I am not well-versed in the world of anime yet, but I have now seen enough of it to know that, like most everything in life, not all anime is created equal. That isn't to say some of it is good and some of it is bad; it's just merely different. Take, for example, 2023's The Boy and the Heron. The plot centered around one individual with an emotional story. Or, perhaps the recently released Demon Slayer - The Movie: Infinity Castle, which was more action-based and told 5 different, yet still emotional, narratives. This month, we get a new entry with director Tatsuya Yoshihara (Black Clover), Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc.
For those familiar with Chainsaw Man/Denji (Kikunosuke Toya; The Fragrance Flower Blooms With Dignity), this movie is a direct sequel to Season One of the television series. For those of you, like me, who had never heard of Chainsaw Man before a week or so ago, Denji is a Devil Hunter who can turn into a human/devil hybrid chainsaw with blades and chains for arms and a big, angled head with sharp teeth. He also has a crush on Makima (Tomori Kusunoki; Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead), who oversees Denji and a group of devil hunters.
After spending time with Makima at the movies, Denji is convinced by her that he has a heart. Feeling happier knowing this, Denji donates to the victims of devil attacks and receives a flower for his donation. Later that day, during a rainstorm, Denji gets stuck in a phone booth with a stranger named Reze (Reina Ueda; My Happy Marriage) and decides to give her the flower. After spending more time with Reze, Denji realizes he likes two women. Unfortunately, not all is really what it seems to be, and Denji must awaken Chainsaw Man to fight.
What I like most about Chainsaw Man is the obvious, sexually charged humor that permeates most of the film. Denji is an adolescent boy, so it is only natural that he would think of a beautiful woman in a certain manner (assuming he is heterosexual), and his thoughts are sometimes hilarious. There is also a great deal of symbolism - some very obvious, some not so much- threaded throughout the film. The most blatant one is when Reze and Denji are naked in the school swimming pool at night, and we see a butterfly trapped in a spider's web that is preparing to devour it.
Of course, the animation is incredibly drawn with vibrant color hues and sharp details. I was particularly focused on the faces after attending a workshop that taught us how to draw anime faces. I learned that noses and mouths are often simple, which was apparent as many of the characters had two lines for their noses representing their nostrils, and sometimes only one line for their mouth. Interestingly, the blades and chains of Chainsaw Man were intricately detailed, as were some of the other devil creatures that Denji and Aki (Shôgo Sakata; Wind Breaker) fought throughout the film.
One of the other things I noticed in particular with Chainsaw Man is how soft-spoken many of the characters are, which, at times, is in direct contrast to their appearance and actions on screen. I wonder if this technique is intentional, but I enjoyed the melodic tones of the conversations. I also loved the music, even if it contradicted the action on screen. I find that with many anime movies, the soundtrack is eclectic and the song choices are interesting and enjoyable.
While I preferred other anime movies I have watched to Chainsaw Man, I did find the story interesting, the dialogue well written and very funny at times, and the music excellent. I left the theater with questions, some of which could be answered if I watched Season One of the show I was told, but despite that, I enjoyed the film, appreciated the artistry of the anime, and wondered what would be coming after Denji next. A sequel would definitely not be out of the question.
Grade: B
