Tag: Movie

Demon Slayer Movie

https://myanimelist.net/anime/40456/Kimetsu_no_Yaiba_Movie__Mugen_Ressha-hen

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

The other weekend I blasted through Demon Slayer. In the past, I tried watching it, but it was gorier than the anime I usually enjoy. What made me decide to ultimately watch the season, is seeing clips of humorous scenes online, and growing curiosity. I gave it another chance for the moments of levity. I’m glad I did! Most of the cast is multi-dimensional, we see signs of growth for each of the main characters, and we even get insight into the experiences of the villains. Tanjirou is as pure-hearted as they come, he reminds me a lot of Deku from My Hero Academia, and he works diligently to become a demon slayer so he can keep innocent people safe, and work towards a cure for his sister’s condition. Along the way he meets an inspiring mentor, learns from past students, and overcomes a lot of trials in his journey to become stronger. Zenitsu and Inosuke round the cast out nicely, along with Tanjirou’s sister Nezoku. In addition to the humor of Demon Slayer, what drew me in was the depth of relationship Tanjirou has with his family, and the way the show displayed friendship and family in a non-traditional sense. The ways that people connected to one another, and how some relationships were supportive and nurturing, while others were detrimental, manipulative, and harmful. How friends can be the family we choose for ourselves, and the ways relationships change over time.

Recently, I watched the Violet Evergarden movie, and it was the first film I’d seen in the theater since the pandemic. I felt safe in that theater, it was very clean, and the patrons were very spaced out. However, the theater I saw Demon Slayer in was not that way. Unfortunately, when I bought my ticket online, there were only three other people who had bought tickets. And the day of the showing, most of the crowd came in during the previews! So I couldn’t adequately gauge the size of the group beforehand. Thankfully I was in a corner away from the bulk of the attendees, but I do not plan on returning to that particular theater anytime soon. It was not as clean as I would like, and I suspect they over sold tickets.

That aside, I enjoyed the movie. Some thoughts I had while viewing it;

-How funny that Inosuke ended up chasing his dream invader! I’m sure she was not expecting that. And up a mountain! Why was his subconscious such rough terrain?

-Inosuke has accepted Nezoku! Well as one of his minions at least.

-Even in his slumber, Zenitsu came to Nezoku’s aid! His dream invader also was not expecting his persistent inquiries about his trespassing. Or that his biggest qualm was that it wasn’t a lady!

-Tanjirou knows how much his family loves him, and that they would only speak kind and loving words. That, among other factors, like his Father’s advice, helped him keep his focus and helped him persevere. If the dreams were what the villain intended them to see, how did his Father’s sage advice sneak in there? Or perhaps, Enmu only planted aspects of their dream, and it was up to their subconscious to create what that entailed?

-What was the benefit to Enmu fusing his body with the train? I get that it’s a movie, but I’m not sure I see the benefit. Especially because his neck is where most people would’ve guessed.

-SO. MANY. TEARS. I cried so much, that my face mask got soaked.

If you are a fan of Demon Slayer, and enjoyed the series, definitely check out the movie! But, given the crowd I saw, you may want to wait for it to be released on streaming platforms, or on home video.

Thoughts on Violet Evergarden the Movie

***SPOLERS AHEAD***

Seeing glimpses of Major Gilbert in the Violet Evergarden anime, I was a fan. He has wonderful attributes like patience, compassion, and the desire to teach Violet to read and write. He gives her a beautiful name. So I was surprised to watch the movie, and instead feel lukewarm towards him. I felt the strength of Claudia Hodgins. He is a man of integrity. He looked after Violet as a father figure, and helped her to adjust to her new life. He gave her a job and a home. Claudia enabled her to build her skillset and grow as a person. Granted, this was built on top of Major Gilbert’s foundation, but Claudia was the one who helped her wings to soar. And really the person who did the work was Violet, but they helped. I am impressed with Claudia Hodgins, and would love to meet someone like that in real life. The movie even made me feel like Dietfried, Major Gilbert’s brother, had some redeeming qualities and was trying to become a better person. That scene on the boat, when Violet grabbed a hat thinking it was Gilbert’s only to quickly drop it upon hearing it belonged to Dietfried, made me laugh. What book do you think she took from his collection? And what game? I was saddened Gilbert didn’t visit his Mother or attend her funeral. I can see how he felt guilty about Violet’a past and her injuries. Perhaps he also had PTSD. There was something about him in the movie that fell flat to me. I’m not sure what it was exactly. From online searches, it seems a lot of people recommend reading the light novel for a more accurate Gilbert portrait. I look forward to hearing other people’s thoughts. Violet was happy, so at least that.

It was fascinating seeing how technology impacted the business of letter writing and mail delivery. The idea of the postal museum was neat. I would’ve liked an update on everyone Violet worked with. We got to meet Ann’s granddaughter! She explored Violet’s past, as we followed along for the ride.

The young boy Violet helps at the hospital, really stole the show. He helped Violet have perspective and his circumstances urged her colleagues to act when she was unable to do so (you have to uphold a pinky promise!). And the first call Lucas ever made was to his friend at the hospital. That and the three letters were a beautiful testament to human connection and ways we uplift each other, even in times of sorrow. Violet is very astute in picking up the emotions of others. What used to be a challenge, is now second nature to her. She was able to help the boy at the hospital reveal his true feelings to connect with his family and dear friend. Everyone was sobbing in the theater. Like ugly crying. I knew I’d cry, so I had a box of kleenex. But certainly a worthwhile watch.