Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- features a catch-up recap of the first season coupled with an exclusive sneak peek of the first two episodes of the highly anticipated second season in one momentous theatrical fan experience.
Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- serves as a condensed retelling of the first season of the anime Solo Leveling, complemented by a sneak peek at two episodes from the upcoming Season 2. Directed by Shunsuke Nakashige, this film compresses a vast and engaging narrative into a 120-minute format. While it offers a visually appealing experience with some exciting action sequences, the brisk pace and heavy condensation may leave both new viewers and long-time fans wanting more.
For those unfamiliar with the Solo Leveling universe, the film introduces the story of Sung Jinwoo, once dubbed the weakest hunter in a world ravaged by dangerous "gates" that open portals to other dimensions. These gates unleash terrifying monsters, and hunters—humans with extraordinary abilities—are the only defence against them. Jinwoo’s journey from an underwhelming hunter to the most powerful in the world is the core of the narrative. His transformation is sparked by a mysterious "system" that grants him the unique ability to level up—a power no other hunter possesses. This ability sets him on a path to unlock greater strengths, face terrifying monsters, and uncover the deeper mysteries of the world around him.
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©Solo Leveling Animation Partners
The film’s format—condensing twelve 25-minute episodes into just under an hour and a half—is undoubtedly ambitious, and the result is a story that feels accelerated, sometimes to its detriment. The film focuses primarily on the action, with the quick pacing glossing over critical backstory and character development that made the first season of the anime so captivating. As a result, newcomers to the series may find themselves struggling to fully grasp the motivations of the characters or the significance of the world-building. While Solo Leveling’s premise is engaging, the lack of thorough explanation leaves key elements feeling rushed and underdeveloped.
For existing fans, Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- functions as a nostalgic refresher, rekindling the excitement of the first season with the added bonus of glimpsing the future events of Season 2. It serves as a bridge between the two seasons, reconnecting viewers with Jinwoo’s journey and hinting at the new challenges he will face. The two new episodes from Season 2 are a treat, offering tantalizing hints at what’s to come, though they also highlight just how much more the series has to offer than what is provided here.
The film’s world-building is one of its strongest aspects, particularly the depiction of the Hunter culture and the economic implications of dungeoning. The world Jinwoo inhabits is one where hunters risk their lives not only for personal glory but also to support their families. Jinwoo’s concern for his mother and sister adds an emotional layer to his character, distinguishing him from other anime protagonists who are typically driven solely by personal growth or revenge. This focus on the economic reality of being a hunter is a refreshing departure from the typical "hero’s journey" formula, adding a grounded dimension to the story.
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©Solo Leveling Animation Partners
The pacing, however, presents a challenge. While the animation by A-1 Pictures and motion graphics by Production I.G. remain visually stunning, especially during action sequences, the swift narrative progression leaves little room for the story’s depth to unfold naturally. The film’s accelerated pace makes it difficult to settle into the story, especially for those new to the series who are unfamiliar with the lore and character dynamics. This makes it harder to fully immerse oneself in the world of Solo Leveling, as it feels more like a fast-paced highlight reel rather than a cohesive narrative experience.
In terms of character development, the film touches on Jinwoo’s transformation but doesn’t delve deeply into the nuances of his growth. His initial weakness is a compelling starting point, but the rapid progression of his powers means that viewers don’t get the time to see the gradual buildup of his abilities and the internal struggles that come with them. The changes to his personality as he levels up are evident, but the emotional weight of these changes is lost in the rush to keep up with the plot.
One of the more fascinating elements of Solo Leveling is the integration of RPG mechanics into the story. The game-like elements, such as the quest windows and levelling system, are seamlessly woven into Jinwoo’s daily life. This constant reminder of the game's influence on his existence enhances the sense of immersion and adds an extra layer of tension, as viewers are reminded that Jinwoo’s journey is not just about combat but also about his progression within a system he doesn’t fully understand. This concept is an interesting commentary on the way in which humans can become so deeply involved in systems that dictate their lives, often without questioning the broader consequences.
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©Solo Leveling Animation Partners
The action sequences are one of the highlights of the film, with Jinwoo’s increasing strength translating into increasingly impressive feats of combat. The animation quality improves as Jinwoo levels up, creating a sense of progression not only in his powers but also in the technical aspects of the animation. The increase in speed and intensity of the action sequences is particularly striking, making the fight scenes a visual spectacle. This approach to animation helps convey the sense of Jinwoo’s growth in a way that feels both satisfying and engaging.
However, despite these strengths, Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- struggles to fully capture the essence of the series due to its condensed format. The editing leaves many moments feeling disjointed, with entire sections of the story feeling rushed or unexplained. For viewers who have not watched the first season, this film may not serve as the ideal introduction to the series. The lack of exposition and context leaves the world of Solo Leveling feeling shallow and underdeveloped, making it difficult for newcomers to get invested in the stakes of the story.
For fans already familiar with Jinwoo’s journey, Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- offers a thrilling recap of the key moments of the first season while setting up anticipation for the upcoming second season. The two new episodes from Season 2 provide a tantalizing preview of what’s to come, but they also emphasize how much more the story has to offer beyond the confines of this condensed movie format.
©Solo Leveling Animation Partners
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will release Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- in cinemas in New Zealand on December 5
Runtime: 120 mins
Language: Japanese with English subtitles & English dub