Jujutsu Kaisen is a horror-action anime produced by MAPPA. With the group battle underway, and the Kyoto School having orders to kill Itadori, there is a lot on the line in Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15. And it looks like the biggest threat might be the first to present itself, as Itadori comes face to face with Toudou. Can he handle this monster’s attacks that so easily crushed Fushiguro?
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As has been the case for much of Jujutsu Kaisen, it’s widely erratic tone continues to be a struggle for me. Fantasy interludes supplement life or death battles steeped in betrayal by one of the dumbest anime characters I’ve ever seen. And we all know, anime likes its dumb characters. And while Toudou’s overly obnoxious personality spoils some of this episode for me, I’m glad to say there is more than enough here to make the show’s light shine through regardless. This is highlighted by some of the best fight work the show has offered yet.
Even though every time Toudou opens his mouth, I flinch, his moments of fighting with Itadori are some of MAPPA’s best choreography yet. Often setting aside the big explosions and super attacks the medium is known for, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15’s action instead focuses on a skill display. Both fighters throw precision strikes that, in turn, are batted aside with perfectly placed counters and deflects, rather than simply hurling showy looking spectacle attacks.
Outside of the story’s primary confrontation, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15 has the rest of the two student bodies bouncing between fighting over Itadori and actually doing the challenge they are assigned to do. This confusion in action could be seen as an awkward stall in the story, if not for how natural it feels. The Jujutsu Tech students, realizing the plan to kill Itadori, feel betrayed. Especially as they have just gotten their friend back. The adaptation on the fly feels a little muddled, but for a good reason.
The last aspect of the story I want to talk about is the expansion of Panda’s character. Given his unique nature, being a talking panda and all, I have wanted to learn more about him since his first introduction. I’ve been curious to see whether or not Jujutsu Kaisen would actually do something with the character or if he would serve as just a simple oddity. Happily, this episode brings Panda’s role in the group dynamic fully out, and I must say, I found myself liking him a lot.
In addition to the aforementioned fight sequences, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15 delivers all the great visuals it has become known for. As the two schools weave their way through the forest, the sense of speed and fluidity of motion are always smoothly displayed. The emotional presentation also delivers strongly, letting characters express themselves in the over the top anime style.
When all is said and done, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15 delivers a strong, action-packed episode, even though it focuses on the show’s worst character. The action and building drama of the life or death conflict and how the Jujutsu Tech students react and adapt to it elevate the episode past its only major shortcoming.
Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.
Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15
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Rating - 9/109/10
TL;DR
When all is said and done, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 15 delivers a strong, action-packed episode, even though it focuses on the show’s worst character. The action and building drama of the life or death conflict and how the Jujutsu Tech students react and adapt to it elevate the episode past its only major shortcoming.
