Created by: Gege Akutami
Directed by: Sunghoo Park
Studio: MAPPA
Audio: Japanese, English
Subtitles: English
Format: Cinema Screenings
Run time: 105mins / 1hr 45mins
Release date: 18th March 2022
Jujutsu Kaisen O follows the misfortunate high school student Yuta Okkotsu, who appears to be cursed by a vengeful demon. Haunted by the tragic death of a beloved childhood friend, this monstrous demon is revealed to be her departed spirit, chained to this realm and Yuta. In order to both protect Yuta and his fellow students, he is soon enrolled in the secretive ‘Tokyo Jujutsu High School’ under the guidance of Satoru Gojo. Here Yuta is given another chance at a somewhat normal life, where he is trained in the act of defeating similar demons and breaking the curse left upon him. During this time, the entire city of Tokyo is put into danger as a former student of the school plans to release ‘A Night Parade of 100 Demons’ in order to bring down the group of Jujutsu Sorcerers that protect the city.
Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the latest hit anime and manga series to come out from Shonen Jump in recent years. In Fact it all began with Jujutsu Kaisen O, a one volume manga that was released in 2017, of which this film is based from. It’s a great start to get into the Jujutsu Kaisen franchise, with this particular feature being great for action, character development, hitting you right in the feels and some fantastic animation. Even better yet, you can catch it first on the big screen, keep reading to find out how!
Starting with our main man Yuta, when we first meet him he is being bullied by a couple of students. Unfortunately for them moments later, they are being attacked by a demonic creature that has left them battered inside a locker. The tables were quickly turned around within seconds, with Yuta now being transferred out of the school and into one that can better manage his ‘situation’. From here Yuta goes through a rollercoaster of emotions, character development, training and even making some powerful, yet unique friends along the way. At the end of the film though it really hits you just how immense the trauma was for Yuta growing up, from his days in hospital getting an unknown treatment, to becoming almost inseparable with his ‘girlfriend’ Rika, to losing her at such a young age in a car accident, to them seeing her spirit being transformed into such a hideous monster. Yet through all of that, Yuta never once hated Rika or what she had truly become. The ending was heartbreaking, but yet the story was just captivating. It wasn’t all a tragic love story, there was in fact a fairly large scale battle going down across the city as well between two different fractions of jujutsu sorcerers. This franchise has now peaked my interest and I will definitely be looking more into the sequel series.
This film was produced by the talented folks over at Studio MAPPA. A studio that has been making waves ever since it’s foundation just a short decade ago. In Fact they have also released some very notable works, including Yuri On Ice, Kakegurui, Banana Fish, Dororo and the finale season of Attack on Titan! So of course, there was no doubt that this series wasn’t going to stand out! It is also nice to see the franchise now coming full circle, as the manga for this story was first released back in 2017, yet was only adapted to full screen just last year in 2021.
For all you lovely readers out there, I have got some news for you!
Funimation alongside Crunchyroll have teamed up to ensure that the film will be screened in as many cinemas as possible on Friday, March 18th!
To find out where, just click on the link here: https://www.crunchyrollmovienight.com/.
The screenings will be available in both Japanese dub and English. Screenings are limited, so don’t delay in booking your tickets!
Jujustu Kaisen O is based on the one volume manga that was released back in 2017. This is the origins of the well known Jujutsu Kaisen manga and anime series. It sets the world up and introduces us to some interesting and recurring characters. Just one year later, the main JJK manga began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. This manga is still ongoing, with 18 volumes currently available. Following it’s success, it was soon adapted into a 24 episode anime series in 2020, with more on the way. There doesn’t seem to be anything stopping the rapid success of this franchise, so it could still be here for a couple of more years.
