"The act of applause … is an acclamation of the soul!"
The long-awaited continuation of JJK’s chapter has arrived! Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution has exploded onto the big screen. Clap!
Jujutsu Kaisen, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, the creator of the manga, rocketed to popularity from its publication in Weekly Shōnen Jump. JJK originally aired as an anime in 2020, followed by Jujutsu Kaisen: 0 in 2021 and Season 2 in 2023.
The artistic design and beautifully grotesque animation brought to life JJK’s unique, dark storytelling, captivating fans with its philosophy on human emotion as both love and curse. The propelled anime became a rival and sensation to popular anime, thanks to the emotional depth and humor of its notable characters, such as Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori. From episode one, fans were pulled into the universe of curses. Just as the first and second series of Jujutsu Kaisen were produced and premiered to loyal fans by MAPPA, a well-known and respected animation studio in Japan, so is Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution. It is here!
MAPPA, famous for its work on the most recent theatrical debut of Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc and other ever-popular and cherished anime like Attack on Titan (Final Season), continues to prove it is the top animator of anime. Providing its fans with faithfully selected manga adaptations premiering as high-quality animation that liven up the scenes.
What to Know: Cinematic Execute
The level of cinematic intensity is here as a long-time promise to loyal fans of the series. However, it might not be one that fans are fully prepared for. This film continues the relentless battle and a long-awaited war for the world. The emotionally and visually staggering entry aims to push the franchise into bolder territory. It is almost seeking something darker in the series as it desires to also honor what Jujutsu Kaisen truly is—love and Chaos.
Summary of Film Below: SPOILERS AHEAD
Where We Left Off: Shibuya
From the opening sequence, the movie reviews the previous season’s ending, reestablishing the tone and atmosphere. The thick stench of cursed energy, lament with negativity and death is reawakened, drawing on the environment and massacre surrounding all sorcerers. There is stonewalled tension, intense dread, and raw wounds deeper than mere flesh. It is almost like a tightly choreographed exorcism that sets the tone for an eerie and brutal storyline. The narrative bridge opens to the never-ending chaos released in the Shibuya district.
Gojo, cocky and charismatic, effortlessly dominates using his six-eyes until he sees his friend, Suguru Geto, or someone he thinks is his friend. Gojo’s innate sense reveals Geto, sly and monk-like, to be Kenjaku as he seals Gojo with his cursed technique in the Prison Realm. Gojo, of course, believes it will all work out as he awaits the unfolding.
We follow the stoic Megumi Fushiguro as he uses his Domain Expansion to summon the untamable Shikigami, Mahoraga. Sukuna possesses Yuji. The sadistic King of Curses awakens with a bloodlust and a promise to kill all. A strong dong echoes through the city as the fight between Mehoraga and Sukuna unravels, destroying everything in sight. Sukuna tests his power, proudly killing Mahoraga to save Megumi. Sukuna returns to Yuji, hidden inside.
The Applause
Yuji Itadori, the young, energetic protagonist, is shown exorcising cursed spirits, including his face-to-face second chance at Mahito. Mahito’s manipulation and murder of Yuji’s friends break Yuji’s soul. But a brother appears, and we see Todo, hypermuscular and eccentric as ever, arrive. Clap! Todo awakens Yuji’s spirit, fueling his grief into anger. Yuji attacks Mahito relentlessly, inflicting massive damage. Yuji uses Divergent Fist for high-speed assaults, shocking Mahito with its intensity and forcing desperation. Mahito refuses defeat and again uses Domain Expansion, attempting to trap the brothers and force Yuji to relent.
However, Todo is maimed and proudly decides to slice off his arm. He proclaims his philosophy and applause. Yuji knows he has to go all in in a moment of raw, desperate, real sorcerer power. Mojito evolves into his final form, showcasing his true cursed energy – tail and all. Yuji unleashes a devastating barrage of decisive Black Flashes on Mahito. He sees his cursed energy land. Mahito is overwhelmed and in disbelief. He flees to Geto, terrified, begging for help. Geto obliges Mehito’s cries of help only through betrayal and his cursed technique, Idle Transfiguration. Mahito screams in agony, and Kenjaku is revealed.
