Director: Atsushi Takahashi
Starring: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Bryce Papenbrook, Jun Fukuyama, Johnny Yong Bosch, Kana Hanazawa, Christine Marie Cabanos, Kazuya Nakai, Kyle Hebert,
Running Time: 98 minutes
Certificate: 12
BLUE EXORCIST: THE MOVIE is a simple extension of the popular TV show. It doesn’t supply a plot that elaborates or adds to the series’ story arcs, but instead offers up an emotionally powerful film and solitary story. This means that newcomers will be welcome, and although they won’t quite understand every character relation, the main points are easy to pick up. The basics see Rin (Okamoto/Papenbrook), the biological son of Satan, now a full-fledged exorcist, simply going about his business getting rid of demons.
The film opens up with a powerful action sequence which sees a possessed train under attack from the exorcists. It’s a delightful opening action sequence that is rather lengthy but doesn’t outstay its welcome. The fast moving pace of both the train and the characters means that it’s the perfect time for the animators to show off the improvements from small to big screen. Every background seems to have extra detail, while characters’ clothes and hair has more movement. This quality continues throughout and is also celebrated in a festival sequence.
The plot sees Rin save a little boy who turns out to be a demon. Despite his occupation, Rin starts to care for the boy, bringing us an emotional anchor that serves the characters and story well. Since Rin is the son of Satan, it becomes easy for us to relate to his plight as he attempts to ignore the demon side of the young boy. It’s a nature vs. nurture debate, which although tantalising, seems to fall short. There’s also the fact that the demon’s power allows him to erase the bad memories that people have. This is his attempt to bring happiness, but it obviously has negative repercussions too. This tragic element also turns on the waterworks.
Although this is all very heart wrenching, the film doesn’t quite mix the high-octane action with these quieter and more thoughtful moments. As soon as the blades, guns and battles take over, you quickly forget about the emotional story which has kept you invested. No doubt this will be a great return for fans, and even if you’re not there is plenty to enjoy here. A fun but also bleak story which touches upon the balance between good and evil, but doesn’t explore it satisfactorily.
[usr=3]BLUE EXORCIST: THE MOVIE is released on Blu-ray and DVD on 26th May via Manga Entertainment.
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