Anime compilation films often get a bad rap, viewed as nothing more than lazy cash grabs that add nothing new to the story. Recap films can be lackluster, but JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie is an exception to the rule, with a seamlessly flowing narrative and exquisite animation that is best suited for the big screen.
Carefree scenes of characters fostering friendships and frolicking in the ocean are interwoven with dramatic battles and a betrayal that changed the future of Jujutsu Kaisen’s universe forever. Sure, you could watch season two’s anime version instead, but why would you, when the film tells the story far better than individual episodes ever could?
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie Lacks Pacing Issues Sometimes Present in Recap Films
Its Flow Is Delightfully Coherent and It Invites Viewers Into One Standalone Story Rather Than a Collection of Episodes
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie‘s pacing is deliberate. Rather than suffering from the common anime compilation movie issue of haphazardly sticking episodes together with jarring cuts in between, Jujutsu Kaisen’s narrative unfolds so smoothly, it is as if it was always meant to be in movie format.
Any Jujutsu Kaisen fan should consider the film a must-watch, since its primary plot centers around Gojo Satoru’s backstory, called the “Gojo’s Past Arc,” in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. To understand Gojo’s heartbreakingly complex relationship with Geto Suguru, his motives, and his status as the series’ strongest sorcerer, one must delve into the film’s world.
In Both Emotion & Action, The Jujutsu Kaisen Movie Delivers
More Than Just Fight Scenes, The Movie Portrays Gojo Satoru’s Backstory In An Emotional Way
Near the beginning of the film, Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, the two jujutsu sorcerers the film is centered on, are sent on a seemingly straightforward mission: protect the Star Plasma Vessel, Riko Amanai, for a few days until it is time for her to ᴀssimilate with Tengen, the barrier user who protects Jujutsu High with his powers.
As many different organizations and individuals attempt to kill or kidnap Riko before the ᴀssimilation, Gojo and Geto show off their developing powers in a series of fights that I can only describe as utterly cinematic. Gojo’s confrontation with Toji Fushiguro is particularly awe-inspiring, as he levitates in a golden sky, proclaiming himself “the honored one.”
Gojo and Geto’s paths in life diverge, culminating in a series of horrifying plot twists that threaten to end their friendship forever.
Gojo and Geto’s personalities are at odds, but they work well as a team — until they don’t. The brawl involving Riko and her would-be murderers is only the surface-level conflict of the film. While they safeguard Riko, Gojo and Geto’s paths in life diverge, culminating in a series of horrifying plot twists that threaten to end their friendship forever.
Though The Film Covers The Gojo’s Past Arc, Geto’s Story Is Also A Key Point
Geto’s Ethical Dilemma Adds Complexity To The Second Half Of The Film, Leading To A Shocking Plot Twist
When Geto appears in Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime, his past is unknown, and this film sheds light on how and why he shifted from hero to villain, over one momentous summer. The Jujutsu Kaisen arc may be called Gojo’s Past, but I thought it did an equally stellar job delving into Geto’s shifting morality and festering disgust with humanity.
Of course, Gojo is the star, as always, and in JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie, the self-proclaimed strongest sorcerer steals the show. To me, his humor and charisma are welcome bursts of joy within an otherwise dark story brimming with nefarious groups, money-hungry ᴀssᴀssins, and the downfall of a cherished friendship.
On paper, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie’s plot is devastating from start to finish, but the vibrancy of the animation, the immersive soundtrack, and the bonds between characters, even if they do not all last, offer comfort and entertainment.
Although The Film Is A Recap Movie, There Are Several New Scenes
A New “Juju Stroll” Plays at the Beginning, While The Movie Closes With a Bittersweet Slideshow of Memories
The post-credits scene features a slideshow of Gojo Satoru, Geto Suguru, and their other classmates during their school days, with an acoustic version of “Ao no Sumika,” season two’s OP, in the background. After the bitter ending of the film, this brief reminder of the peace and friendship that once flourished between Gojo and his friends left me in tears.
This brief reminder of the peace and friendship that once flourished between Gojo and his friends left me shedding tears.
On a lighter note, the film opens with a new “Juju Stroll,” which is typically a brief humorous clip of the characters that plays after the credits roll in Jujutsu Kaisen anime episodes. The movie’s Juju Stroll features Gojo, Geto, and another Jujutsu High student, Shoko Ieiri, watching a movie together in a rare moment of relaxation for the trio.
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie is one fans won’t regret seeing. Even if it admittedly does not include much that has not already been shown, the emotional experience of seeing this pivotal arc of the manga come to life onscreen and the original scenes that are new more than make up for that shortcoming.
