Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a supernatural anime film directed by Sunghoo Park and developed from a screenplay by Hiroshi Seko. The movie was produced by MAPPA and Toho. It is based on a manga from Gege Akutami.

Yuta Okkotsu (Kayleigh McKee) is haunted by the “cursed spirit” of his dead girlfriend Rika (Anairis Quiñones) and is arrested by a clan of Jujutsu Sorcerors, who protect the world from an invasion of curses. The powerful sorcerer and teacher Satoru Gojo (Kaiji Tang) convinces them to let him train Yuta, who agrees. He meets classmates Panda (Matthew David Rudd), a stuffed bear filled with cursed energy, Toge Inumaki (Xander Mobus), who can only speak in recipes or could accidentally kill someone with his speech, and Maki (Allegra Clark), who has no powers but is a weapons master. As Yuta trains with his classmates, he is watched by cult leader and former Jujutsu member Suguru Geto (Lex Lang). Upon witnessing Rika’s power, he plans on stealing her and using her as part of his plan to kill any human with no sorcerer abilities.

The movie serves as a prequel to the anime series, bringing about a fan-favorite character for viewers, but especially readers of the manga. Since I have not read the source material, I can only review it as a feature film.

To begin with, it bears repeating that MAPPA does a good job of animating the action. From character designs, supernatural abilities, background illustrations, and action sequences, I thought their presentation of the events was done with excellence.

Yuta is a compelling character. He is burdened by a past tragedy so it was interesting watching him first accept his plight, learn about it, and work to cure it, leading the way to an epic climax. Yes, Rika’s cursed form is very disturbing, but watching this part was the heart of the film.

I also liked how the Panda, Toge, and Maki, who are only side characters in the TV show, take the spotlight in this movie. I was not sure how they would become a part of the plot, but each one is well-developed in a way where you did not need to be familiar with the series. Of course, the fan service cameos in key moments were also cool.

Of course, Gojo steals the spotlight. As a mentor, his methods seem aloof, strange, and distant, but his students always seem to advance. He is sleek, cool, and has some incredible power that he is smart enough when to use which makes him a wise teacher.

Bottom line, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 works as both a standalone film and a part of the anime it serves as a prequel to. It was a little creepy, but also sleek and cool.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong violence and gore, Foul language, Disturbing images

FAVORITE QUOTE: Love is the most twisted curse of all.

Check out the trailer below:

This article is based on the English dub from Crunchyroll.

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