Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death – The Movie

Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death – The Movie: A Cash Grab or a Necessary Recap?

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re expecting a brand-new Jujutsu Kaisen story with Hidden Inventory/Premature Death – The Movie, you’re in for a reality check. This 2025 film is just a compilation of the first five episodes of Season 2, repackaged for theaters. No new scenes, no secret plot twists—just the same arc you could binge on Crunchyroll for free. So why even bother?

First, let’s get the basics straight. Directed by Shota Goshozono and produced by MAPPA, the movie drops you right into the origin story of Gojo and Geto, the iconic duo whose friendship crumbles over the mission to protect Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel. For die-hard fans who already devoured Season 2, this is old news. But for casual viewers who might’ve skipped the arc or want a quick refresher before the next big season, it’s a handy recap. The animation is still top-tier—MAPPA’s signature fluid fight scenes and eerie curses look great on the big screen—but let’s be real: you’re not getting anything you can’t see at home.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the fan reaction. Head over to MyAnimeList or Reddit, and you’ll find a mix of eye-rolls and indifference. “Compilation movies are dirt cheap to produce—easy money for the owners,” one user rants, echoing a common sentiment that MAPPA is milking the Jujutsu Kaisen franchise like Attack on Titan. Others compare it to Demon Slayer’s movie strategy, where Ufotable stretched arcs into films instead of TV seasons. “It’s just a compilation movie,” defends another fan. “Other anime do this all the time. Let them earn some money for their hard work.”

But here’s the thing: compilation movies aren’t new. Naruto, Bleach, and countless others have done it. The problem? Jujutsu Kaisen fans are starved for fresh content. After the intense Shibuya Incident arc, they’re craving new storylines, not a retread of Gojo and Geto’s past. “There’s zero reason to ever watch these sorts of things unless they add previously unaired scenes,” a user complains. And they’re right—without extra footage, the movie feels like a cash grab.

That said, the film isn’t a total loss. For newcomers, it’s a perfect entry point to Season 2’s backstory. The arc itself is crucial: it explains why Geto turns evil and sets up Gojo’s emotional journey. Seeing it in theaters might make the tragic moments hit harder—like Riko’s death or Geto’s descent into darkness. Plus, the “Juju Stroll” shorts included in the film add a fun, lighthearted break from the drama.

But let’s be honest: the real issue here is MAPPA’s reputation. The studio has faced backlash for overworking animators and rushing projects, so a compilation movie feels like a lazy move. “MAPPA is now much more excited and motivated by this franchise than the author himself,” a fan jokes, referencing Gege Akutami’s infamous “I’m tired” comments about the manga. It’s hard not to see this as a way to keep the Jujutsu Kaisen train rolling while the manga wraps up.

So, should you watch it? If you’re a completionist who needs every piece of Jujutsu Kaisen content, sure. But if you’re looking for something new, save your money. This movie is a reminder that even the best franchises can fall into the trap of milking their success. As one fan puts it: “We will be there. Let the other bozos cry about it.” But for many, it’s just another example of how anime studios prioritize profit over creativity.

In the end, Hidden Inventory/Premature Death – The Movie is a harmless recap, but it’s not essential. It’s a cash grab, yes, but it’s also a sign of how much Jujutsu Kaisen means to fans—they’ll show up no matter what. Just don’t go in expecting magic.

Final Verdict: 3/5 stars. Skip it if you’ve seen Season 2; watch it if you’re new or need a refresher. But let’s hope MAPPA has something better up their sleeve for the next installment.