Do You Think I Have a Heart
Long before the premiere of its first anime episode, Chainsaw Man had already captured everyone’s attention. Despite its seemingly silly title, the manga quickly stood out for its striking art style and multilayered storytelling that explored a wide range of themes. Many fans were first drawn in by the unforgettable “Praying Astronauts” panel in Chapter 64, while others discovered it through the growing cosplay community that began to emerge at anime conventions.
Then Season 1 came and left a lasting impression on viewers while becoming one of the biggest new anime titles. So how do you follow that while building momentum for Season 2? With an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is a cinematic adaptation of the fifth arc of the Public Safety Saga. Every defining element of the anime series is amplified to create an unforgettable movie experience. The film continues Denji’s story, delving deeper into his struggles while exploring themes of manipulation that exploit the human need for love and connection.
It should be noted that I’m anime only regarding the series. Hence, this review will not compare Reze Arc with the manga. Instead, my critique will be based on the anime adaptations’ own merit.
My Name is Reze
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc picks up after Season 1, with Denji haunted by a recurring dream in which Pochita warns him not to open a door. Because Power needs her excess blood drained, Makima temporarily assigns Denji to work with the Shark Devil, Beam, while Aki partners with the Angel Devil. To make it up to Denji, Makima takes him on a movie date where they watch several films until one moves them both. By the end, Denji realizes his growing feelings for Makima and vows to do whatever it takes to make her proud.
These emotions are tested when Denji meets Reze, a student and waitress who quickly takes a liking to him. Initially unsure, Denji is won over by her charm during a series of dates and outings. Throughout this time, he struggles with his feelings for both Reze and Makima—one offering compassion and warmth, the other showing growing love without knowing his past. However, when Denji rejects Reze’s offer to start a new life together, her true identity is revealed. Reze is the Bomb Devil, secretly working with the Soviet Union to capture the Chainsaw Devil.
It becomes a battle as the members of Special Division 4 must protect Denji at all costs and defeat the Bomb Devil. However, this foe is unlike anything they’ve faced before, a living weapon that leaves death and destruction wherever it goes.
It’s a Kaiju Battle
A recurring theme in Chainsaw Man is the emotional power dynamics of grooming and manipulation surrounding Denji. Season 1 showed us glimpses of how Makima exploits his need for affection and approval. Reze Arc expands on this theme, offering a more intimate and heartbreaking depiction of Denji being emotionally manipulated by the titular villain. What makes this unique is that the audience experiences the deception alongside him, becoming invested in what seems like a genuine romance. At first, you sense something is off, yet Reze’s warmth and bubbly personality make her affection feel real. You do believe that she cares about Denji from their many dates up until they go for that swim in the pool. When her true intentions and character are revealed, the impact hits like a gut punch, leaving both Denji and the audience reeling.
Reze Arc entire runtime isn’t only dedicated to Denji’s story, as other characters are better explored. We learn more about Beam through his obsession with Denji, and although he is annoying at first, we grow to like him as his resilience becomes apparent. The Angel Devil is a character we learn more about, revealing far more complexity than expected. A powerful fiend, he is mostly held back by laziness and a desire for death, which frustrates Aki throughout the film. He experiences growth and gains a sense of purpose when Aki refuses to let him die in his presence.
Finally, you can’t have a Chainsaw Man movie without over-the-top action, and The Reze Arc absolutely delivers. From Reze annihilating an entire Public Safety station to the brutal fight against the Typhoon Devil, the film offers enough chaos and carnage to satisfy any craving. Compared to Season 1, it’s clearly made for the big screen. Complementing the spectacle are its striking color palettes and shifting art styles, creating unforgettable visuals from the moment Reze reveals herself.
My Body Has Other Ideas
Everything I enjoyed about Season 1 is present here, now enhanced for a full cinematic experience. The well paced story, memorable characters, and seamless balance of drama and action are all elevated by stunning animation. Being crafted specifically for the big screen adds a new level of immersion, and the difference is immediately apparent.
Once again, your attention is immediately captured by the quality of the animation. The style strikes a perfect balance between traditional techniques and subtle CGI elements, resulting in visuals that emphasize even the smallest details. At the same time, the animation helps set the tone and guide the viewer’s emotions in every scene. This isn’t limited to action sequences; it’s present in quieter moments, from the budding romance between Denji and Reze to Aki collaborating with the Angel Devil. The pool scene, in particular, showcases the art direction and animation at their finest, conveying Denji’s emotions while subtly hinting at something sinister in the background. It’s a masterful example of storytelling through visual design, where every frame contributes to both narrative and atmosphere.
You can’t have a great movie without a strong opening, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc delivers one of the best. KICK BACK from Season 1 was already a standout, but Kenshi Yonezu surpasses himself with IRIS OUT. Paired with its music video, it immediately gets you excited for what’s to come. Complementing the track is the film’s soundtrack, which masterfully sets the tone and enhances every moment, drawing viewers further into the story from the very beginning.
Plus, Kobeni only moment in the film practically made the entire theater laugh.
Boom
If I had one critique of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, it would be that some of the transitions between scenes felt slightly choppy. This wasn’t an issue during the action sequences but was more apparent in the early parts of the film. While not overly distracting, it occasionally felt a bit off. It’s a minor issue, but one I won’t let bother me too much, since everything else about the film is solid.
What About Denji’s Heart
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc takes one of the series’ most memorable stories and brings it to life for the big screen. It’s a cinematic experience that knows how to play with your emotions, regardless of whether you know the outcome. It’s animation and play with colors that know how to set the moment with the Pool scene being a masterclass in creating emotions through color, music, and animation while hiding something nefarious. Add in IRIS OUT by Kenshi Yonezu as an opening and you have an unforgettable film.
Disclaimer: I bought my own ticket for this movie.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Pros
- A solid story that knows how to play with your emotions, regardless of whether you know the outcome.
- IRIS OUT is an unforgettable opening.
- Quality animation with attention to the smallest details.
- Pool scene is a masterclass in creating emotions through color, music, and animation while hiding something nefarious.
- Kobeni’s only moment in the film will make you laugh hard.
Cons
- Some of the transitions between scenes felt slightly choppy.