The Trigger
Kenjaku, now revealed to be a cursed brain, triggers an eruption of mass chaos by releasing millions of cursed spirits. He explains his dark plan and real purpose. The setup of the Culling Game is revealed. The ritual sacrifices made during the chaos trigger the Culling Game, a massive battle royale. The resurrection of ancient sorcerers and new jujutsu sorcerers will be forced to fight, fulfilling Kenjaku’s centuries-long plan for human evolution through cursed energy.
Further unleashed disorder comes in the form of the disarray of the Jujutsu world. The vast scale of the shatters peels away at the jujutsu world, exposing its vulnerability. Fear expands the instability, pushing the world towards darker times. The conditions lead to the Jujutsu High’s higher-ups blaming Gojo and exiling him, branding him as a co-conspirator. While also reinstating Yuji’s execution as immediate. Principal Yaga is also sentenced to execution for supposedly aiding the enemy and allegedly plotting with Geto.
Executioner
A sudden swing of doors appears as the Special Grade, timely, confident sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is appointed to execute Yuji Itadori. Meanwhile, at the Zenin Clan’s headquarters, the late Naobito Zenin’s will reveals hidden secrets of the family heir. Key members of the clan, including Naobito’s unfavored son, Naoya, emerge to hear the reading. A secret arrangement between Gojo and Toji Fushiguro places the shadowed son, Megumi, as the head of the clan, with Gojo’s sealing being the key. Deep fury unravels Naoya as he goes to hunt Megumi and Yuji, as his right to claim the clan head.
Yuji battled Choso close to near death, revealing his own secret as a blood brother. Yuji discusses his place in Jujutsu society post-fight with Choso, who forgives Yuji for the murder of his younger brothers, Eso and Kechizu. We start to piece together the hidden talent and family tree of Yuji. Yuji and Choso, who is ultra protective and loyal, leave together, making a plan to exorcise as many cursed spirits as they each can.
However, the duo encounters Noaya Zenin, ever arrogant and narcissistic. Before a real fight begins, Yuta arrives on the scene. He allies himself with Noaya, acting as if he has one goal in mind: Yuji’s death.
Death
Yuta speeds against Yuji. Both are quick, lightning across the city ruins, but Yuta is quicker. Yuta refuses to relent against Yuji, chasing him throughout the city. Within the flash of a frame, we see Yuji being chased and intercepted by Okkotsu. Yuta acknowledges there is a sense of something primal about Yuji that is similar to Maki. Yuji surprises Yuta with his strength and speed. He continues to hold his own. His power has increased and grown.
Yuji, likewise, recognizes something like Gojo in the assassin Yuta. Both sorcerers unleash their all. Yuta follows Yuji across rooftops and spirals after him through the air. Yuta finally unchains his cursed spirit, RIka, to do his bidding. Rika screeches, her might is released. Rika immediately follows Yuji, haunting him like bait. She is a secret attack against Yuji. Rika subdues Yuji, locking him completely immobilized in her arms. Slice, blood, Yuta executes Yuji. The fulfillment of death is complete.
Brothers
Choso and Naoya engage in a fight. Naoya rants about his inferior older brothers, causing Choso to awaken his inner passion to protect his brothers. Choso is disgusted by Naoya. The two engage in a cyclical battle. Choso seems unable to break from Naoya’s cursed technique—speed and time flash between blows. Choso, a blood manipulator, is stabbed. Naoya unknowingly gives Choso the perfect tool to end it all. Choso hits Naoya with his poisonous blood bullets. Naoya is defeated by Choso’s poisonous blood technique – a Choso original.
Forces
Yuta arrives and knocks him out. Yuta tells Naoya to inform the higher-ups about Yuji’s death in exchange for healing. In a flashback, Yuji’s grandfather, Wasuke Itadori, is seen. He warns his son, Jin, about his mysteriously resurrected wife, Kaori. Kaori walks in on the conversation and is revealed to have had stitches on her forehead. It is Kenjaku. Yuji wakes up in front of Yuta, who reveals that his death was staged.
