English Dub Review: Jujutsu Kaisen: “Idle Transformation”

Overview: Yuji (Adam McArthur) and Kiyotaka (Chris Tergliafera) continue to follow their lead, that is Junpei, while Nanami (David Vincent) takes on an unregistered special grade curse in hopes to extinguish the enemy. 

Our Take: Everyone has encountered someone who has belittled them at one time or another in their life. To put it simply, it is truly one of the worst feelings in the world. Nobody ever wants to feel like they are less than. That is why Junpei’s overwhelming hatred while perhaps not healthy is totally understandable and so is, in turn, his relationship with the Cursed Spirit, Mahito. Junpei’s inability to take on those who oppress him naturally causes him and, probably most others in that situation, to look to those who can and those who will not pass judgement when he seeks revenge. Enter Itadori. While Mahito can play off of his dark desires, this episode teases how Yuji can offer him something different in the next episode. And what he can offer will play a significant role in his progression and Itdaori’s as well.  

While Yuji and Kiyotaka stay on Junpei, Nanami takes it upon himself to go face the special grade cursed spirit alone. What ensues is yet another stupendous fight (I have lost count of how many at this point). A signature element of the series I’ve taken notice of, that will also continue in later episodes, is how expertly ultized CG is with the fast paced fights. 2D animated scenes with a lot of momentum use techniques that give the illusion of a three dimensional look by quickly panning around their two bodies in constant motion whilst a CG background helps distinguish the two subjects in focus. It’s not distracting in the slightest and helps focus on and elevate the rapid rate of cursed blows and stretchy taffy like bodies whipped around. While an amazing fight, there is another kind of struggle occurring While not selfish, he is very blunt and has little desire to deal with anything that would inconvenience him (as evident by how cognizant he is of the time). What Nanami can’t help from inconveniencing him is the remorse he feels for having to deal with the tragic misfortune of having to put down suffering human beings. and it’s effective in how it causes one to sympathize and better emotionally connect with his plight. As Yuji and Junpei’s relationship will evolve, Nanami prepares to get serious and even goes into overtime people! I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be the one to keep him and Mahito will soon find that out the hard way.