“Chainsaw Man: The First” Slices to Box Office Victory, Earning ₩11.3 Billion in Three Days
seoul, South Korea - “Chainsaw Man: The First,” the highly anticipated theatrical adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s dark fantasy manga, has roared to the top of the South Korean box office, grossing ₩11.3 billion (approximately $8.6 million USD) in its first three days of release. The film,distributed by Sony Pictures,is already being hailed as a potential successor to the recent success of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training,” signaling another wave of Japanese animation dominance in Korean cinemas.
“Chainsaw Man” centers on Denji, a young man who merges with Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, granting him the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws.The film plunges viewers into a violent and visually striking world populated by devils and devil hunters. While the series’ graphic content and dark atmosphere may present a barrier for some, critics note the unique blend of comic timing and compelling character dynamics.
The film’s action sequences, showcasing the bizarre abilities of the devils and heroes, are a major draw. A especially lauded scene features the Bomb Devil amplifying power through continuous explosions, delivering a highly immersive experience on the big screen. Protagonist Denji, described as naive and driven by base desires, provides comedic relief alongside his partner, Beam, offering a counterpoint to the film’s heavier moments. Supporting characters like Aki, a swordsman, and Power, a devil with explosive abilities, further enrich the narrative with their distinct personalities and motivations.
The film also benefits from the continued collaboration with Japanese singer-songwriter Yonezu Kenshi, whose new song “IRIS OUT,” featured in “Chainsaw Man: The First,” has received an explosive response following his previous contribution, the opening theme “Kick Back” for the original anime series.
Reporter Huh Jang-won of TV report notes the film’s successful adaptation of the source material and its ability to leverage the spectacle of the cinematic experience. while acknowledging the possibly divisive nature of its artistic style, the review positions ”Chainsaw Man: The First” as a strong contender to continue the momentum of Japanese animation in the Korean market.
(Photo Credits: Sony Pictures)
