Parents' Guide to Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Movie R 2025 100 minutes
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Movie Poster: Saws out, Chainsaw Man stands in the center of a collage of other characters

Common Sense Media Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson By Jeffrey M. Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Exciting but very violent follow-up to manga-based series.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 11+

Based on 25 parent reviews

Parents say the movie is surprisingly suitable for mature children, focusing on themes of emotional maturity and self-discovery through the story of Denji, a teen navigating relationships and dreams. Many reviews highlight the film's combination of engaging action and heartfelt lessons on genuine connections, noting that it fosters important discussions about boundaries and the nature of friendship without overwhelming viewers with inappropriate content.

  • educational themes
  • age-appropriate
  • emotional growth
  • real vs. fake affection
  • engaging action
  • suitable for maturity
Summarized with AI

age 10+

Based on 13 kid reviews

Kids say the movie is highly praised for its fun and emotional storytelling, appealing to both new and long-time followers of the franchise; many viewers enjoyed the mix of action and comedy, with some noting that the violence is not as intense as expected. While there were some concerns about appropriateness for younger audiences, most found it manageable, with several recommend it as a worthwhile viewing experience for anime fans.

  • best new gen
  • emotional storytelling
  • fun and entertaining
  • manageable violence
  • worthwhile viewing
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

In CHAINSAW MAN – THE MOVIE: REZE ARC, following the battle at the conclusion of the Chainsaw Man series, Power (voiced by Ai Fairouz in the original Japanese and Sarah Wiedenheft in the English dub) is taken in to have excess blood drained (she drank too much), and Makima (Tomori Kusunoki/Suzie Yeung) assigns devil hunter Denji (Kikunosuke Toya/Ryan Colt Levy) a new "buddy": a shark fiend named Beam (Natsuki Hanae/Derick Snow). Makima also asks Denji out on a movie date, which sends his heart reeling. The date goes swimmingly well, and Denji fancies himself in love. Then, during a rainstorm, he winds up sharing an empty phone booth with the flirty Reze (Reina Ueda/Alexis Tipton), who invites him to visit her at the cafe where she works. Before long, Denji feels torn: He likes both girls in different ways. Things change one night when Denji and Reze attend a festival. During a fireworks show, something sinister is revealed, and Denji and his friends quickly have the fight of their lives on their hands.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 25 ):
Kids say ( 13 ):

It's not a good starting place for newbies, and it's by no means for kids, but for fans who devoured the original series, this film is thrilling, exciting, slickly edited, and emotionally potent. The titular Chainsaw Man doesn't even appear for the first long section of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. Rather, the movie initially focuses on Denji's troublesome teen crush situation in a way that feels genuine. (His humility and inexperience make him endearing.) Meanwhile, Denji's housemate/co-worker Aki (Shôgo Sakata/Reagan Murdock) also has a new partner—Angel Devil (Maaya Uchida/Casey Mongillo)—who's causing trouble, given that he's lazy and lacks empathy for human suffering.

All of these characters are nicely balanced with humor and heart, with clear flaws and genuine cool. (Sadly, the third housemate, the surly, petulant, but also hilarious and lovable Power, disappears after the opening sequences, returning only for a post-credits glimpse.) And when the big showdown finally does happen, it's worth the wait. Viewers know the characters and understand what's at stake. The battle is three-dimensional, taking place in the sky, on the ground, and in the water, smashing through buildings and blacktop and other obstacles at breathtaking speed, with an impact you can feel. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is also just a little bit over the top, but when it ends, it all feels just right.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?

  • How do depictions of animated violence compare to depictions of live-action violence? What effect do you think these depictions have in the real world?

  • How does the movie expand or deepen the emotional and thematic core established in the series?

  • How well do you think the movie balances its tender moments, its humorous moments, and its exciting moments? How do they all work together as a whole?

  • How do the characters demonstrate teamwork, if at all?

Movie Details

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Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Movie Poster: Saws out, Chainsaw Man stands in the center of a collage of other characters

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