Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie follows Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto early in their careers as student sorcerers. Set in 2006 during their second year at Jujutsu High, they’re being pursued by various religious cults, they must protect Riko Amanai, a student who has been designated to be sacrificed as the Star Plasma Vessel, until she can fulfil her duty.
Directed by Shota Goshozono and written by Hiroshi Seko, the film is actually a compilation of Episodes 1-5 from Season 2 of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series. These episodes together serve as a unified arc in the series which tells the prequel story of Satoru and Suguru’s initial friendship and shows how they fell out before the main series.
However there are some changes from the anime series to the film version. Firstly, there is new additional scene at the start of the film that serves as a fourth-wall break joke of the characters watching the movie in the cinema. Second, the editing means that the opening theme song is removed so that each episode flows into the next. In doing so, director Shota Goshozono stitches the episodes together in a way that makes the story flow as one cohesive film, worthy of being watched on a big screen.
Viewers unfamiliar with the anime series will can still throughly enjoy the film, because it serves as its own story that needs no prior knowledge. In fact, it is a wonderful introduction to the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. Equally so, new and old viewers alike will find the intense experience of watching the story unfold in in one extended session on a large cinema screen makes for the most exciting viewing format possible.
The visual language crafted by director Goshozono is filled with concrete grey and deep green backdrops in the beautiful cityscape backgrounds of Tokyo with a modern urban atmosphere. The scenes at Jujutsu High are intimate, crafting a world of hidden spirits alongside fun classmates that invites you into the collegiate feeling of the high school.
The action of the film is hugely impressive, with cut-through battles using cursed spirits and taking place in epic vast locations. The highlight of the film however is the more personal character moments and development that takes place. Satoru’s personality is cheeky and charismatic for a young sorcerer, while Suguru is stoic but plays a good foil to Satoru’s arrogance. Riko’s innocence and naivety introduce a great dynamic as the sorcerers are tasked to protect her, and each battle is interspersed with fun dialogue that builds the audiences trust and emotional investment in these characters.
Audiences who love stories that blend relatable urban youth drama with cleverly plotted action that has plentiful twists and emotional beats will love this entry in the Jujutsu Kaisen film series. The core focus is showing the development of these two young sorcerer’s skills, seeing them develop their powers and personalities is tremendously fun.
Even better, it’s not overstuffed with the usual high-school setting tropes, there’s no tacky romance drama or rebellious youth story. This film delivers solid character development, exciting action and dialogue sequences in a vibrantly animated Tokyo setting, and a brilliantly clever fantasy adventure. Well worth seeing on the big screen.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie is in Australian cinemas from 14th August, 2025.
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