REVIEW: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training – The Prelude To The End

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training is the third compilation film to come out of the franchise.  Similar to the movies before it, Mugen Train and To The Swordsmith Village,  To The Hashira Training is not a new story nor an OVA (Original Video Animation). The film comprises of the finale of Season’s 3 Swordsmith Village Arc along with an upcoming episode from Season 4, which I believed would be also titled Hashira Training Arc.

If you’re a fan of the series you probably know what transpired during the last season as how the Kamado siblings, Tanjiro and Nezuko together with Genya Shinazugawa and Hashira’s Mitsuri Kanroji and Muichiro Tokito defeated the Upper Rank Demons number 5 Gyokko and number 4 Hantengu.  It was monumental achievement for the Demon Slayer Corps as it was the first time in a hundred years that they took down an Upper Rank Demon.

During the finale of the Swordsmith Village Arc we witnessed the emotional moment when Tanjiro had to choose between his duty as a Demon Slayer and a brother to Nezuko. In what we thought was Tanjiro’s ultimate sacrifice leaving Nezuko at daybreak to complete his mission turned out to be the most heartwarming scene in the series. Nezuko appeared in front of Tanjiro alive and almost normal. Though Nezuko did not come back as a full human, she was able to conquer the sun and be a day walker, much to Tanjiro’s delight.

This incident didn’t escape the series main villain, Muzan Kibutsuji, who after learning Nezuko’s new ability is hell bent on devouring her in order to rid himself of the vampire curse and be a daywalker himself. The Demon Slayer Corps knowing this, gathered all the Hashiras for an emergency meeting to prepare for such event and this is what we can expect to see in the upcoming season. Without spoiling anything, the additional episode also gives a glimpse of the eye-popping abilities of Snake Hashira Obanai Iguro and Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa. Fans would surely be delighted seeing them in action for the first time.

If you’ve seen the Swordsmith Village arc, you wouldn’t miss out on anything and just wait until the next season airs later this year. However, if you decide to watch this compilation film, it does not disappoint. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training was made with fans in mind. It’s a visual spectacle with it’s action-packed animation that leaves you hyped for the series finale. The cinematic experience elevates the series that makes it worthy seeing on a big screen.

Thanks to SM Cinema and Viewers Choice Philippines for inviting FlipGeeks to the fan screening!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training will be shown exclusively in SM Cinemas beginning February 21, 2024.