Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (2025) Review: Love, Bombs and Brilliant Animation

This Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review starts with a simple point: the film is a thrilling, stylish and oddly sweet piece of anime action. Director Tatsuya Yoshihara and the animators at MAPPA turn one of the franchise's most popular storylines into a feature that moves fast and hits hard. If you have wondered whether you need to be a devoted fan to enjoy it, read on.

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

Denji is a teenage devil hunter who works for a shadowy organisation and shares his body with Pochita, a chainsaw devil. In this action-horror world, humans, devils and hunters are locked in a brutal conflict, and Denji just wants a little affection. He has sworn his devotion to the commanding Makima, yet his heart is easily distracted.

The plot kicks off when a storm sends him ducking into a phone booth, where he meets Reze, a charming and playful girl who works at a café. Their connection is quick and warm, and Denji falls hard. But the film makes clear from the start that this is a world where nobody can be fully trusted, and the tension builds from there.

The tagline, "Lost Love, Flower, Chainsaw," sums up the mix neatly: romance and bloodshed share the same frame. Hiroshi Seko's script keeps the setup lean, so you are never waiting long for the next burst of action.

What Works in Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

The animation is the headline. The fight scenes are inventive, fluid and full of weight, with camera moves and effects that feel far beyond a typical television budget. Audience reviews have singled out the action as some of the best of the year, and it is easy to see why.

The tonal balance is also impressive. Quiet, awkward date-like moments sit beside gory set pieces without either feeling out of place. That contrast gives the film its character, and it lets the romance land with real feeling.

The pacing helps too. At 100 minutes, the movie wastes little time, and it rarely feels padded. Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" is the featured song, and its energy matches the film's restless mood.

A Romance With Teeth

What sets this story apart from many action anime is how much it invests in Denji's longing. He is chaotic and impulsive, but the film treats his yearning sincerely. That sincerity makes the later danger feel personal rather than merely flashy.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Cast and Performances

The Japanese voice cast is strong across the board. Kikunosuke Toya gives Denji a goofy, eager charm that makes his naivety believable. He also finds the hurt underneath, which is vital for the story to work.

Reina Ueda is the standout as Reze. She makes the character warm, teasing and slightly unreadable, which keeps you guessing about what is real. Tomori Kusunoki brings a cool, controlled presence to Makima, while Shogo Sakata (Aki), Fairouz Ai (Power) and Shiori Izawa (Pochita) round out the ensemble with lively, well-judged work.

The film is in Japanese with subtitles or dubs depending on where you see it, and the original performances are a strong reason to choose the former.

Where Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Stumbles

The biggest hurdle is accessibility. The film picks up from the television series and assumes you know the main characters and the rules of this world. Newcomers may feel a little lost in the first few minutes, even though the central story is easy to follow.

As one viewer noted, the main story offers nothing wildly new, and that is partly why it works as a movie. If you want a deeper exploration of the supporting characters, you may find some of them underused. Makima and Power, in particular, have limited room to shine.

The film is also graphic. It earns its R rating with intense violence and mature themes, so it will not suit everyone.

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

Yes, it is well worth watching, especially on a big screen. The animation, action and emotional core combine into one of the most satisfying anime films of the year, and it clearly connected with audiences, with a worldwide gross of about $150 million.

It is tightly paced, beautifully made and confident in its strange tone. If you enjoy animation movie reviews or action movie reviews, this belongs on your list. For more recent anime action, see our take on Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution.

The film was released on 2025-09-19, and you can read more about its background on Wikipedia.

Who Will Enjoy Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

• Fans of the Chainsaw Man anime and manga who want to see the story on the big screen.

• Viewers who love stylish, high-intensity action animation.

• Adults who like a mix of dark humour, romance and gore.