Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is an exhilarating, visually stunning, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s prequel volume that is sure to keep fans happy.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is an exciting and faithful adaptation of the manga volume 0 of the series – also known as the “Cursed Child” story arc – which is a prequel to the main series. Elevated by spectacular animation, fantastic voice cast performances, and fun bonus content that was not shown in the manga, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is sure to meet (and likely exceed) fan expectations. The love and care for the source material is evident from start to finish.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Primarily follows Yuta Okkotsu, a shy young boy haunted by his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto, after she is killed in a car accident. Rika has become overprotective (to put it mildly) and an unusually powerful cursed spirit attached to Yuta. He has no idea how to control her or stop her from hurting others and subsequently struggles with depression and loneliness to the point where he doesn’t think he deserves to live.

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Fans who paid close attention to the Jujutsu Kaisen The anime might recall that Yuta was mentioned several times throughout Season 1 by different characters, including Satoru Gojo. Yuta finds himself in a similar situation to Yuji Itadori at Jujutsu High as he is supposed to be executed, but Gojo manages to prevent this (for now) and takes him in as a student instead. He meets and develops meaningful bonds with Maki Zenin, Toge Inumaki, and Panda. These relationships essentially form the core of the film, as Yuta sets his sights on breaking Rika’s curse.

Besides its stunning visuals, what really makes Jujutsu Kaisen 0 so impressive is its familiar nuanced approach to its main characters and overall story. Also, knowing that this is completely canonical material – unlike the movies of other popular anime series like A play Where my hero academia – makes it all the more attractive. The events of the film are absolutely integral to the future of the main series. In fact, the first new story arc that the recently announced season 2 will adapt will have subplots related to Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

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Jujutsu Kaisen 0 makes a commendable effort to properly develop its main characters and the dynamic between them, including the villainous Suguru Geto. Opposing ideologies that aren’t just “good guys versus bad guys” are explored and add emotional depth to the action sequences. This results in gripping fight scenes that really make sense. If there’s a problem with this movie, it’s that fans of the anime already know who survives, which takes away from some potentially intense and emotional moments.

That said, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 will no doubt surprise and satisfy fans with its strong writing, engrossing story arc, and phenomenal animation. The film also benefits from being a great jumping off point for anyone who has yet to watch the anime or read the manga. Veteran fans will learn about characters they already know, meet new ones that appear later in the main series, and see a few in action like never before. Studio MAPPA delivered it all Jujutsu Kaisen fans hoped for and more.

TOHO Animation’s Jujutsu Kaisen 0 will be available in English dub and Japanese subtitles and will arrive in over 1,500 theaters nationwide starting March 18, as well as select US-based IMAX theaters. For more information, head over to Crunchyroll Movie Night.

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