five Small Details That Make Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Even Better on Rewatch
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Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc released this year. We loved it a normal amount. And ever as it hit digital platforms, Mappa’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s madcap manga about a boy with a chainsaw for arms and a head has felt almost illegal to own and watch whenever you want.
Naturally, after rewatching the film roughly 10 times (chump numbers, we know), we’ve uncovered small details that make an already phenomenal film truly even better upon rewatch. So here are five small details about Reze Arc that have our brains in a perpetual loop of producing happy and melancholic chemicals.
All the references, cheeky animation sequences, and cute impact frames
Reze Arc fits a bunch of rad moments in both innocuous and obvious places. Key among them are neat references to fujimoto’s other works, Goodbye Eri and his one-shot 17-21 as posters during the opening song; impact frames showing Pochita’s giant orange doggo face; and a black-and-white sequence that for damn sure put the Uzumaki anime’s one good episode to shame.
Somehow, the film manages to go above and beyond with a litany of movie references without feeling derivative, while also honoring…
## Chainsaw Man: The Movie’s Romantic Violence is a Masterclass in Character
The *Chainsaw Man* movie is a brutal, stunning, and bizarre extension of the anime’s already chaotic energy. But beyond the blood and chainsaws, it’s a surprisingly tender exploration of love, rejection, and self-destruction, largely through the character of Reze.
With that context in mind, when she pulls the pin from her choker necklace, exploding herself into her Bomb Devil form (a character design the manga has yet to top); propels herself forward in combustive bursts; or blows her head off to throw like a grenade, it is indeed an immensely painful act of passion for Reze.
Having that all be spurred by her feeling rejected for putting herself at risk, knowing he worked for devil hunters, and asking Denji to run away with her-with the added sting that Makima (whose motives the anime has yet to divulge, but the movie hints at being the most untoward) is the reason why Reze would hurt herself to at least kill her darling-is romantic in a messed-up way. And boy, does she put Denji in a blender the entire movie.
But in freeze-framing moments of the film where she’s running the dozens with Denji, Mappa whent out of its way to showcase that Reze was still avoiding hurting Denji even if she was beating his ass from ass to appetite to the point where he’d try to rev his engine, believing he was cooked preemptively.
She’s kicking him in his legs, using her forearms and the palms of her hands in many instances that’ll surely hurt, but knowing he can regenerate, the only thing that’ll kill him is taking his heart. In an impact frame, we can see that she avoids piercing even when she transforms her fist into a missile, piercing his ribcage. It’s all very romantic,we swear.
## The pool scene
The Emotional Resonance of “Jane Doe”: A Deep Dive into the chainsaw Man Movie’s Ending Theme
The thought of Chainsaw Man opening theme artist Kenshi Yonezu and J-pop regent Hikaru Utada collaborating on “Jane Doe,” the ending theme of Reze Arc,could easily overwhelm any anime fan. Their song masterfully features Yonezu’s raw, gruffer voice embodying Denji, while Utada’s restrained yet deeply emotional vocals portray Reze. As the film’s poignant final note, the pensive love song continues to resonate with the core emotional anguish and yearning of its doomed lovers. Understanding the musicality of Utada and Yonezu’s creation only adds another layer of beauty to the film’s ending.
The Artists Behind the music
Both Kenshi yonezu and Hikaru Utada are titans in the Japanese music industry,but their styles differ significantly. Yonezu is known for his energetic and often unconventional arrangements, frequently featured in popular anime openings. Utada,conversely,is a J-pop icon celebrated for her refined songwriting and emotive vocal delivery. This contrast is precisely what makes their collaboration so compelling.
Kenshi Yonezu: The Anime Anthem Creator
- Known for hits like “Peace Sign” (My Hero Academia) and the Chainsaw Man opening theme.
- Often incorporates electronic and rock elements into his music.
- His vocal style is characterized by its intensity and dynamic range.
Hikaru Utada: The J-Pop Queen
- A best-selling artist with a career spanning over two decades.
- Her music often explores themes of love, loss, and identity.
- utada’s vocals are renowned for their clarity, emotional depth, and subtle nuances.
Deconstructing “Jane Doe”
“jane Doe” isn’t simply a beautiful song; it’s a carefully constructed piece that mirrors the narrative of the Reze arc. The song’s structure, vocal interplay, and lyrical content all contribute to its emotional impact.
Vocal Dynamics and Character Representation
The decision to have Yonezu voice Denji and Utada voice Reze is especially effective. Yonezu’s rougher vocals capture Denji’s impulsiveness and vulnerability, while utada’s smoother tone reflects Reze’s initial composure and hidden pain. The contrast highlights the power imbalance and the tragic circumstances of their relationship.
Lyrical Themes and Emotional Core
The lyrics of “Jane Doe” are deliberately ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations. They speak of longing, regret, and the impossibility of a future together. This ambiguity mirrors the uncertainty and heartbreak experienced by Denji and Reze throughout the arc. The song doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, it embraces the complexity of their emotions.
Why This Collaboration Works
The success of “Jane Doe” lies in the synergy between Yonezu and Utada. Their contrasting styles complement each other, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative. The song isn’t just a soundtrack addition; it’s an integral part of the storytelling.
Utada and Yonezu’s combined talents elevate the emotional weight of the Reze arc, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to the power of music to enhance and deepen the impact