And what a rollercoaster ride it is - the long-awaited Chainsaw Man movie has dropped, bringing Manga master Tatsuki Fujimoto's raw, bloody and intensely emotional vision to the big screen with just as much reckless abandon that made the first season such a global phenomenon . At the helm is Ryu Nakayama and its been a labour of love for MAPPA to bring us the re-imagined Bomb Girl Arc, a journey that introduces us to the cryptic Reze & delves deeper into the chaos that is Denji's world . The end result is a visually stunning film that packs in a gripping story & perfect mix of fight scenes & emotional depth - it's an absolute cinematic treat that not only caters to die-hard fans but takes the Chainsaw Man universe to new heights.
The story picks up with Denji - the Chainsaw Devil in all his messy, complicated human-Demon hybrid glory - trying to make his way through his life as a Public Safety Devil Hunter - with Makima watching over him like a hawk. Then we meet Reze, a charming and friendly barista who for a little while lets Denji get a taste of the kind of normalcy and affection that he so desperately craves. But, as is the case with pretty much everything in Chainsaw Man, nothing - and I mean literally nothing - is as it seems with Reze. And when his true identity as the deadly Bomb Devil is finally revealed, we get to experience a dizzying (and, yeah, pretty explosive) ride of betrayal, high-stakes battles and gut-wrenching emotional blows. This arc's pace is what I'd call break-neck - it's got a perfect balance of quiet, vulnerable moments and white-knuckle action that has you on the edge of your seat, holding on for dear life.
MAPPA's animation really takes centre stage here, pushing the boundaries of what anime can do on the big screen. The action scenes are a complete and utter mess - in the best possible way - with chainsaws and explosions just flying across the screen amidst a sea of blood. Colors are so vivid, they practically burst off the screen, and the fluidity of the fight choreography is breathtaking. I mean Reze's hybrid form is just terrifying, yet at the same time somehow mesmerizing. Every blast of colour, every explosion, is so meticulously detailed. And then you get the quieter moments - like the brief, fleeting interactions between Denji and Reze - which are completely captivating. It's all down to those fabulous character designs and a very subtle use of light & shadow that really bring the mood to life. Meanwhile the soundtrack, which was put together by Kensuke Ushio, is just perfect in how it complements the visuals - think gritty electronic beats alongside haunting melodies that really dig deep into the emotion of the story.
What makes Reze Arc so compelling is the way it digs deep into Denji's mind & heart. He's that guy who just happens to wield a chainsaw, but he's also a normal enough teenager who desperately needs someone to care, gets played around with by others and is still figuring out what he really wants for himself. Reze - who is at times a complete contrast and at times a fair echo of Denji - brings out his softer side in a way that feels brutally honest & just plain heartbreaking. The battles between them, (because let's face it, clashes are inevitable) are just that much more gut-wrenching because this is all rooted in their messed up emotional connection. Meanwhile the rest of the cast, people like Power & Aki, get just a little bit of screen time to remind us theyre important too, without ever stealing the show from the central drama.
If I have a complaint it’s that the film assumes you’re familiar with the series. Newbies might get lost without the context of the first season as the movie jumps right into the action with minimal setup. Some side characters get less development than you might hope but that keeps the focus tight on Denji and Reze. At about 2 hours it’s just right, never dragging but leaving you wanting more.
Chainsaw Man – Reze Arc is a work of style, substance and raw emotion. It captures the anarchic spirit of Fujimoto’s manga and delivers a visual and narrative spectacle that demands to be seen on the big screen. For fans it’s a love letter to Denji’s messy bloody journey; for newbies it’s a wild ride that might just make you want to go back and watch the series. Either way it’s anime at its boldest and most unforgettable.