Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Review (8.5/10): MAPPA's Explosive Romance

This Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc review starts with a simple verdict: it is one of the most confident anime action films of the year. Director Tatsuya Yoshihara and studio MAPPA take a compact, romance-driven story and give it real cinematic muscle. It is loud, funny, tender and brutal, often within the same scene.

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

Denji is a teenager who hunts devils for a living, bonded with his chainsaw devil companion Pochita. He still dreams of a normal life and remains devoted to his handler Makima. Then a storm, a phone booth and a girl named Reze walk into his world.

Reze is warm, playful and apparently harmless, and Denji falls for her fast. Meanwhile, a vicious conflict between devils, hunters and secret enemies simmers in the background. The tagline, "Lost Love, Flower, Chainsaw," sums up the mood neatly.

The plot is lean by design. Hiroshi Seko's script gives the central relationship room to breathe, then lets the action take over. Because the film is a sequel to the TV series, newcomers may find some of the setup thin. Fans will feel right at home.

What Works in Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc

The animation is the headline. Fight scenes are fluid, inventive and genuinely thrilling, with camera moves and effects that justify the big screen. Audience reactions online keep returning to the action sequences, and it is easy to see why.

The film also balances tones well. Quiet, awkward date-like moments sit comfortably beside gore and explosions. That contrast gives the romance weight, and it makes the violence feel like it costs something.

• Action design: clear, creative and often jaw-dropping.

• Pacing: at 100 minutes, it rarely wastes a scene.

• Music: Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" adds a distinctive pop-rock edge to the film's identity.

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Cast and Performances

The Japanese voice cast is excellent. Kikunosuke Toya plays Denji as impulsive, lonely and endearingly clumsy, which makes his crush believable. Reina Ueda is the standout as Reze, mixing sweetness and mystery so that every line carries a second meaning.

Tomori Kusunoki brings cool, unsettling calm to Makima, while Shogo Sakata (Aki) and Fairouz Ai (Power) supply sharp comic energy. Shiori Izawa voices Pochita. The ensemble feels lived-in, which helps the film land its emotional beats.

Where Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Stumbles

The biggest hurdle is accessibility. This is a continuation of the series, and viewers who have not watched it may struggle with the characters, the rules of the world and Denji's odd priorities. The film does little hand-holding.

The story is also familiar in outline. One viewer noted that the main narrative offers nothing dramatically new, and the film succeeds mostly through execution rather than surprise. Its adult content, including strong violence and crude humour, will also put off some audiences, which explains the R rating.

If you enjoy the wider genre, our action movie reviews and animation movie reviews offer more options. For another anime tie-in, see our take on Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution.

Is Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Worth Watching?

Yes, especially if you already follow the series. The film delivers spectacular animation, a surprisingly affecting romance and a tight runtime. It earns its place in cinemas, and the worldwide gross of about $150 million suggests plenty of viewers agreed.

Newcomers can still enjoy the style, but they will get more from it after watching the TV episodes first. The film was released on 19 September 2025. More details are on its IMDb page.

Who Will Enjoy Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc

• Fans of the Chainsaw Man anime and manga who want a big-screen payoff.

• Viewers who love high-end, stylish anime action.

• Adults who like dark humour and violence mixed with a bittersweet love story.