Review of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2

The use of cinematographic language in this season was truly splendid, to the extent that I feel it was a waste to use it on the plot of Jujutsu Kaisen. The Kaigyoku part was particularly noteworthy, with nuanced storytelling and thrilling action scenes. Almost every episode had its merit. Ep.25 (Kaigyoku) featured mini "haunted house" exploration, effortlessly created a suspenseful atmosphere with clever camera transitions. The battles in ep.28 (Kaigyoku: Shi), whether intense or ethereal, are all superbly executed. Ep.29 (Gyokusetsu) flawlessly matched camera and sound to reflect the shift in character mindset (Recall the transition from the sound of a shower to rain to applause?So neat!), and repeatedly used spatial relations (e.g. endless corridor) to capture the feelings of characters.

As the show transited into Shibuya Jihen part, audiences were continuously treated to creative visuals. Battles could be depicted in so many ways: it might be dazzling with endless rotations (ep.31), or breathtaking with a mix of dynamic and still moments (ep.33), or super imaginative with a combination of light, shadow, color, and symbols within confined spaces (ep.37). Of course, there were some disappointing moments as well - e.g. Itadori's battle in ep.32 was overly simplified and dull; the battle in ep.41 was cool, but filled with chaos and abstraction. Still, small failings wouldn't distract the audience from overall excellence; this season contributes a wealth of outstanding animation.

However, it's precisely due to the excellence in production that the flaws in the plot become more unbearable. Characters' levels could fluctuate unpredictably (for example, Nobara's performance in this season was very confusing, compared to her performance in last season). Characters' destiny were handled casually without apparent logic - bunch of characters appear and exit with a little fragments from their past - it's so hard for audience to empathize with them.

I believe that if the director and crew's talent were applied to a more thoughtfully crafted screenplay/manga/novel, we would see some truly exceptional anime. I'd still recommend this anime, but solely due to its cinematographic value.