Recommended
Note: This review assumes that you have at least some insight or knowledge with the original TV series or the manga. So what would you do if you discovered that you were born as the child of Satan? Well for starters, you probably would view your life a bit different than the way it was before. For a particular kid named Rin Okumura, his life is never the same again. Then, enters even more troubles with the demons themselves. Well, who you going to call to exterminate these demons? An exorcist of course! Otherwise, welcome to the world of Blue Exorcist. Only this time, it's adaptedas a film running 88 minutes and fans of the original series gets to experience the fun once again. It's going to be a wild ride on the Phantom Train so buckle your belts.
Well, it's here. This is the movie that fans from the original series was waiting for. I wasn't too impressed with how the original Blue Exorcist series went in the second half especially since for some reason, the adaptation went on a filler route. Otherwise, this movie is original material not based off the manga so don't expect filler but rather a brand new experience.
The movie itself is handled by A-1 Pictures so expect similar production values as the original TV series but likely also a high price tag for the BDs. (thanks to Aniplex) Is it worth paying for? Perhaps this review may or may not convince you open your wallet.
As for the movie, it blasts off in full action mode with no time wasted. In fact, the premise immediately comes to fruition with the Phantom Train. The ride is a tough one though for Rin and the others especially since it's not like anything they've faced before. Luckily, we can see that Rin and his abilities has not gone to stale and is able to fight effectively alongside his brother Yukio. The movie itself is also pretty straightforward. What you see is what you get a – fun supernatural ride, or at least in the beginning. The setting still takes place in the same place as the original series so don't expect any certain twists in terms of the location.
Most of the main characters makes their appearances in this movie including the shy Shiemi, the confident Yukio, the hot-headed Shura, the stubborn Izumo, the wise head Konekomaru, the prodigy Bon, flamboyant Mephisto, easy going Shima, and among others. Even a familiar demon makes his cameo. One new character viewers might not be familiar with though is Usamaro, a strange kid with a pair of ears and curiosity. Voiced by the famous Kugimiya Rie, aka the queen of tsundere, she plays the role of this character. However, the kid has some secrets than meets more than the eye.
The movie still feels like the standard shounen type of anime just like the original series. There's the action. There's the humor. Then, there's the bonds as well as the flashbacks we see here and there. There's not much change to Rins' character. He still remains himself throughout the film as cheerful and willing to help others. In fact, most of the characters' personalities remains generally the same. Then lighthearted backgrounds of the movie also contrasts greatly in comparison to its beginning. The mood in fact is much more pleasant when the students are in their casual wear and enjoying life through sports and hanging out. But of course, we can't forget our newest member Usamro. He brings that certain feeling of cuteness towards the movie. Despite not being human, the kid displays human behavior through interactions with Rin as the movie is progressed. However, there's definitely something mysterious about this child. In particular, there are certain scenes where the camera focuses on him with enhanced visuals for more than just aesthetics purposes.
For the plot itself, it begins to unravel itself later on so expect to have some patience. Blue Exorcist is known to have a backbone to its plots and often or not strives to make the most of it through some form of development. Perhaps some of this comes from memories as there is sense of memories flowing back to a particular character's head. Then, there are the other paths the movie tries to follow through the usage of certain flashbacks and what goes on in the present time. The interactions between the main characters throughout the film is a bit lackluster though. Besides some of the heartwarming moments between Rin and the new kid, there's hardly any brotherly bonding between the two brothers throughout the film. The original series' presentation of the family theme is scarce. Instead, it plays on what's present as well as ways to make more of those happy moments in the wrong way. Then, there's a problem with the supporting characters as only a select few gets highlight moments. And even so, they are easily forgettable.
By shounen standards, the movie does maintain a good execution of action. As mentioned before, the movie gets into the action mode right away with little time wasted. Thus, expect some good full throttle movements in the beginning. The movements are fluid accompanied by a strong soundtrack to give that feeling of intensity. As intense as some moments it gets though, it still falls under a typical mindless shounen standards with nothing too special to boost about. The weapons remains generally the same as well with the chants, swords, and guns. Well after all, it's what exorcists needs in order to fight off the bad guys – the demons of this movie just like the original show.
Visual wise, the movie has a good composure. In terms of character designs, everyone are dressed in the way they should be as exorcists rather than out of their style. During some of the more lighthearted moments, their casual designs shows that they are also ordinary students. Unlike the ordinary though, the demons are abnormally designed with twisted body figures and shapes. It gives them a dangerous look in which viewers should take seriously. The architectures also gives off a fantasy like feeling with its standards.
The soundtrack of the movie is strong. It's safe to say that the movie should be watched with the volume on HIGH with headphones especially during some of the more intense moments. The movie reuses some of the OST from the original series so perhaps that might also bring back some nostologia. Most of the VA does their work well. Rie's performance in this movie should be given some attention to with her character not being tsundere but rather as someone who cares about the memories they make.
Blue Exorcist is one of those shounens where you're going to have get really into it to enjoy the experience. For a particular character in this series, they sure enjoyed the experience they shared with someone. As for potential viewers, this can have various results. If you're coming completely fresh into this film, be aware that some things might not make 100% sense at first stances. Therefore, it's recommended from my perspective to watch the original TV series first before venturing on this adventure. Overall though, this was a shounen adventure of 88 minutes. It's not a ride of masterpiece but does have its fun moments here and there.
