The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitefilmreview W ho would have thought that out of all the mov- ies anticipated to save the cinema world in 2021, Japanese anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train would break the records and be- come the highest-grossing film in Japan. It also became the 2nd highest-grossing film in the US, beaten only by Godzilla vs King Kong . More than ever before, Japanese manga cul- ture (comics or graphic novels) is highly regarded and cel- ebrated, not only among anime fans but also by a broader audience worldwide, showcasing Japanese culture, morale, and East Asian power to mass-entertain. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is a feature-length instalment in the saga of manga. It first kicked off as a 26-part television anime series in 2016 and, based on its popularity, was fur- ther developed to be shown in cinemas worldwide. Created by Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable studio's first mainstream debut is celebrated for its use of CGI to achieve dynamic camera work that cannot be replicated in hand-drawn an- imation. As Rafael Motamayor explained, “Ufotable’s adaptation takes in all the implicit elements of the page and turns them into a series of beautiful paintings you could easily screen-grab and frame while making each fight look unique from the rest.” Anime draws upon the contemporary pop- ularity of demons and other creatures that are hard to kill, and since it’s beautifully illustrated, it makes it effortlessly enjoyable for wider audiences. Furthermore, the mature craftsmanship, tightly written script and well-executed style create a bravura animation. If you think that this anime movie is only created for young- sters, you would be mistaken. It explores various heavy themes such as the power of your subconscious mind, connection with dreams (it reminded me of Christopher