and the first episode of the upcoming Hashira Training arc, where the latter is an exclusive glimpse into the events to come. It is crucial to preface any flaws inherent within “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba โ To the Hashira Training” with the sentiment that it is always exhilarating to experience the events of the anime on a grander cinematic scale. The vibrant, exaggerated visual flair that the anime boasts makes for a transportive experience, and long-time “Demon Slayer” enthusiasts are bound to relish the familiar high-octane events that define the show.
However, the awkwardly spliced nature of the latest companion film, coupled with the latent expectation that viewers must be up-to-date with the nuances of the source material, makes it an alienating experience for new audiences or casual viewers of the anime. Unlike “Mugen Train,” which can function as a compelling gateway to the world of Demon Slayer, “To the Hashira Training” remains a niche experience for those already acquainted with the ins and outs of this world.
Abruptly jumping into the climax of the Swordsmith Village arc, the film opens with Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya struggling to catch up with an exceptionally swift-footed Hantengu through the forest. Those familiar with the third seasonโs finale already know what theyโre in for: a rebirth of sorts occurs after Nezuko conquers the sun post being believed to be dead, lending to a beautifully rendered, emotionally charged sequence that feels as equally moving as during a first-time watch. The fight sequences, especially the glimpses into the ones between Mitsuri and Hantenguโs dragon-esque construct, are breathtaking, and every scene Tanjiro graces reminds us why heโs such a convincing character who is so easy to root for.
The looming threat due to Muzanโs sudden need to covet Nezukoโs sun-conquering feat instills a real sense of urgency toward the next phase of action. While the transition between these two arcs is gradual and organic enough, they still feel like two disparate pieces conjoined to conform to a feature-length, buffed up with rushed recaps and character introductions to pad out the runtime.
The true jewel of “To the Hashira Training,” of course, is the presence of the Hashira, who immediately inject dynamic depth into the narrative the moment they appear onscreen with their elemental Breathing Styles bursting forth to slash demons into oblivion. The standout fight really boils down to the introductory scene for the Hashira, where Serpent Hashira Obanai and Wind Hashira Sanemi slash and hack through hordes of demons inside a dilapidated mansion, making their way up to the rooftop to save an innocent woman from certain death.
To see such high-ranking Demon Slayers in action is a treat, and whatever comes after only sets the stage for the inevitable training that Tanjiro needs to participate in. Thereโs some fresh lore waiting to be explored, and the chess pieces are moved to their appropriate places, marking the onset of a game soon to be unraveled. However, does “To the Hashira Training” offer anything novel except provide a cool glimpse into an upcoming pilot? Unfortunately, it doesnโt: as breathtaking the experience might be for the fans, thereโs nothing new or fresh to discover except the unadulterated joy of experiencing something so beloved on a bigger screen.
To an extent, it feels self-indulgent, especially with the rehashing of the previous arc that had already been devoured by fans when the episode aired. This is not an entry point for newcomers, as it is too divorced from a grander context and doesnโt work well as a mash-up, as it ends up feeling too brief and forced to be a cohesive whole. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba โ To the Hashira Training” appeals solely to the thrill of the cinematic experience, where one is surrounded by like-minded fans who feed into the collective adoration of a piece of art that makes them feel like they belong. While such emotion is worth holding on to, it feels a bit too unsustainable and overindulgent.
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