'Guardians of the Night: Infinity Train', the highest grossing film in the history of Japan.

In the midst of the global economic crisis derived from the coronavirus, the success of Guardians of the Night (Editorial Standard) was key for the Japanese manga market to break all sales records in 2020, since that comic went from selling 4, 5 million copies, in 2019, to 120 million, in January 2021. Something in which the premiere of the great television series that adapts the first six volumes of the manga had a lot to do with it.

A madness of figures that reached its climax with the premiere, last October, of the anime film Guardians of the Night: Infinity Train, which became the highest-grossing in the history of Japan, surpassing the mythical The Journey of Chihiro. A film that continues the story where the series left off and that arrives this Friday, April 23, in Spanish cinemas.

A film full of action and spectacular fights, but that also shines in moments of suspense and knows how to investigate the personality of the protagonists, achieving moments of great emotion. Especially in the scenes in which the characters will have to face themselves, their most hidden desires and dreams (as well as a lot of demons)

A film that will not disappoint anime or manga fans (which is also the best-selling film in Spain). A magnificent show in which the violence that is the mark of the series is not lacking either.

It should be noted that at the Japanese Film Academy Awards, it won the Best Animated Film of 2020, Best Soundtrack (Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina), and Most Popular Film. In addition to being selected for the Oscar for a best-animated film (although it would not pass the cut).

An enchanted train

For those of you who do not know the manga or the series, we will tell you that it tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a boy from a humble family who survives by selling coal. One day, when he returns from an errand, he finds that his family has been killed by a demon and his little sister, the only survivor, has also become a demon. Then he will become a demon hunter and tirelessly search for a cure for his sister.

A small problem for the non-seasoned viewer is that the story starts right where the first season of the anime series ended (which Selecta Vision will launch shortly in Spain). Therefore, if the series adapted the first six volumes of the manga, this story would be the adaptation of volumes 7 and 8.

The story begins when, after completing their training in the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro, his demon sister and their companions get on the Infinity Train, to meet the Pillar of Flames Kyojuro Rengokudonde (one of the most prominent members of the Corps of Slayer) and investigate together the mysterious disappearance of 40 people on that train. What they don't know is that the train is controlled by Enmu, the Dream Demon, and one of the 12 Demon Moons.

The best part of the film is the first part in which Enmu sets a trap for the protagonists, plunging them into dreams in which they see their greatest wishes come true. Dreams you won't want to wake up from ... at least until they turn into terrible nightmares. It is then that the protagonists will wage a relentless fight against the demons, who threaten to destroy all the passengers on the train.

A journey to despair during which the young protagonists will strengthen ties with each other and with the Pilar de las Llamas, who will become their greatest defender and an example for all.

A journey in which the messages of friendship, camaraderie, sacrifice and personal effort prevail. But ... will all that be enough to defeat the demons?

It a little brighter than the manga

The film Haruo Sotozaki has a high technical and artistic level that will delight fans of the manga. Highlight the great animation (which mixes 2d and 3D) and that soundtrack that contributes to highlighting the mysterious atmosphere of the train and the epic of the spectacular combats.

By the way, the film is brighter than the manga thanks to the spectacular and stylized combat scenes. In which, yes, beheadings abound (which are the only way to end demons). That makes it not suitable for children

In short: A spectacular time trial journey to hell itself, with unforgettable characters. Not everyone will survive (this is a Japanese movie, not an American one). And with a shocking ending that leaves us nailed to the seat and wanting more.