"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Bonds of Siblings" is a feature-length anime film that serves as a compilation of key episodes from the first season of the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" television series, focusing on the central narrative of Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko. The story begins in Taisho-era Japan, where Tanjiro, a kind-hearted boy, returns home to find his family slaughtered by demons, with only his younger sister Nezuko surviving the attack. However, Nezuko has been transformed into a demon herself, though she retains a shred of her humanity by refusing to harm humans. Determined to restore Nezuko’s humanity and avenge his family, Tanjiro embarks on a perilous journey to become a Demon Slayer, a warrior trained to combat demons.
The narrative follows Tanjiro’s rigorous training under the guidance of Sakonji Urokodaki, a former Demon Slayer, and his subsequent participation in the Demon Slayer Corps’ Final Selection, a deadly test to prove his worth. After passing the trial, Tanjiro begins his mission to hunt down demons while protecting Nezuko, who accompanies him in a modified wooden box to shield her from sunlight. Along the way, Tanjiro encounters other Demon Slayers, including the boisterous Zenitsu Agatsuma and the hot-headed Inosuke Hashibira, who become his allies. The trio faces numerous demons, each with tragic backstories and unique abilities, culminating in a confrontation with the powerful Lower Moon demon, Rui, in the Mount Natagumo arc.
The film highlights the emotional core of the series: the unbreakable bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko. Despite her demonic nature, Nezuko’s protective instincts toward her brother and her refusal to harm humans underscore her humanity, while Tanjiro’s unwavering determination to save her drives the narrative forward. The story explores themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience, set against a backdrop of intense battles and supernatural elements. The film condenses the series’ most pivotal moments, offering a cohesive retelling of Tanjiro’s early struggles and his growth as a Demon Slayer.