Avid fans of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba have been looking forward to witnessing the first in the trilogy of films covering the Infinity Castle arc. Following the exclusive screening held for the media, Setsu-Ani was also invited to see how the film is received by moviegoers before it hits theaters nationwide.
An advanced screening was held at the IMAX Theater of SM Mall of Asia Saturday, August 16–days before the general screening this Wednesday, August 20.
The whole theater was filled with anticipation as fans and cosplayers alike took their seats for the first installment, which ran for 2 and a half hours. Prior to the start of the screening, voice actor Takahiro Sakurai (playing the role of Giyu Tomioka in the series) shared a brief message for the Filipino audience.
Those who have followed the manga prior to the film have seen how it’s adapted, while those who are new to the popular anime franchise were immersed into the series’ universe on the spot. A handful of scenes were a critical hit with the audience, and some of them have become emotional watching things unfold in front of their eyes.
Fans who are also following the voice cast are in for a treat, as performances from Sakurai, Akira Ishida (Akaza), Hiro Shimono (Zenitsu), Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro), Mamoru Miyano (Douma), and Saori Hayami (Shinobu) will have you glued to your seat.
At the end of the screening, fans gladly shared the best moments from the said movie to the cameramen on standby. Setsu-Ani asked local distributor Columbia Pictures Philippines when the next film would be released locally, and they hinted it would be shown in 2027.
Midnight screenings for the film are also scheduled in various cinema theaters across Mega Manila, Iloilo and Dumaguete.
The film raked in $37,115,310 when it was first screened in Japan July 18, currently the highest-ranking among opening weekends in the country according to Box Office Mojo. It is also currently screening in neighboring Southeast Asia countries. (Rated R-13)
SetsuAni would like to thank Columbia Pictures Philippines for the opportunity and invitation to cover the fan screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle in the Philippines.
Report and photos by Jay Agonoy.
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