Love is the most twisted curse of all. Satoru Gojo Jujutsu Kaisen 0. This review of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is spoilerfree. I have not read the manga so my understanding is solely based off the main series and its subsequent film. Because the film precedes the first season of Jujutsu Kaisen nearly anyone can enjoy watching it without feeling confused or lost. Perhaps the cursedenergy system could have been explained with better detail but for the most part the plot and its story were simple enough to follow. I did not have mega expectations for this film however I was quite surprised with the quality of the animation particularly the fight between Yuta Okkotsu and Rika Orimoto. I enjoyed most the interactions between the side characters and learning more about their history. The pacing although not awful is fanciful even by anime standards. I hate to make comparisons but whereas the film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train felt like a legitimate movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 felt more like a bunch of episodes conjoined together. The movie lacked a proper rhythmic flow which resulted in a stop and go feel. The soundtrack is not the most unique or inspiring however I enjoyed the music and thought that it complimented its action scenes quite well. The main protagonist Yuta is a child when he witnesses the brutal death of his young love Rika. The girl Rika lost her life in a tragic accident that has left Yuta with deeprooted psychological scars trauma and a powerful cursed spirit that is bound to him. In an effort to break this curse Yuta joins Jujutsu High an institute dedicated to the training and education of curse users. In terms of pure action the film lives up to its reputation. The brief moments of humor between side characters and the mystery of Yuta and his cursed spirit/lover Rika provides the anime with a human relatability. Particularly the question of love and the implications it may have if corrupted are symbolized by way of Yutas dead lover turned cursed spirit. Despite realistic themes of love death grief and healing the film lacks key elements. Most notable is the question of human mortality the antagonist Geto intends to unleash violent cursed spirits amongst normal humans. Such an act would kill thousands of innocent people. What believable reason or motivation is there for Geto to commit such an atrocity? In a brief flashback shared by Getos two younger companions it is revealed that in certain regions particularly in rural communities there exists a prejudice against jujutsu sorcerers. Similar to the real world preconceptions against an individual or group whose ideals or understanding opposes mainstream society can result in bullying and abuse. Regardless this backstory did not reappear nor was it elaborated on in more detail. I am not dismissing the meaning behind the memory however its significance does not justify a murderous event on such a largescale. The rationale is simply nonsensical and ultimately undermines Getos character as a villain and antagonist. The battle between Yuta and the antagonist Geto are perhaps the most defining moment within the film. Throughout the story Yuta is confronted with adversity primarily mental struggles caused by his cursed lover as well as within himself. As the story unfolds Yuta becomes close friends with side characters Maki Panda and Toge. Yutas training and his motivation to get stronger increases as well. Getos declaration of war should have triggered a training montage of the main/side characters or at the very least a type of preparation for the upcoming conflict. In the span of a week during which characters should have collected items learned additional skills or simply furthered their training absolutely nothing happened. The film dismisses this bracing period and skips to the battle between Geto and Yuta. The powerful sorcerer Geto who is also the antagonist of the main series is defeated by a rookie. Yes the audience wants to see the main character succeed but there is no satisfaction in seeing a hero defeat a powerful villain simply by the powers of friendship and love. I understand that there is only so much a movie can include due to time restraints. However another 20 minutes spent during the week of waiting would have benefited the film greatly. During this time I would have also included different memories between Yuta and Rika. The flashback of the two together on the playground and Rikas subsequent death quickly became too overplayed. The side characters Panda Toge and Maki were entertaining and I enjoyed every minute of their screentime. I only wish they had more impact on the overall story. Pandas comedic timing although refreshing quickly became his only defining moments of the film. That and combined with his quick defeat against Geto were disappointing. Whereas Panda is the gag character Toge and Makis character development are much more progressive and impressionable. Toges understanding and sympathy for Yuta who suffers from anxiety reveals his kindness which is sometimes overlooked due to his cursed speech that forces him to have a very limited vocabulary. In the beginning Maki came off as insensitive and harsh. Later in the story Makis family background is revealed and as a result her achievements until that point are even more impressive. My only complaint is that these characters had little to no consequence on the main plot.