From the opening shots of Mugen Train, the film is visually incredible. The film fades in on a forest scene and the moment is a remarkable example of hand drawn animation. The film will mix CGI into the work but is often a revolving blend of different animations styles, from the heavily stylized reactions featured in anime, to stunning CGI, to beautiful hand drawn traditional animation. It all comes together to produce a film that is stunning to watch on the big screen.
Continuing the story from the first TV series, this film manages to be both a satisfying continuation of the plot and a stand alone story enjoyable for anyone new coming into the story. It is dark, with references to violence and loss which are powerful, but it is also handled with a sensitivity and maturity which make it all the more impactful. The plot is gripping and more than fills its run time with a story that will engage you fully along the way.
Interestingly the story is encapsulated all in one setting, this infinity train, yet the film remains entirely cinematic. The main plot follows a dream demon's attack on the train passengers allowing for an entire world to come to life while staying firmly on the train.
The film is firmly in the tradition of popular Japanese anime meaning that for western audiences who aren't as familiar some of the tropes and conventions of the genre may feel remote. But I believe the storytelling is strong enough that even those with little appreciation for the genre will get sucked into the story's power.
And as the film reaches its tragic conclusion it just makes me want more of the story.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Writer: Ufotabe
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