Demon Slayer Season 3 Review: Ufotable slashes the Swordsmith Village Arc to a satisfying close 

Demon Slayer’s Swordsmith Village Arc takes fans on an exhilarating ride filled with intense battles, character growth, and stunning animation. After a breathtaking theatrical premiere, here’s how the rest of the season fared. 

The arc adapts volumes twelve to fifteen of the manga series and consists of 11 episodes directed by Haruo Sotozaki, with exceptional animation produced by Ufotable studios.

The season kicks off with an excellent opener that sets the stage for the events to come, featuring our very first look at the Upper Moon demons with varying appearances and personalities. The opening credit sequence alone sets an incredibly high standard for animation quality, making it increasingly clear that this season is going to deliver in terms of visual spectacle.

Ufotable showcases their ability to enhance the already outstanding visuals of the series through the impressive opening credit sequence inside big baddy, Kibutsuji Muzan’s Mugen Castle. 

Following its incredible opening credits, the arc starts off with a bang, immediately grabbing viewers' attention with its opening episode. It introduces the Upper Four and Upper Five demons, formidable adversaries that play pivotal roles in Tanjiro's journey

The reintroduction of our protagonist, Tanjiro and the beloved Nezuko following the events of the Entertainment District Arc is quickly touched upon and it's a relief that Inosuke and Zenitsu have limited appearances in this arc, moving away from the over-the-top comedic moments that had become repetitive.

The Swordsmith Village Arc introduces new secondary characters, such as Genya Shinazugawa, the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito, and the Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, who replace Inosuke and Zenitsu. These characters not only possess impressive fighting abilities but are also, quite frankly less irritating and receive ample exposition to establish their motives and relationships with Tanjiro. 

These characters are given the opportunity to shine, with each of them receiving significant backstories, making it easier to empathise with their causes. It's refreshing to see these side characters fleshed out, as it adds depth to their actions and makes them more relatable and impactful to the audience.

The battles in the Swordsmith Village Arc continue to surpass expectations with their incredible colors and visuals. Ufotable consistently raises the bar, captivating viewers with flashy fights that evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement. 

The fluidity of movement, the vibrant colors, and the intricately designed characters and environments create a feast for the eyes.  The dynamic fight scenes are choreographed with precision, with each strike and movement captured with a level of skill and finesse that leaves viewers in awe.

However, the season does have its flaws, primarily related to pacing. There are instances where the narrative is interrupted by extensive flashbacks and exposition-heavy episodes, which can disrupt the flow of the action. This occasionally leaves characters in cliffhanger positions, only to be neglected for multiple episodes.

The pacing inconsistencies become more frustrating when compared to the well-paced and gripping season finale. While the final fight between Tanjiro and Upper Four is emotionally satisfying and a payoff for the viewers, it's a reminder that tighter pacing throughout the arc would have elevated the overall experience.

Despite the pacing concerns, the final fight between Tanjiro and the Upper Four is a standout moment that rewards viewers for their patience. The focus on Tanjiro's relationship with Nezuko and the contributions of his allies in the ultimate victory is emotionally satisfying. The emotional high of the season's ending compensates for the middling moments, leaving fans with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for what's to come.

The Swordsmith Village Arc maintains the series' reputation for excellence in animation and delivers captivating battles and character development. While pacing issues hinder some episodes, the breathtaking visuals, well-rounded secondary characters, and emotionally satisfying moments make it a worthwhile continuation of the series. 

The next season of Demon Slayer - the Training Village Arc - has been greenlit for production.

All episodes of Demon Slayer Season 3 are available to stream on Netflix.