From breathtaking battles to heart-wrenching goodbyes, Demon Slayer has carved its name into the anime hall of fame. Recently, the first of the trilogy chronicling its ending was released in theaters.
When Demon Slayer first sliced its way onto screens, it was an instant phenomenon. With dazzling animation, emotional storytelling, and intense fight sequences, the series quickly cemented itself among anime’s modern greats. “Season one’s animation is a visual masterpiece; its fluidity continues throughout the entire show,” said Alexander Fernandez, junior.
Now the saga nears its end. Tanjiro and his companions step into their final mission with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. The film was first released in theaters in the United States on Sept. 12. Fans could watch the movie in a beautifully adapted English-dubbed or a true-to-form Japanese version with English subtitles.
The response to the film was nothing short of record-breaking. As of October, the film has grossed over $616 million, according to Style Rave, making it the highest-grossing anime and Japanese film of all time. Its success once again proves what Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro said during his 2023 acceptance speech for Pinocchio: “Animation is cinema.”
Fans wholeheartedly agree. “The movie pushes past what I expected. I didn’t think they’d animate it so true to the manga,” said Juan Navarrete Gonzalez, junior. The animation studio Ufotable once again flexes its unmatched skill, creating a visual spectacle that feels both intimate and epic. However, stunning visuals are only part of the story. The film’s emotional depth and voice acting elevate it even further. “Hakugi’s [Akaza] backstory broke me. Hearing it was an entirely different feeling,” said Kayle Nelsen, junior.
With its powerful performances, top-tier animation, and emotional resonance, Infinity Castle isn’t just the next step for Demon Slayer; it’s the start of a final fiery climax of a series that’s defined a generation of anime fans.
