In recent years, anime-based films have taken the entertainment industry by storm, serving various purposes from telling unique stories to catalyzing interest in their respective franchises. Following the overwhelming success of the “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” film in 2020, the latest release in the franchise, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Hashira Training,” aims to captivate audiences once again. With its debut in theaters, the question arises: Is this movie a must-see on the big screen, or can fans afford to wait for its home streaming release on Crunchyroll?
Recap and Conclusion of Swordsmith Village Arc
The movie kicks off by revisiting protagonist Tanjiro’s story, with opening scenes touching upon key events from the arcs of Unwavering Resolve, Mugen Train, and The Entertainment District. However, it quickly jumps into the climax of the Swordsmith Village Arc. Here, we find Tanjiro confronting the fourth-rank Kizuki demon, Hantengu. A fierce battle ensues, requiring assistance from the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, along with Genya and Nezuko.
A pivotal moment arrives when Tanjiro must choose between eliminating the demon or shielding his sister, Nezuko, from the deadly sunlight. In a dramatic turn of events, Nezuko propels Tanjiro towards the demon, leading to its defeat. The emotional rollercoaster continues when Tanjiro fears for Nezuko’s survival, only to find her alive and finally able to speak. The victory, however, is tinged with tension as the archvillain Muzan Kibutsuji celebrates Nezuko’s resilience.
While this extensive rerun of the Swordsmith Village episode may provide context for newcomers, it could leave existing fans desiring more new content rather than rehashed scenes. A condensed recap might have better served the audience, setting the stage for new developments without redundancy.
Introduction to the Hashira Training Arc
The latter half of the movie transitions into the Hashira Training Arc, teasing viewers with a glimpse of the formidable abilities possessed by the Serpent and Wind Hashira. During this portion, fans follow Tanjiro and Genya’s healing at the Butterfly Mansion and witness a significant meeting called by Kagaya Ubuyashik, leader of the Hashira.
The Hashira come together to discuss a mysterious mark appearing on select members — a mark triggered only through near-death experiences and overwhelming adversity. With an impending war, the Hashira resolve to undergo rigorous training, extending this opportunity to other Demon Slayer corps members. They will train under the tutelage of current and former Hashira to hone their combat skills and readiness.
This part of the film might be considered a filler, laying out the groundwork for future episodes with a noticeably slower pace compared to the usual action-packed tempo of the series. It offers a peek into the lives of some less-highlighted Hashira and a preview of what to expect in the next season, which is slated for April 2024.
For diehard fans thrilled by the series’ stunning visual art, experiencing the conclusion of the Swordsmith Village and the onset of the Hashira Training arc on the silver screen could be a delight. However, if you’re seeking entirely fresh content, the 43 minutes of supplementary material presented might not justify a theater visit. Considering it will soon be accessible to stream, those looking for significant narrative advancement can opt to bypass the theatrical experience, especially when contrasted with the comprehensive plot delivered by the previous “Mugen Train” film.
In summation, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Hashira Training” offers both a revisit to climactic past moments and a teaser for future events. Whether it is a theater must-see or a streaming wait-and-see is ultimately up to individual preferences for fresh content, narrative pacing, and theatrical enjoyment.
