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Imagine you wake up one day and monsters are suddenly pouring into your world through a window or “gate” (an experience not too dissimilar from, say, opening Twitter). Now imagine that this event triggers the development of supernatural gifts in people who are henceforth referred to as “Hunters.” The good news is that you’re one of them. The bad news is that you’re officially the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind with no hope of ever leveling up to grow stronger.
This existential crisis is where Jinwoo first finds himself at the start of the Korean anime series “Solo Leveling,” at least before a deadly encounter suddenly helps him advance and start growing much more powerful — something no other Hunter has the ability to do. The catch is that Jinwoo must now do the bidding of a mysterious power that assigns him new quests to complete no matter how dangerous or morally compromising they might be.
Approaching this review for the first theatrical release of the “Solo Leveling” saga, subtitled “ReAwakening,” is akin to an existential crisis of a different kind, because who is this for exactly? The first 80 minutes of the film are actually a recap of what’s come before, squishing all 12 of the 20-minute episodes from season one into a much tighter catch-up before leading into a sneak peek at the first two episodes of season two, which is due out in January 2025.
Anticipation for these new episodes is understandably high among anime fans. Chugong’s “Solo Leveling” has arguably become the biggest hanguk aeni (or Korean animation) success story to date, enjoying global acclaim with a first season directed by Nakashige Shunsuke (“Sword Art Online”) and stunning animation completed by A-1 Pictures. Yet anyone who’s actually excited to see “Solo Leveling: ReAwakening” has most likely watched season one already, which makes sitting through this new theatrical release a peculiar experience to say the least.
The opening credits rush through key plot points (and the entire premise in fact), summarizing those first two establishing episodes faster than Jinwoo is killed before reawakening with newfound strength. Strangely enough, his death at the hands of that demonic statue occurs before the film contextualizes what’s happening, although that’s not so much a problem for the majority of audience members who are likely coming to “ReAwakening” after already watching the show.
But if you’re new to this world, know that most of the season’s first half is brushed over in a recap where priority is given to later (and previously unseen) events. As such, “Reawakening” primarily focuses on the big battles Jinwoo finds himself in as he levels up further and figures out ways to play “The System” that controls him.
When seen on the big screen, sequences like the giant spider fight or the clash with Blood-Red Commander Igris are even more intense and cinematic than fans will remember from season one. Each slice of a limb or splash of blood is a thrilling spectacle whether you fully understand the story or not, so in that regard, “ReAwakening” is just as entertaining — if not even more so — for new fans experiencing Jinwoo’s training arc for the very first time.
This was the initial appeal of “Solo Leveling” in the early days: watching Jinwoo evolve from an earnest weakling into a formidable force via the kind of power progression fantasy that characterizes so many manga and video games alike. “Solo Leveling” smartly combines both with MMORPG-inspired mechanics that tap into the instant gratification that comes from gaining experience points and growing visibly stronger. But by skipping over most of the first half so readily, “ReAwakening” instead leans harder into the ethical concerns that came with this progression in the back half of season one, where Jinwoo’s new powers begin to confuse his moral compass.
Jinwoo’s descent into anti-heroic, even villainous territory is the real thematic meat of the show, so you’d think focusing on that would be to the film’s benefit. But by skipping over the initial thrust of the story so quickly, more screen time is devoted to the (otherwise intriguing) moral implications of Jinwoo’s journey without including the vital character work and motivation that’s needed to establish that development in the first place. Removing so much time with a sweeter, weaker Jinwoo dulls our sensitivity for him, because how are we supposed to empathize with his moral dilemma if we don’t sympathize with him in general?
“Solo Leveling: ReAwakening”The concept of combining a condensed recap and previews of what’s to come into a theatrical package has become rather popular in anime. Earlier this year, “Demon Slayer” released yet another film adaptation, “To the Hashira Training,” which proved that these strange amalgamations of old and new content can succeed at the box office, especially when they’re spun out of properties which draw such a large, obsessive fanbase. But the recap element is handled much better in the “Demon Slayer” films, which don’t have to establish a hero or navigate the kind of radical shifts that the first big screen iteration of “Solo Leveling” is forced to contend with.
And so we return to the question of who is this movie for? Or, for that matter, this review? Because none of these recap issues matter too much if you’re just seated for the first two episodes of “Solo Leveling” season two, which start rolling roughly 75 minutes into this movie. That’s when Jinwoo reunites with his sister Jinha, who barely recognizes her brother now that he’s so powerful. There’s some much welcome humor in these early scenes that bring a breath of fresh air after all the intensity that’s come before.
The series inevitably returns to more familiar territory when Jinwoo enters yet another gate; it seals off behind him, and carnage ensues against a snowy backdrop as our hero and his team are ambushed by Ice Elves. Cue: A blizzard of gore and brutality as Ice Bears show up and help to elevate the series’ already top-drawer action to new heights.
The introduction of these new antagonists also hints at some intriguing future developments regarding Jinwoo’s conflicted morality and where season two might be heading. Meanwhile, further surprises outside the gate suggest the wider context of this world will play a bigger role moving forward as well, promising exactly what you’d want from a second season, which is for everything to be dialed up and build upon what’s already been established. But is this small snippet of what’s to come enough to justify buying a ticket when fans can just wait another month or so to watch these episodes without sitting through the recap?
“Solo Leveling: ReAwakening” naturally ends on an unsatisfying note, which is to be expected given that the final scene of episode two was never intended to wrap up a two-hour movie. There’s fun to be had here, at least so long as audiences know what they’re getting — and what they’re not.
Grade: C+
Crunchyroll will release “Solo Leveling: ReAwakening” exclusively on IMAX on Wednesday, December 4, and in traditional theaters on Friday, December 6.
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