In the Demon Slayer world, fans are introduced to numerous unforgettable characters who each bring their unique strengths, backstories, and personalities into the fold.
One character who stands out significantly in the series is none other than Muichiro Tokito, a member of the prestigious Hashira.
The Hashira, as fans know, are the highest-ranking warriors within the Demon Slayer Corps, a group feared and revered for their unmatched strength, exceptional combat techniques, and relentless determination to defeat demons.
Muichiro Tokito’s rise to popularity skyrocketed during the Swordsmith Village Arc.
When this arc was brought to life in the anime, viewers got a closer look at his incredible swordsmanship, but more importantly, they were treated to a character who broke through expectations in ways that few others could.
Muichiro Tokito – Mist Breathing (Ufotable)
There’s a certain aura about Muichiro that makes him stand out whether it’s his calm and somewhat detached demeanor or his extraordinary ability as a swordsman.
But it’s safe to say that fans were blown away by his feats on the battlefield, many of which left lasting impressions that continue to fuel discussions within the fanbase.
However, beyond the fanfare, there’s something remarkable about Muichiro that deserves recognition.
Unlike any other Hashira, Muichiro Tokito managed to achieve something so profound that it solidifies his place in the upper echelons of the Demon Slayer universe.
What is even more fascinating is that Zenitsu Agatsuma , another character with a vastly different personality and fighting style, will eventually match Muichiro’s feat.
Zenitsu Training With His Grand Father (Ufotable)
Though they are drastically different characters, their individual journeys converge in a way that improves their significance in the series.
Muichiro Tokito’s Journey: The Prodigy Hashira
Before jumping into the specifics of Muichiro’s historic achievement, it’s crucial to understand just how remarkable this young Hashira truly is.
Muichiro is not just any demon slayer he is the Mist Hashira, a title that not only indicates his immense strength but also symbolizes the elusive and confusing nature of his combat style.
Mist Breathing, the technique he employs, involves swift movements and disorienting patterns that leave opponents struggling to keep up with him.
What is truly astonishing about Muichiro is his age. At only 14 years old, he became the youngest person to ever ascend to the rank of Hashira.
This is no small feat. For perspective, reaching the Hashira rank often takes years of training, numerous battles, and a remarkable level of dedication.
The Hashira are the elite of the elite, the best that the Demon Slayer Corps has to offer.
The Mist Hashira – Muichiro Tokito (Crunchyroll)
Yet Muichiro managed to climb these ranks in just two months, a testament to his natural talent, fierce determination, and exceptional abilities.
Muichiro’s past is one filled with tragedy and hardship. He lost his family at a very young age, a trauma that led to memory loss and a detachment from his emotions.
This emotional detachment, however, became both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it made him a more calculated and efficient fighter, as he didn’t let emotions cloud his judgment.
On the other hand, it also led to a lack of empathy, making it difficult for him to connect with others.
This emotional distance is a recurring theme in his character arc, and his journey throughout the series is as much about reclaiming his lost memories and emotions as it is about defeating demons.
Muichiro’s Historic Achievement as a Hashira
What makes Muichiro Tokito truly legendary in the eyes of both the characters within the Demon Slayer universe and the audience is his singular achievement defeating an Upper Moon demon on his own.
The Upper Moons, for those unfamiliar with the series, are the strongest demons in Muzan Kibutsuji’s ranks.
They are not just ordinary demons; they possess immense power, have unique abilities granted by Muzan, and are responsible for some of the most devastating attacks on humanity.
The Upper Moons are feared by even the most skilled of demon slayers, and it typically requires teamwork and strategy to take one down.
Muichiro, however, was able to do what no other Hashira had done before defeat an Upper Moon demon in a one-on-one battle. His opponent was Gyokko, the Upper Moon Five.
Gyokko was no ordinary demon. His Blood Demon Art allowed him to manipulate water in various deadly ways, and he had the ability to teleport using pots that he created.
These pots acted as portals, allowing him to move instantaneously from one location to another, a tactic that made him a frustrating and dangerous adversary.
Muichiro Tokito And Other Hashiras (Crunchyroll)
Gyokko’s abilities were challenging to deal with, but his Water Prison Pot technique was particularly lethal.
This attack trapped Muichiro inside a sphere of water, cutting off his air supply and leaving him on the verge of drowning.
To make matters worse, Gyokko’s attacks were laced with poison, which began circulating through Muichiro’s body as soon as the battle began.
Most people in this situation would have been done for, but not Muichiro.
The Battle with Gyokko: A True Testament to Muichiro’s Strength
Muichiro’s fight with Gyokko was nothing short of intense. The Upper Moon Five demon unleashed his full range of abilities, creating an onslaught that would have overwhelmed most opponents.
