Jujutsu Kaisen brings a brand new prequel anime film to theaters in Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Taking place prior to the events of the series 0 follows Yuta Okkotsu; a teenager who’s been cursed by his childhood love following her death. As Yuta transfers to Jujutsu High he vows to free himself and his love Rika from their predicament. 

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a 2021 shounen anime film, it is produced by MAPPA and distributed by Toho (Japan) and Funimation Films & Crunchyroll (North America, U.K., and Internationally). It will be released outside of Japan theatrically beginning on March 18, 2022. 

Editor’s Note: An advanced screener for Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was provided by Funimation & Crunchyroll in support of this review. Near complete spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen 0 may be present within this review.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 follows Yuta Okkotsu, a teenager cursed by his childhood move and friend Rika following her death. Even as a curse Rika has an unhealthy obsession for Yuta and has become dangerous even killing students who threatened Yuta. After meeting Satoru Goro, Yuta begins the process of learning how to better control Rika before he loses it completely. 

THE GOOD: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 takes place a few years prior to the events of the original series. Like series lead Yuji Itadori, Yuta Okkotsu has been placed on a delayed execution after coming into contact with a powerful curse; his childhood love Rika. He’s transferred to Jujutsu High where he learns about jujutsu; unique abilities which allows it’s user to defeat and sometimes even control curses. Following three months of training, Yuta is giving a katana by Satoru Gojo his new teacher and he meets Maki, Panda, and Toge from the original series. He develops a building bond with Maki who trains him in swordsmanship. 

Feeling confident in his new abilities Gojo sends Yuta out on missions with Maki & Toge. Maki teaches Yuta more about how curses works, while Yuta connects with Toge & learns more about veils. He gains the intrigue of Suguru Geto a former student at Jujutsu High and friend of Gojo who’s gained a hatred of humans. Now a cursed human himself, Geto has teamed up with a band of fellow cursed humans who plan to reshape the world into their image. Geto & his group invade Jujutsu High to warn Gojo and the others about their planned war. The war is actually a front to isolate Yuta from everyone so Geto can steal Rika from him. 

After severely wounding Maki, Panda, and Toge, Geto fights Yuta who has learned better control of jujutsu sorcery as he fights. Meanwhile, Gojo and the other jujutsu sorcerers face Geto’s forces. Geto is shocked that not only can Yuta keep up with him but his skill increases to besting Geto. Now desperate, Geto prepares a final attack with all his curses while Yuta makes a sacrificial pact with Rika for his own final attack. Yuta successfully overpowers Geto severing his arm & nearly kills him. Geto escapes but is found by Gojo who thanks Geto for purposely not killing the students, Gojo in exchange made sure Geto’s allies escaped. The two reminisce over their past before as the battle concludes. Yuta is shocked to still be alive and apologizes to his classmates.

He attempts to keep his end of the pact, but is surprised by the sudden arrival of Gojo. Gojo confirms to Yuta that his earlier theory of the curse was true. Rika reverts to her human form and thanks a tearful Yuta for saving her as she departs for Heaven.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 wets the appetites of those waiting for the now confirmed 2023 release of season two by giving us more of what you loved from the anime. The animation is another class act from studio MAPPA who continues to do the source material justice. Character development for some fan favorite characters like Goro is pretty heavy while simultaneously establishing newer characters such as Yuta. I thought it was nice how even with it’s much darker tone compared to other shounen even at times bordering on seinen territory Jujutsu Kaisen still manages to find a sweeter message with 0’s tone. Everything else that you’d expect from a JJK project is present at a slightly amped up quality. Including the fight scenes and action sequences. 

THE BAD: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 on the surface appears to be nothing more than an extended OVA. However, it follows its source closely and provides excellent background for a handful of characters in the original series. If you aren’t particularly into bloody, gory anime then this nor the original may not be for you. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS: It isn’t the continuation we were hoping for, but Jujutsu Kaisen 0 satisfies by providing us with more of what we’ve come to expect from the series. It’s an excellent bridge for the next round of arcs that will likely be adapted by late season two or sometime in season three (maybe?). Otaku Dome gives Jujutsu Kaisen 0 an 85 out of 100.