Kara no Kyoukai Movie 5: Mujun Rasen

In November 1998, a double homicide occurs at the newly constructed Ogawa apartment complex in the heart of Mifune City. The murderer, Tomoe Enjou, has fled in a panic. To his astonishment, he is not pursued by the police and news of the incident has not been reported through media outlets. After Shiki Ryougi defends Tomoe from a group of thugs, she allows him to use her residence as a hideout. However, a few days later, Tomoe is shaken to discover that his mother is alive, even though he is convinced that he killed her.

Coincidentally, Mikiya Kokutou is investigating a tip that his associate Touko Aozaki receives regarding the murder at the unique apartment complex. As he uncovers more information about the incident, Mikiya takes a particular interest in Tomoe. Deciding to investigate him further, Mikiya soon discovers the disturbing truth of the foreboding Ogawa complex.

The fifth installment of the Kara no Kyoukai film series, Mujun Rasen combines an intricately constructed mystery with established themes and characters to produce a dark, thought-provoking story.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Ryougi, Shiki Main

Sakamoto, Maaya Japanese

Aozaki, Touko Main

Honda, Takako Japanese

Kokutou, Mikiya Main

Suzumura, Kenichi Japanese

Araya, Souren Main

Nakata, Jouji Japanese

Enjou, Tomoe Main

Kakihara, Tetsuya Japanese

Kokutou, Azaka Supporting

Fujimura, Ayumi Japanese

Alba, Cornelius Supporting

Yusa, Kouji Japanese

Enjou, Takayuki Supporting

Yamanoi, Jin Japanese

Akimi, Daisuke Supporting

Touchi, Hiroki Japanese

Enjou, Kaede Supporting

Itou, Miki Japanese

Iwakami, Atsuhiro Producer

Kondou, Hikaru Producer

Hariu, Masayuki Producer

Toba, Yousuke Assistant Producer

Reviews

Mar 27, 2023

MrRedMage

Recommended

Wow. Just... Wow.

The Kara no Kyoukai series has been on my radar for quite some time, mostly due to its connection with Tsukihime and the rest of the Nasuverse. Up until this point, the series as a whole had been a solid 8, something I'll remember going forward but nothing to write home about. Mujun Rasen, or Paradox Spiral, is another matter. This movie is smarter than I am, and I don't say that lightly or to make fun of it. I sincerely mean that this film is more thought-provoking than I was able to comprehend.

As far as the writing goes, this is ... the first time I've seen any anime property in the Nasuverse really dive into the metaphysics of the Counter Force and the Root of Akasha, but it was woven into the story very well. The characters are all very well written with no real exception, and the story knows exactly what it's doing. I would have liked to see more of Ryougi, but that's probably a me problem and the story is probably better for having her on-screen way less than in previous films. Touko finally gets the attention she deserves here and it almost feels like 'her movie' in a way, though that's not to say she's the most important character, far from it.

The art and animation have stepped up astronomically from the previous movie, it really is a spectacle to behold. The music is outstanding, even for an ufotable production. It gets a 10 in this category.

Overall, I don't want to spoil the film. Go watch the Kara no Kyoukai movies, this one is my favorite thus far.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Feb 19, 2023

R_2_R

Recommended

Tomoe is just killing someone.
He's either too paranoid to keep a straight mind or too caught in the act, but for some reason, he couldn't stop stabbing the woman in her belly. And she is, his mother. He kept stabbing on and on, and at one point, he took out her intestines and finally confirmed, that he really did committed matricide, and runs away. When a postman arrives to the dead apartment with not a single soul around, he calls the cops. But when a cop arrived, the woman of the apartment, aka Tomoe's mother, simply asks them,
"What's wrong?"

One of the key characters is seen ... committing matricide as the film begins. What unsettles us in this scene more than the act itself is this strange feeling of terror lurking around which makes it potentially worse for our confused Tomoe. Throughout the film, we stick with this completely new character who had no mention or relevance to the story up until now, and the film does a great job at bringing his confusion and madness in a 2-hour experience, with its non-linear storytelling. The entire film centers on Tomoe Enjou's guilt which is the only proof about murder he commits. As the film goes on, we start to find out about the complexity of the apartment and its owner, Araya Souren. VA'd by "Jouji Nakata", Araya is an intimidating yet tragic villain.
He believed, after encountering countless 'pointless' deaths, that the ideal world humanity dreams of, of life and peace in a cruel world, is ugly. He wanted to save humanity from this ugly world, from its own fantasy, and wanted to preserve it. Which he finds out that is possible, if he can destroy the 'Origin of Life', for which he wanted to use Shiki, and her attachment with the 'Boundry of Nothingness', as a way to ultimately save humanity. In which he fails.
The movie is heavily plot-oriented and ensnare its viewers in a tangle of paranoia and paradoxes while incorporating aspects of horror, mystery, and even action. And as usual, Yuki Kajiura's OSTs are fire, no question there.

The biggest demerit in this movie, or for the entire franchise, is it's hallowed emotional core. As the story and plot are so mechanic and complex, it is hard to understand character motivations and get behind their often-confusing dialogue. The dialogue in the entire series is another debatable aspect. I remember on my first watch, when I watched the sub, I was focusing more on the subtitles and rewinding just to *'get'* what they are saying, despite wanting to experience the visuals more. It's a common problem for a sub-watcher, so maybe that's just me.

There's often a question about whether this series is meant to be watched in chronological order or creator's order. After rewatching up to this film, I safely say that it is meant to be watched in the creator's order. The fast-paced non-linear cuts and transitions in this film can feel overwhelming and confusing, if viewers are not used to that technique. So, I recommend watching in creator's order first, and the chronological order for later rewatches.

Creator's Order: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8.
Chronological Order: 2-4-3-1-5-6-7-8.

I gave this series a try, just because this film has a pretty high rating, while not much for the rest. And after rewatching, I can safely say, it's definitely worth getting into, even if it's just to watch this great film.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Jul 21, 2020

Zelas01

Mixed Feelings

First four movies left us guessing a lot, so I expected a final info of some sort but didn't happen. A lot of raw information was displayed and it didn't quite catch my attention, as a result I wasn't fully invested.

Animation and Sound were amazing in this movie, there are some very nicely animated scenes and the music was straight outta SAO which is really good, the relationship between the characters wasn't so bad either.

Overall, it's a 6 (fine) for me, because I didn't understand the motives of the main villains, the magic powers of magus weren't explained at any point, but were ... teased at points in a slightly edgy way.

I understand that there is a certain charm in keeping the viewers guessing, but there are limits.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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