Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (film)

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Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie is a 2021 Japanese animated dark fantasy film. It’s based on the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 manga by Gege Akutami and works as a prequel to the Jujutsu Kaisen TV series. The film was directed by Sunghoo Park, written by Hiroshi Seko, and produced by MAPPA.

Cast highlights include Megumi Ogata as Yuta Okkotsu, Kana Hanazawa as Rika Orimoto, Mikako Komatsu as Maki Zen’in, Kōki Uchiyama as Toge Inumaki, Tomokazu Seki as Panda, Yuichi Nakamura as Satoru Gojo, and Takahiro Sakurai as Suguru Geto.

Plot
High school student Yuta Okkotsu is bullied until a powerful Cursed Spirit named Rika, his childhood friend who has died, attaches herself to him. He is recruited by Jujutsu High teacher Satoru Gojo to learn how to control Rika’s curse and become a sorcerer. Yuta meets fellow students Maki, Inumaki, and Panda. A rogue sorcerer, Suguru Geto, plans to unleash thousands of Curses to wipe out non-sorcerers and steals Yuta as part of his scheme. Gojo and his students defend the city, but Geto’s attack tests Yuta’s resolve. In the climactic moment, Yuta sacrifices himself to grow closer to Rika, allowing Geto to be defeated by Gojo. Rika’s curse is released, and Yuta continues his training. A post-credits scene shows Geto’s ally Miguel meeting Gojo and Yuta in Africa.

Production notes
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was originally considered as a TV arc but was expanded into a feature film to tell a longer story. The makers added new material, including backstory for Gojo and Geto, and extra fight scenes. The film emphasizes dynamic action and a distinctive cinematic look, with Gojo’s relationship to Geto explored more deeply than in the TV series.

Music
The film features theme songs “Ichizu” and ending song “Sakayume,” both by King Gnu. The score was composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, Yoshimasa Terui, and Alisa Okehazama.

Release and box office
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 opened in Japan on December 24, 2021, with a run of 105 minutes. It became the highest-grossing film at the Japanese box office in 2021, earning around 13.75 billion yen. It later earned about $195 million worldwide. The movie released in North America on March 18, 2022, through Crunchyroll/S Funimation, with other regions following (UK screenings in March 2022, and additional markets later). It also had 4D and Dolby Cinema showings in some locations.

Reception
Critics praised the film for its accessible storytelling, striking animation, and strong soundtrack. Some reviews noted its shorter length and felt some characters were underdeveloped compared to the main series. It holds high approval on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, and has received several awards and nominations recognizing its impact and craft.