Written By: Dishya Sharma
Last Updated: February 22, 2024, 19:54 IST
Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training Review: The end of Demon Slayer is nearing and the makers are preparing fans for it by delivering a visually appealing curtain raiser to the end with Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba — To the Hashira Training). The film, which marks the third film of the epic anime franchise, serves as a bridge between the events of the previous season and season 4. While it has all the elements that could leave fans roaring, does the film truly live up to the expectations? Let’s find out.
An Aniplex Inc, Crunchyroll, and Sony Pictures Entertainment film, Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training revisits the events of A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light, aka season 3 finale. We travel through Tanjiro’s process of fighting the Upper Four demon Hantengu and Nezuko’s triumph over the sun yet again but this time, we also see what lies beyond the sun for Nezuko and Tanjiro. Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training sets up the next season, exploring the Hashira Training Arc one page at a time.
While on the one hand, we see demon lord Muzan Kibutsuji preparing to fight for Nezuko so that he can absorb her and win over the sun, on the other, we see Tanjiro recovering from the massive fight against Hantengu so that he can prepare to protect Nezuko and everyone involved. The film also addresses Tanjiro’s Demon Slayer mark and sheds light on its backstory. In the process, it touches upon the history of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training also puts Obanai Iguro’s Serpent breathing and Sanemi Shinazugawa’s Wind breathing in the spotlight, revealing that they have a massive demon to conquer and slay in the final season. Fans were also given a glimpse of Muzan’s Infinity Castle before it dived into the training process. These incidents are a complete fan service that will leave you asking for more. However, it is this ask that feels like a recurring demand.
The film lacks depth. The close-to-two-hour presentation felt more like two episodes that could have been watched on your home screen if someone is not so keen on spending big bucks on an IMAX experience. The second half has several highs that are bound to set a very high expectation from the new season. Unfortunately, Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training leaves you high and dry because these teases don’t last too long and also feel a tad bit rushed in places. This also restricts you from investing in the teases that are being offered. The film should have focused on digging deep into the new subplots instead of revisiting the old season. It would have been a better experience, story-wise.
Nevertheless, Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training feels like a perfect treat for those die-hard fans who want to come together and celebrate the franchise. Fans of the Demon Slayer franchise would agree that the anime offers one of the best visual experiences in the history of anime and Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training doesn’t disappoint. The cinematography, the art, and the dubbing by each character only make Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training a great watch. The music score amplifies the experience further.
Should a person who has never watched Demon Slayer watch Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training? I would not recommend it. Demon Slayer – To the Hashira Training has been released in theatres in India.