'Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato' Is Amply Pleasing, but Doesn't Reach New Heights

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato is an anime film that serves as continuation of the 2016 anime TV show.  It’s set six months after the events of that 12-episode series, and follows the Kabaneri (half-man, half-Kabane) Ikoma and Mumei, along with their friends in the armored train Kōtetsujō, as they stop by the town of Umato to aid with the efforts of ridding it of the Kabane (iron-hearted zombies) before they can proceed with their journey back to Aragene Station.

With the operation finally entering its final stages, what’s only left to do is to launch an assault at the Kabane-held hilltop castle overlooking the town.  And with the Narukami – an armored train with a giant canon mounted on it – on hand to shell this last enemy stronghold, it seems like victory is certain.  However, this could actually end up being a tough undertaking for Ikoma and Mumei, considering that they not only have to deal with Kabane displaying atypical, strange behavior, but with the prejudice and arrogance of the Federal Forces as well.

There’s an argument to be made about Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress being just an Attack on Titan knockoff.  Nevertheless, even though the latter part of the series definitely turned out being a mess, I became genuinely fascinated with its steampunk/feudal Japan/zombie genre mashup of a premise (especially early in the series), and really grew fond of the Kōtetsujō crew.  Thus, I did desire to see more of this anime, and was delighted that a sequel movie has been released this year.

It was already more than three years ago when I watched the series, though, so while watching the movie, it took me a while to get reacquainted with the ensemble and remember why I got to like them in the first place.  However, when I finally get into the groove of their chemistry once again, I was able to enjoy this movie more thoroughly.  The film also started with an exciting action sequence, so it had me going until then.

As a whole, the action in this film is pretty good.  There’s rush to be had from several high spots.  Crisp, clean, gorgeous animation brings this about, satisfying well on this end of the production.

On the other hand, the script is somewhat derivative.  Story beats are predictable.  There’s nothing in it that can make one go, “Hey, that’s clever!”  However, the consolation is that the execution of these clichés is solid enough that it avoids getting boring.

Lastly, for what it’s worth, the dance scene during the end credits is quite cute, a lot of fun, and weirdly not uncharacteristic.

All in all, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato will amply please – especially sakuga-wise – those who have seen the original series and would want to see more of it.  However, disappointment may also be the ensuing sentiment for those who are hoping that this would serve as a second chance for the property to do something great with its cool premise.