After Demon Slayer’s first season was a success in 2019, the creators followed up with a movie, Mugen Train, in 2021 following the trend of success. This movie skyrocketed in popularity because of the story plot, stunning animation, and staggering fights.

The main character Tanjiro brings Zenitsu and Inosuke to team up with the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, one of the strongest demon slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps who master things like “Flame Breathing” techniques. During the movie they board the Mugen Train to discover why people have been disappearing during night time.

Rengoku is cheesy at first but as soon as you watch the movie, he is a righteous and caring person who risks his life for the lives of others. He becomes a better character because he is constantly staying positive and grateful. He resembles flames by the red, orange, and yellow found in his hair and outfit.

Speaking of which, Emmu, Lower Rank One, covered the train with his own flesh to hold the passengers as hostages. It will be a problem awaiting for Rengoku and Tanjiro with his friends to counter.

Tanjiro and Inosuke decided to team up to behead Emmu by linking two attacks in decapitating him. Inosuke performed “Beast Breathing: Slice ‘n’ Dice” while Tanjiro performed “Fire Breathing: Clear Blue Sky” leaving Emmu perished.

Emmu’s death is satisfying because he questions the strength of Upper Rank Demons. He talks about how the Upper Rank Demons have lived for around a hundred years and have fought off some of the Hashiras who have killed numerous demons. It makes me think they are among the most difficult demons to defeat and not once has any other Hashira defeated one. The Upper Ranks were revealed but their faces were hidden to show off how mysterious and strong they were.

Connor Doughney, a Demon Slayer fan, reveals his opinion on the movie.

“I really enjoyed the movie. I thought it was good. It is a 9 out of ten [from] the action,” said Doughney.

It is such a pivotal moment to see how much progress the Demon Slayer Corps needs to get done. The Lower Ranks aren’t a problem, yet the Upper Ranks are a huge difference in power when dealing with them.

After that, Upper Rank Three, Akaza appeared and went to fight Rengoku. The fight between Rengoku and Akaza is a legendary fight that viewers will never forget. I believe this battle changes how you perceive both the strength of a Hashira and the strength of an Upper Rank demon, you can tell how Akaza was noticeably stronger than Rengoku, he showed little care in the fight. The music behind the battle complemented what was happening during the fight which I loved.

It is quite sad to see Akaza get away while Rengoku gives his best because you become more attached to him after the battle; however, I believe the fight ended well despite Rengoku soon to be passing away. It would be strange to have the movie portray Upper Ranks as extremely difficult demons then see Akaza not manage to run away from the sunlight and disintegrate.

Rengoku is severely injured and encourages Tanjiro to work hard regardless of his death. Tanjiro definitely has the potential of becoming a Hashira. Tanjiro has moments where he is determined, dedicated, and willing to do anything to stop demons from existing.

Rengoku is an inspirational character who tries to help out as much as he can. He uses the iconic phrase “set your heart ablaze” to encourage demon slayers on working hard to achieve one common goal: defeating Muzan Kibutsuji, the main root of the problem.

The animation is really remarkable at keeping the fights intense. Rengoku and Akaza were barraging each other when battling, Tanjiro and Inosuke were slicing demonic flesh that held passengers hostage which Emmu could consume the civilians, jumps and camera angles were changing.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a movie animated that well,” said Doughney.

On top of that, everything looks beautiful in terms of quality, the Mugen Train represents a realistic look, and the art style of the anime makes it appealing to almost everyone.

he story doesn’t offer anything new, however this movie executes things to the best that it can be: the music, character development, engagement, animation, and simplicity.

“Definitely the music, animations, and characters because the movie plot is very simple. What carries the movie [though are] the characters,” said Doughney.

In fact, the movie is so well-made and beloved, it has won several awards that include Best Film, Best Animation, Best Ending Sequence, and Best Music Score (or music composition) from Crunchyroll; a popular anime streaming service that hosts yearly award events.

“It deserves it. It’s all top tier.” said Doughney. “I would recommend it because for Mugen Train it gets better [after season one].”

The movie is not targeting towards a young audience as it contains violence, gore, suicide, and profanity.

This movie is phenomenal. The pacing of the story is great, especially within the two hour playing time. It is a must-see and recommended for anyone mature and old enough. The movie is beyond good in quality and animation that contributes to the story such as intense fights while making it simple.