Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 1
Synopsis
Kenjaku, the one known as Noritoshi Kamo and most recently as Suguru Getou, has initiated the next step in his destructive, thousand-year plan of ordinary humans' evolution and eventual eradication. The jujutsu world higher-ups reinstate 15-year-old Yuuji Itadori's execution, as Satoru Gojou is incapacitated as a result of Kenjaku's master plan in Shibuya. While Yuuji is unaware of this, he patrols the abandoned Tokyo streets with Chousou, exterminating any and all cursed spirits in his way. Meanwhile, the bigoted and arrogant Naoya Zenin's pride takes a hit when Megumi Fushiguro is selected as the Zenin Clan's next head. To draw out Megumi and eliminate him, he goes after Yuuji—but Yuuta Okkotsu is set on being Yuuji's executioner. Kenjaku's "Culling Game"—a rigorous battle royale spanning throughout Japan and forcing the jujutsu competitors to kill each other—is set in motion, and the young jujutsu sorcerers join the fray to settle old scores, free Gojou, and liberate the jujutsu world from the threat that is Kenjaku. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is significantly divided, particularly regarding the new director's artistic choices and their impact on pacing and narrative coherence. While the animation quality remains a high point, many feel the story has become convoluted and emotionally detached. This has led to disappointment among long-time fans, with some even suggesting skipping large portions of the season.
Strengths
- High production value and animation quality by MAPPA, especially in fight choreography and art direction.
- Unique art style and direction choices are appreciated by some viewers.
- Standout fights with awesome ideas and execution.
- The series delves into the inner turmoil of characters.
- Addition of Higuruma as a character is well-received.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent pacing and disjointed narrative due to the director's 'artsy' style.
- Tone-deaf background music that kills the mood and weight of key moments.
- Iconic manga panels adapted poorly, losing their impact.
- Boring and one-dimensional new characters with uninspired cursed techniques.
- Over-reliance on exposition and complex rule explanations, particularly in Episode 3, which is considered one of the worst.
- Some find the story and plot weak, feeling directionless and without emotional investment.
- Incomprehensible action sequences due to chaotic sakuga and camera angles.
- Overuse of CGI backgrounds