Success of the Japanese ‘Demon Slayer’ in cinemas highlights the strength of a dark narrative

Bloomberg Línea — The film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Castelo Infinito” became one of the biggest highlights at the Brazilian box office.

The Japanese anime production attracted 124.66 thousand spectators to cinemas and grossed R$2.65 million in the week of September 25th to 28th. With these numbers, it reached third place in the national ranking.

In its third week of showing in the country, the anime distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment has already accumulated impressive numbers, according to data from Comscore Filmes Brasil: R$43.78 million in total revenue and 2.07 million tickets sold since its debut on September 11.

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The performance consolidates “Demon Slayer” as a phenomenon among the Brazilian public, while demonstrating the growing strength of Japanese – and Asian – productions in the national film market.

The film based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge competes directly with Hollywood productions with wide appeal.

At the top of the ranking of cinemas in the country is “The Conjuring 4: The Last Ritual”, from Warner Bros, which led with R$3.74 million in the last week – and accumulated R$88.89 million in four weeks.

Right behind came “One Battle After Another”, also from Warner, in its opening week with R$3.15 million.

The age rating of “Demon Slayer” has generated heated debate on social media and among film experts since its debut in Brazil.

Although the animation attracts a young audience familiar with the manga and series, the intense scenes of violence, decapitations and blood led the Ministry of Justice to classify the production as unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.

Parents and fans were divided over the decision: while some argue that the rating protects children from content that could be considered disturbing, others argue that the anime’s stylized aesthetic softens the impact of violent scenes. And this would make the restriction excessively strict for a product culturally aimed at teenagers.

“Demon Slayer” tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young man who becomes a demon hunter after his family is massacred and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon.

He embarks on a journey to find a cure for Nezuko and avenge his family, facing increasingly powerful demons while mastering special breathing techniques.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” has become one of the biggest hits in contemporary anime, winning over millions of fans around the world with its story, which critics point out as engaging, about Tanjiro Kamado’s journey to transform his sister Nezuko back into a human.

The series masterfully combines elements of action, family drama and supernatural horror, with a narrative that resonates with different audiences.

Koyoharu Gotouge’s work stands out not only for the quality of the animation from the Ufotable studio but also for the way it addresses universal themes such as loss, determination and the strength of family ties.

The fights against demons are intense and visually stunning, while the deep characterization of the characters – both protagonists and antagonists – adds emotional layers to the narrative, according to specialized critics.

Season of terror

The predominance of dark and supernatural narratives has marked the Brazilian box office over the last few months.

The consecutive leadership of “The Conjuring 4” and the performance of “Demon Slayer” – both centered on demonic creatures and dense atmospheres – reveal the public’s growing appetite for horror and dark fantasy themes.

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The trend reflects a global movement in cinema, in which stories that explore the dark side of human existence and the confrontation of evil forces have increasingly gained space and commercial relevance.

A performance of “Demon Slayer: Infinite Castle” reflects a global trend of success for the franchise, which had already broken historical box office records in Japan with previous films.

The continuity of the demon hunters’ saga keeps the audience captive, which has consolidated the anime as one of the most profitable properties in contemporary Japanese cinema.

In this context, streaming platforms have increasingly invested in this genre to attract different audiences.

Netflix released yesterday (1) the official trailer and the new poster that reveals Frankenstein’s monster. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film opens in selected theaters on October 23rd and hits the platform on November 7th.

The Oscar-winning director adapts Mary Shelley’s classic about Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but self-centered scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment – which triggers a tragedy that marks both the creator and his creation. The production stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth.

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