Yet, despite being poisoned and trapped, Muichiro did not falter. He demonstrated not only immense physical strength but also incredible mental fortitude.
He was able to control the poison in his body, slowing its spread just enough to keep himself in the fight.
This level of control over his own body speaks to Muichiro’s mastery of his craft. The ability to fight while poisoned and severely injured is not something that just any fighter can do.
It requires years of training, a deep understanding of one’s physical limits, and a willpower that refuses to give in, even when the situation seems hopeless.
However, what truly turned the tide of the battle was Muichiro’s development of a new technique in the heat of the moment.
This technique, called Obscuring Clouds, allowed Muichiro to create an illusion of mist by fluctuating his speed.
At times, he moved so slowly that it seemed as though he had disappeared entirely, while at other times, he moved with such speed that he became a blur.
This disoriented Gyokko, who found it nearly impossible to track Muichiro’s movements. Before Gyokko even realized what had happened, Muichiro had decapitated him, ending the fight in a single, swift motion.
Muichiro vs Gyokko pic.twitter.com/FXgD3IOOyf — Demon Slayer (@DemonSlayerPS) November 12, 2023
Muichiro’s victory over Gyokko was groundbreaking. It was the first time in the series that a Hashira had defeated an Upper Moon demon without any assistance.
This alone is enough to place Muichiro among the greatest demon slayers in history.
The Upper Moons are terrifyingly powerful, and defeating one typically requires the combined efforts of multiple skilled fighters.
Muichiro, however, was able to accomplish this feat on his own, a testament to his extraordinary abilities as both a swordsman and a strategist.
Zenitsu Agatsuma: The Unlikely Hero
While Muichiro’s victory over Gyokko is an iconic moment in Demon Slayer, he is not the only character to have achieved such an incredible feat.
Zenitsu Agatsuma, a character who is often seen as cowardly and anxious, also defeats an Upper Moon demon later in the series.
However, the circumstances surrounding Zenitsu’s victory are quite different from Muichiro’s, and these differences highlight the unique strengths of each character.
Zenitsu’s opponent was Kaigaku, a former demon slayer who had betrayed the Corps and become a demon.
Kaigaku had once trained alongside Zenitsu under the same master, and the two had a strained relationship.
While Zenitsu had always admired Kaigaku, the latter had never shown him any respect.
This tension added an emotional weight to their eventual confrontation, making their battle not just a physical fight but also a deeply personal one.
Zenitsu Using Thunder Breathing (Ufotable)
Kaigaku had been transformed into the new Upper Moon Six, replacing the previous holder of that title. However, unlike Gyokko, Kaigaku was still relatively new to his demonic powers.
He had consumed far fewer humans than his Upper Moon counterparts, and as a result, his strength had not yet fully developed.
Additionally, Kaigaku had not yet mastered the full extent of his new abilities, which made him a less formidable opponent than someone like Gyokko.
Despite these factors, Zenitsu’s victory over Kaigaku is no less significant. Throughout much of the series, Zenitsu is portrayed as a coward, constantly running away from danger and only fighting when he’s unconscious.
However, during his battle with Kaigaku, Zenitsu fights consciously for the first time, showcasing his growth as a character and as a fighter.
Like Muichiro, Zenitsu also developed a new technique in the heat of battle. His Seventh Form of Thunder Breathing, called Flaming Thunder God, was a move he created on his own, much like Muichiro’s Obscuring Clouds.
This technique allowed Zenitsu to defeat Kaigaku in a single strike, ending their battle as quickly as it had begun.
Comparing Muichiro and Zenitsu’s Achievements
While both Muichiro and Zenitsu’s victories over Upper Moon demons are impressive, it’s important to note the differences between their respective battles.
Muichiro’s victory was against a fully-realized Upper Moon demon, one who had centuries of experience and had perfected his abilities.
Gyokko was a seasoned fighter, and Muichiro’s ability to defeat him without any assistance speaks to his unparalleled skill as a Hashira.
Zenitsu’s victory, on the other hand, was against a newly-turned demon who had not yet reached his full potential.
Zenitsu Using Thunder Breathing First Form (Ufotable)
Kaigaku, while powerful, was still adjusting to his new abilities and had not consumed enough humans to fully develop his strength.
This doesn’t diminish Zenitsu’s achievement by any means, but it does place it in a slightly different context from Muichiro’s victory.
Despite these differences, both Muichiro and Zenitsu accomplished something that few others in the series have managed they defeated Upper Moon demons without any help.
