According to box office observer Kogyo Tsushinsha, the first part of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle, released on 18/7, earned over 22 billion yen (148 million USD) in 25 days. This ranks it sixth in the all-time highest-grossing films in Japan. Experts predict that with its current popularity, the film could surpass the 40.4 billion yen (273 million USD) record set by Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train (2020), the highest-grossing Japanese film to date.
The film's impact has extended beyond Japan to other Asian countries. On 8/8, the film premiered in Taiwan with thousands of pre-ordered tickets. Opening weekend sales reached 176 million Taiwan dollars (about 5.9 million USD), 50% higher than Mugen Train's opening record and on par with Hollywood blockbusters like Avengers and Fast & Furious.
On 12/8, the film opened in Thailand, recording over 20 million baht (618 thousand USD) in pre-sales. Total revenue is projected to exceed 50 million baht (1.5 million USD), making it the highest-grossing Demon Slayer film in the country. Between 14/8 and 20/8, Infinity Castle will be released in seven Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
In Vietnam, the film generated significant attention with over 25 billion Vietnamese dong in pre-sale tickets and early screenings. According to Box Office Vietnam, this is an unprecedented achievement for an anime film in the domestic market.
Previous Demon Slayer installments performed strongly in Vietnamese theaters, following the success of popular anime franchises like Doraemon and Detective Conan. Experts predict that the film could set new records for Japanese animation at the Vietnamese box office upon its official release on 15/8.
Demon Slayer is a manga series written and illustrated by Gotoge Koyoharu, first published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2/2016. Set in Taisho-era Japan, the story revolves around the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization that battles man-eating demons. The story begins when young charcoal seller Kamado Tanjiro returns home to find his family murdered and his sister Nezuko transformed into a demon. Determined to save his sister and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps.
In 9/2019, the manga was adapted into a 26-episode anime series, becoming an online sensation. According to publisher Shueisha on 17/7, the manga has sold over 220 million copies.
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Kamado Tanjiro, the main character in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle". Image: Crunchyroll |
Infinity Castle is the first in a trilogy of films, directed by Haruo Sotozaki. The story follows Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of demons, as he attacks the Ubuyashiki Mansion, drawing Tanjiro and the Hashira (the most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps) into Infinity Castle, where a deadly battle with demons ensues.
The filmmakers focused on creating stunning visuals and a captivating atmosphere. The fast-paced action sequences, combined with impressive lighting effects, create a thrilling experience. The film also delves into the psychological depths of the Hashira and the antagonists, hinting at conflicts in future installments.
Que Chi (via Yahoo)
