Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, can it really be understood if you haven’t seen season 1 of the anime?

“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” is the dark fantasy animated film set in the world of the 2019 television series, it serves as a direct sequel as a continuation.
“Demon Slayer”(“Kimetsu no Yaiba” in its original language) is an anime that has achieved great success in Japan and many other countries it has reached. The story that follows Tanjiro Kamado, a teenager who becomes a demon hunter, is an international phenomenon and in just one season he has conquered the hearts of millions of followers around the world.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train”, also known simply as “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” or “Demon Slayer: Infinity Train”, is the dark fantasy animated film set in the world of theTV series of 2019, serves as a direct sequel as a continuation.

Those unfamiliar with the franchise “Demon Slayer”they wonder if they can enjoy this animated spectacular on the big screen without any prior knowledge of the series. The answer is yes, but with some details to take into account.

“DEMON SLAYER: MUGEN TRAIN”, CAN YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN SEASON 1 OF THE ANIME?

While “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” is best viewed by those with pre-existing love and knowledge of the “Kimetsu no Yaiba” story, it is still very enjoyable for those who just want to see an epic anime movie on the big screen.

“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” is a canon movie that takes place right where season 1 of the anime ended and ends at a crucial turning point that paves the way for season 2. Despite this web of connections, the film does A decent job of explaining what’s going on and can be appreciated with only limited knowledge of the show’s premise.

The film follows Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira on their next mission, assigned by the Demon Slayer Corps. Before a series of mysterious disappearances that occur aboard the Mugen train, the main cast is dispatched to help the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, arrest more victims. The demon responsible is Enmu, a lower rank one among the 12 kizuki.

The CBR portal explains that the structure and basic essence of the film are easy for any viewer to follow. Good characters are easily distinguished from bad ones, and those who know the archetypes and tropes of anime can also participate with the depth of characterization and incredible action scenes.

“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” also has a great soundtrack, which along with the Ufotable studio style featuring a wonderful combination of 2D animation and CGI, allows any viewer to marvel at its cinematic beauty.
Newbies can even get some laughs from the witty banter between the main trio. Rengoku is a much loved and prominent character and while he was initially introduced in season 1 of the series, not much is known about him prior to the events aboard the train. The movie is where his character becomes fully developed and memorable.

However, those who are not fans of “Demon Slayer” will miss a few things in translation. Without any prior knowledge of Season 1, the demon ranking distinctions will mean next to nothing.

As such, the stakes do not seem so high. Who the kizuki are, as well as their relationship with Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King, will mostly bypass the uninitiated and will not seem as important as they are to anime fans.

However, the biggest emotional loss could come from the ending, which is both riveting and heartbreaking for both the characters and the viewers. It sets Tanjiro and the others on a new path and changes them for the rest of the franchise.

While “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” is best viewed by those with pre-existing love and knowledge of the franchise’s history, it is still very enjoyable for those who just want to see an epic anime movie on the big screen.

The “Demon Slayer” movie has already been released in Japan and other Asian countries. (Photo: Crunchyroll)