This sets them apart from many of the other characters in the series and cements their status as two of the most powerful demon slayers in the story.
The Infinity Castle Arc
As the Demon Slayer anime continues, fans are eagerly awaiting the Infinity Castle Arc, where both Muichiro and Zenitsu will have even more opportunities to showcase their skills.
This arc promises to be one of the most intense and action-packed in the series, with high-stakes battles that will push the characters to their limits.
For Muichiro, this arc will likely reveal even more of his incredible abilities as he continues to take on powerful demons.
His battle against Gyokko was just the beginning, and fans can expect to see even more jaw-dropping moments from the Mist Hashira as the story progresses.
Zenitsu, too, will have a significant role to play in the Infinity Castle Arc. His growth as a fighter, combined with his newfound confidence, will be on full display, especially in the aftermath of his victory over Kaigaku.
Fans who have watched Zenitsu’s journey from a cowardly, anxious boy to a brave and powerful demon slayer will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he faces new challenges in this arc.
Also im looking for Zenitsu Vs fake upper moon ( kaigaku) Zenitsu has always been great and I’m sure UFOTABLE will make his fight one of the best fights in Demon Slayer I’m sure my son will impress everyone #鬼滅の刃 https://t.co/J3ToFjThea pic.twitter.com/FqEdCeXN4F — Rino ⋆🦢 (@zennezudaughter) July 3, 2024
What makes Demon Slayer such a compelling story is its ability to balance high-stakes battles with deep character development.
Muichiro and Zenitsu’s victories over Upper Moon demons are prime examples of this.
Their journeys are about more than just defeating powerful enemies they are about personal growth, overcoming fear, and discovering one’s true potential.
As the anime continues to attract the audiences around the world, Muichiro Tokito and Zenitsu Agatsuma will remain two of the most memorable characters in the series.
Their respective victories serve as milestones in their development, and they will undoubtedly continue to inspire fans as the story moves forward.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2024 progresses.
When we watch classic films like Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, or modern films like There Will Be Blood or Oppenheimer, we notice that they tell grand stories about great people with big dreams.
We might think, “They don’t make movies like this anymore.” This feeling also comes when we watch Brady Corbet’s third film as a director, The Brutalist.
This film is 215 minutes long and has an opening musical piece and an intermission. It uses VistaVision, a film format not seen much since the 1950s.
Corbet, who co-wrote the film with his wife Mona Fastvold, combines old storytelling styles with modern ideas and experiments. It is a big film that deserves this kind of scope, even though it has some issues in the second half.
Adrien Brody gives his best performance as László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish survivor of the Holocaust who arrives in America in the late 1940s.
In Hungary, László was a famous architect who created beautiful buildings. He arrives in America without his wife, Erzsébet Tóth (played by Felicity Jones), and his orphaned niece, Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy).
László writes letters to them, trying to convince them to join him. At first, he works with his cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola), who owns a furniture shop in Philadelphia, where László makes amazing furniture.
Later, he gets a huge job to redesign a library for wealthy client Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce). This job is the biggest and most expensive of his career.
In The Brutalist, it is enjoyable to watch László work. We see him tackle challenges while remodeling the library. He solves problems to create something beautiful. Whether he is building furniture for Attila’s shop or working on Harrison’s big project, László’s skills are exciting to watch.
Even though the film can be tough to watch, László’s joy in showing his talents offers moments of relief from the challenges he faces in pursuing the American dream. Brody portrays László as a hardworking immigrant who is determined to succeed.
Still from the movie (A24)
As the story unfolds, we see László gain confidence, reminding us of his past and allowing him to showcase his abilities. The Brutalist is mainly about an immigrant’s struggle in America and how hard it is to prove oneself. Brody perfectly captures these emotions, making his performance unforgettable.
It is interesting to see how László’s life changes based on the people around him. When he stays in Attila’s shop, he is shy and keeps to himself. He does his work quietly. But once Harrison discovers László’s talents through old newspapers and offers him a significant job, László takes on the opportunity with enthusiasm.
Pearce gives one of his best performances as Harrison, showing how wealthy men use immigrants’ work to get ahead. Harrison’s character is complex; he can be angry one moment and friendly the next.
Even when the film reveals Harrison’s true intentions in the second half, Pearce plays the character with a mix of stoicism and hypocrisy that makes it work.
Jones’ character, Erzsébet, significantly impacts László’s journey. Her survival motivates him but also challenges him unexpectedly. Erzsébet is strong and supports her husband, but she also seeks to regain her own strength.
While László focuses on Harrison’s project, Erzsébet observes the Van Buren family, noticing their hidden flaws. Their love for each other is evident, but their past suffering does not erase their new problems.
