Ever wondered why Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc feels like a completely different beast compared to its TV anime counterpart? It’s not just your imagination—it’s a deliberate shift in style, pacing, and artistic vision. From the moment the film begins, it’s clear that something is distinctly different: the colors pop brighter, the line art is bolder, and the action sequences are more frenetic and exaggerated. While the first season of Chainsaw Man leaned into a grounded, almost cinematic realism, Reze Arc embraces a more traditional anime aesthetic, feeling almost cartoony in comparison. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this change a step in the right direction, or did it lose the essence of what made the original series so unique? Let’s dive in.
The Directors’ Dueling Visions
The stark contrast between the two projects isn’t just a matter of budget—though Reze Arc undoubtedly had more resources at its disposal. It’s a clash of directorial philosophies. Season 1 of Chainsaw Man was helmed by Ryu Nakayama, a seasoned animator making his directorial debut. Nakayama, a self-proclaimed fan of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, aimed to infuse the series with a filmic realism, stripping away typical anime flourishes in favor of a more subdued, naturalistic approach. This is evident in the muted color palette, the cinematic lighting, and the homage-filled title sequence that recreates iconic live-action movie scenes. Kevin Cirugeda of Sakuga Blog aptly described Nakayama’s style as “animating live-action,” a bold choice that aimed to honor Fujimoto’s love for cinema.
But this approach wasn’t without its critics. While some praised Nakayama for his innovative take, others felt it diluted the manic energy of the manga. Sean Aitchison of Anime News Network called the style “off,” arguing that the series lacked the beautiful chaos of Fujimoto’s work. And this is the part most people miss: the debate isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about whether the adaptation stayed true to the spirit of the source material.
Enter Tatsuya Yoshihara, the director of Reze Arc. Yoshihara, who had already worked on season 1, took a radically different approach for the film. Instead of blending Fujimoto’s cinematic influences, he leaned into the manga’s raw, unfiltered style. The character designs were tweaked to more closely resemble Fujimoto’s thick, clean line art, and the animation embraced traditional anime techniques that Nakayama had deliberately avoided. Even Makima’s hair, originally a soft pink in season 1, was recolored a vibrant red to leave a stronger impression on viewers. Yoshihara’s goal was clear: to capture the expressiveness of the manga, not its cinematic aspirations.
The Manga’s Cinematic Roots
To understand this shift, it’s worth noting Fujimoto’s own love for film. His one-shot manga Goodbye, Eri is a prime example, drawn in the style of found footage, complete with the shaky camera lens of a cell phone. This cinephile influence is woven into Chainsaw Man, from Denji’s movie marathon date with Makima in Reze Arc to the series’ broader themes of storytelling and escapism. Makima’s line about how a good movie can change your life isn’t just a throwaway—it’s a nod to Fujimoto’s belief in the power of cinema.
The Audience Divide
So, why the drastic change? MAPPA’s decision likely boiled down to domestic reception. Despite its international success, Chainsaw Man season 1’s Blu-ray sales in Japan were underwhelming. Japanese audiences, the primary target for anime productions, seemed to favor a more traditional anime style. Reze Arc’s box office success suggests that Yoshihara’s approach resonated, but the question remains: did it sacrifice the originality of Nakayama’s vision?
A Thought-Provoking Question
Here’s where we turn to you: Which approach do you think better captures the essence of Chainsaw Man—Nakayama’s grounded realism or Yoshihara’s manga-faithful exuberance? Is it possible to strike a balance between the two? Let us know in the comments, and don’t be afraid to take a side. After all, the beauty of Chainsaw Man lies in its ability to spark debate, whether it’s about love, loss, or the very nature of adaptation itself. Reze Arc may be slicing up the box office, but it’s the conversation it’s igniting that truly makes it a standout.
