Plot Summary: A direct sequel to the first season of the series "Chainsaw Man", featuring Denji, a young man who co-exists with a chainsaw demon. Denji encounters a new romantic interest, but will his involvement place them both in danger?

Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara

Writer: Tatsuki Fujimoto, Hiroshi Seko

Runtime: 1 hour 40 min

• Kikunosuke Toya as Denji (voice)
• Tomori Kusunoki as Makima (voice)
• Ai Fairouz as Power (voice)
• Shogo Sakata as Aki Kayakawa (voice)
• Reina Ueda as Reze (voice)

Review by: Samuel

What I Liked: 

Now, as a fan of the manga, I was really looking forward to the Reze arc film as this arc is one of my two favorites in the Public Safety saga. I can tell you upfront it did not disappoint. However, I must point out that this film is not focused on delivering the action above all else. It is there FOR SURE, but this arc is honestly like a Shakespearean tragedy having Denji and Reze’s relationship as the focal point with a side of action (which I loved). 

I am getting ahead of myself though. Let’s start with Denji and Reze- I loved their dynamic. The first act, maybe 30-35 minutes of the 1 hour and 40-minute film are entirely devoted to Denji, sans Chainsaw, as he struggles with his feelings. Fans know Denji is not a typical shounen protagonist- his morals, values, and motivations are warped to say the least. If he eats, sleeps, and gets to hang out with girls then he’s happy. So, it is appropriate that the film begins first with a date with his crush/boss Makima in which he reaffirms his feelings for her and then introduces the new love interest Reze who immediately (and I mean IMMEDIATELY) challenges those feelings for Makima. Which is another thing I liked- the comedy. 

It is hilarious to see Denji as he begins to spend time with Reze as the vibe so well that he unwillingly falls for her. And it’s not all on Denj either, Reze had my theater laughing out loud with her antics as she clearly messes with Denji whom she can tell hasn’t had much experience with women (or people in general). I had a good time watching them spend time out and about with each other even as the uneasy feeling of dread lingered in the atmosphere.

I think the film did an excellent job, even better than the manga, of exploring Reze as a character and giving her emotional depth so that you really cared about her. That is what really got me- remember I mentioned this feels like a tragedy- and I believe this film got that feeling down pact. You just knew something was coming to challenge the good vibes felt in the first act, and it did in the form of two powerful devils. 

The action begins when we meet the bomb devil and the typhoon devil; two antagonists after the Chainsaw Man’s heart- which if you remember is a huge commodity. I’m going to keep this short to save on spoilers but just know the animation is second to none (including  the recent ‘Demon Slayer’ movie). The colors of the explosions, the insanity of dueling inside a typhoon, the fighting choreography, the body parts that come flying off, the utter destruction of people and cities- words cannot emphasize them enough. Even if the story were non-existent, the animation is worth the price of an iMAX ticket. Every time the bomb devil blew something up I wanted to screenshot the frame. It was some of the best animation I’ve seen this year and that is saying something given what’s been released. 

Finally, I will say, like the manga, I am a fan of the ending even if it is kind of bittersweet. 

What I didn’t Like:

I spent a lot of time on my likes because my dislike is singular and may be unique to me. It is the same dislike I had in the manga. The bomb devil…there is no way Chainsaw Man and friends should be in its class. This shouldn’t have been an extended fight. The bomb devil is so powerful that honestly this film should have been about 30 minutes shorter because Denji/Chainsaw Man and the entire public safety division had no business in a fight with it. I get it is Denji’s story and the plot must protect him, but the bomb devil is overpowered that is would have made logical sense to save it for the future when everyone is stronger. Just my take.

Images Courtesy of IMDB