Corbet and Fastvold take László’s story and present it with grandiosity. Every scene is carefully crafted, with beautiful cinematography by Lol Crawley.
The editing by Dávid Janscó skillfully condenses László’s life into the film’s length, knowing when to linger on important moments and when to move quickly through less important details. The film feels like a classic with a modern twist, showing that it could not have been made at any other time.
In their third collaboration, Corbet and Fastvold tackle significant themes, including the immigrant experience and the building of post-war America. Their script thoughtfully handles these issues, but it does have some flaws, such as uneven moments and heavy-handed imagery.
Still from the movie (A24)
Corbet mentioned in a Q&A that he dislikes films that spell out their messages too clearly. Yet, The Brutalist opens with a powerful image of an immigrant arriving in America and seeing the Statue of Liberty upside down. This image is striking but aligns with the straightforward storytelling Corbet criticizes.
The first half of the film is compelling as we see László’s gradual rise to success. However, the second half becomes more complex, and the screenplay struggles to maintain its quality. A notable example occurs when László and Harrison gather materials for the project.
This scene is too direct in showing how wealthy Americans treat poor immigrants, which feels out of place in the narrative. László’s heroin use to cope with his pain also risks becoming cliché at times. Fortunately, these conventional elements are not common in a film that feels quite original.
Corbet’s third film almost reaches masterpiece status, showcasing his incredible talent. It is impressive to see such high quality from a filmmaker early in his career. The Brutalist often addresses themes we have seen before but presents them in a fresh and unique way.
The film highlights the talents of Brody, Pearce, and Jones, who give outstanding performances, and Crawley’s stunning cinematography enhances László’s personal story. Despite some flaws, The Brutalist stands out as one of the best films of the year, proving that Corbet is a filmmaker worth watching.
In addition to the film’s impressive technical achievements, The Brutalist is also a powerful meditation on the immigrant experience, resilience, and personal identity. The struggles László faces in trying to rebuild his life in a new country resonate on both a personal and universal level.
The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of adjusting to a new culture, especially one where immigrants are often undervalued despite their talents and contributions.
László’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about proving his worth, not just to those around him but also to himself. His determination to create something meaningful in his adopted country is a reflection of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and achieve, even in the face of adversity.
Erzsébet’s role in the film, too, expands beyond just being László’s wife. Her quiet strength and insight into the Van Buren family’s dynamics offer a broader perspective on the challenges of assimilation.
While László is deeply involved in his work, Erzsébet the social aspects of their new life with a keen awareness of the inconsistencies and power dynamics at play. She represents a different type of immigrant experience, one that is not solely defined by labor but by observation and adaptation to the new cultural land.
The film also addresses how art and architecture, László’s chosen profession, can serve as metaphors for self-expression and personal triumph.
László’s creations are more than just buildings; they are a testament to his resilience, his vision, and his ability to leave a lasting legacy, even in a world that often tries to diminish or erase the contributions of immigrants.
His architectural achievements symbolize not just personal success but also the broader idea of immigrants shaping and influencing the cultural fabric of the countries they adopt.
Still from the movie (A24)
Furthermore, The Brutalist deal with the tension between personal ambition and the external forces that seek to control or exploit it.
Harrison Lee Van Buren’s role as both benefactor and oppressor highlights how the wealthy and powerful often use the talents of immigrants for their own gain, while rarely offering the full recognition or support those individuals deserve.
László’s internal conflict, fueled by his dependence on Harrison for both his livelihood and validation, is a reflection of the broader immigrant struggle—how to maintain one’s integrity and sense of self in a system that often seeks to commodify their labor and creativity.
Despite these challenges, László’s journey is ultimately one of hope and achievement. His ability to continue creating, to persist in his artistic endeavors, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.
Even when faced with exploitation, prejudice, and personal hardship, László never loses sight of his vision.
This persistence allows him to leave a meaningful mark on the world around him, suggesting that the immigrant story is not just one of struggle, but also of contribution and legacy.
In The Brutalist, Corbet delivers a film that does more than tell a story—it challenges us to think deeply about issues of identity, belonging, and the role of art in shaping our world.
The film’s grand scale, combined with its intimate focus on László’s personal journey, creates a powerful narrative that resonates long after the credits roll.
It is a film that asks us to reflect not only on the immigrant experience in America but also on the broader themes of power, ambition, and the human desire to create something lasting and meaningful.
This ability to balance personal storytelling with larger, universal themes is what makes The Brutalist stand out as a significant film in modern cinema. Despite its flaws, The Brutalist remains a bold and thought-provoking cinematic achievement.