Yuta used his Reverse Cursed Technique to heal Yuji, revealing he faked the execution to appease the higher-ups and pay the promise. Yuta explains to Yuji that Gojo’s secret request to protect him was all an orchestrated event. Gojo knew something was coming. Megumi appears and, in a tearful cry, begs Yuji to help him save his step-sister, Tsumiki, who has been ensnared in the upcoming “Culling Game” hosted by Kenjaku. Yuji says he can’t. Not again. Megumi understands the risks and tells Yuji that he’ll bear the blame for Sukuna’s actions.
Yuji understands. He turns and asks Yuta for a promise, A promise that if Sukuna takes him over, then Yuta is to kill him. Yuta agrees, and a pact is made. Choso also appears in a creepy pop-out fashion, showcasing and reinstating his devotion to his little brother.
The team of sorcerers reunites with Yuki Tsukumo and Maki Zenin, joining forces, including Choso, who is finally acknowledged by Yuji as his ”older brother,” joyously making Choso happy. The team of sorcerers agrees to take on the fight ahead by first visiting the Tombs of the Star Corridor to meet Tengen, the immortal Sorcerer who can provide information on the upcoming battle of the Culling Game. Tengen closes the movie with a long-awaited revelation that surprised all.
Review: 4 out of 5 Stars
The animation is some of MAPPA’s most fluid and ambitious work. There are subtle, yet dynamic camera movements, layered into a dance of choreography. The effortless painterly effects give each clash a sense of real weight, especially the emotional ones, as we witness the death of beloved characters. Every fight feels like an event, not just an action, more than a beat or snap. The frames transition the scenes with ease, providing action to the timeline for JJK.
But what truly elevates Execution is its emotional core. It’s triggering of emotions pulls the feelings of guilt, loss, and grief from one’s core. Yuji’s breakdown and unraveling are raw. It is humanity’s shattering. Akutami’s story dives deep into moral conflict, trauma, and the brutal cost of life. It brings forth the question of when the cost is too high. Is there a measure of too much?
The characters are all showcased as central to the arc. The death of characters is the price of the consequences of a mission gone wrong, echoing in resonance. The painful line between justice and cruelty is exposed as a deep flesh wound that refuses to close.
The soundtrack deserves praise. Jujutsu Kaisen has always had excellent music, and Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution continues to hold its musical acclaim. Haunting strings fill moments, pounding percussion drives fights, and ambient whispers linger. The closing hits you as the music swells during the final showdown, then drops to a still.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution's Drawbacks
If there’s one drawback, it’s that the beginning of the movie establishes too much of a bridge. You feel as if you’re back in the finale of Season 2. While key arcs are revisited, you almost lose the new beginning. I wished for more from the story that solidified Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution as its own. I hoped for a bit more honing of this new chapter. However, for loyal and dedicated fans invested in the world of curses and the onboarding of new sorcerer fans, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution is a visceral story continuation.
However, MAPPA continues to impress in its production of anime. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution deserves an ovation for its work on another great anime film. Praise for all involved in this film as a cinematic achievement.
JJK’s Future
Jujutsu Kaisen’s future is ever promising. Its establishment of a loyal fan base and captivating storyline solidifies its future. At this time, there have been no official announcements from MAPPA on its next addition. However, I can foresee both a continuation of the anime series or a follow-up movie adaptation. The continuation of its inevitability and consequential storyline propels its evolving story. It is an intimate triumph for fans, who are dedicated to seeing it through.
The emotional arcs continue to transform and alter character development. We see the unfolding and expansion of Yuji, Megumi, Maki, and so many more as the culling begins. There is a dive into a deeper, more complex world of not just the human condition, but the condition of the spirit. The theme continues to develop as the series carries on, solidifying JJK as a designated modern anime. The warped pockets of space, distorted color palettes, woven emotions, and blows will continue.
As fans wait for upcoming details about the future of the anime series, they can look to the manga or stream the first two seasons of Jujutsu Kaisen on Hulu, Netflix and Crunchyroll. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution is currently in theaters, available in Japanese with subtitles or in English dub for those interested.
"But I'll keep killing curses... for as long as I can. That's my role in all this."
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