The film " Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc" is a sequel to the TV anime "Chainsaw Man, " based on Tatsuki Fujimoto 's popular manga. The "Reze Arc" is the story of Reze and the protagonist, Denji, who appeared at the end of the TV series that aired from October to December 2022, and became a hot topic. However, it is also an episode in which the relationship between Aki Hayakawa and the angel devil changes dramatically. Aki hates demons, while the angel devil believes that "humans should die in pain." The famous scene in which Aki sacrifices himself to save the angel devil has also become a hot topic. We spoke with Shogo Sakata, who plays Aki Hayakawa, and Maaya Uchida, who plays the angel devil, about what went on behind the scenes during the filming.
◇The mysterious charm of the angel and the devil
- Hayakawa Aki, what is the appeal of "Reze" from the perspective of an angel and a devil?
To put it simply, I think it's like episode zero for Aki and the Angel Devil. Up until then, Aki had hated the Angel Devil, but after the "Reze" arc, they finally become a buddy team.
If Uchida-san had lived a normal life, they might not have become close. The same goes for Aki, Denji, and Power.
-What do you value most when acting?
Sakata's "Reze" arc takes place immediately after the battle with Samurai Sword, so it's a continuation of the previous arc. After Himeno-senpai's death, there is a slight change in his heart. However, it's not a huge visible change, just a slight change in the way he deals with others. I don't think it's good to change too much. He has always had a desire for revenge in his heart, and that hasn't changed, but I felt like he was only subtly changing. I got the impression that he still has a desire for revenge at his core, and that little by little other feelings are beginning to emerge.
Uchida: Angel Devils are basically lazy and unmotivated. Compared to other devils, they look more human, but they still have some devilish traits.
Sakata: It certainly is human-like, even though it does have wings.
Uchida is not kind to people and has given up completely. In the "Reze" episode, he is helped by Aki and begins to think, "I can trust this person," and kindness begins to show through. Although he had few scenes in the TV series, this becomes clear in the "Reze" episode.
Sakata-san and Uchida-san had no direction at all. It was amazing!
When Uchida brought in what she wanted to do, it was often approved as is, but in a test scene where she had to raise her voice, she got angry in a feminine way, so she was given direction to act a little more boyish.
--Are you conscious of making the Angel Devil look boyish?
Uchida-san is acting as if he is a boy. He is a beautiful young man.
Sakata-san is very handsome.
Even Uchida looks boyish when wearing a suit, and has a mysterious charm.
◇Impressed by the way they give it their all
--In the "Reze" chapter, there is a memorable scene where Aki saves the angel demon.
The scene where Uchida-san's Aki put all her strength into the performance was amazing! She struggled and tried again and again, and I was moved by the way she gave it her all.
It must be embarrassing for you, Sakata-san (laughs).
Uchida's dedication was palpable, and the finished video was amazing.
Sakata-san's Aki is exhausted from repeated battles, so I wanted to act as if I was squeezing out all the words, so I tried again and again. I used my throat too much and my voice cracked, which I'm sorry for causing trouble, but I felt a sense of accomplishment. It's strange when you see it in the cinema. You think, "Was it really me who felt this way?"
-What did you feel while working together?
Sakata: I'm not good at acting when I'm eating, but the scene where he's eating ice cream was so amazing that I wondered how he did it and tried to steal it. He's eating while talking, and the way he puts the ice cream in his mouth is so delicate. The nuances he puts into his lines are so vivid, and I tried my best not to be outdone by my senior. When I was recording with Uchida, I felt like an angel and a devil were there, and I was able to converse naturally.
Uchida-san is happy! I could sense the shadow in Sakata-kun's voice. The line in the car, "I can't do Denji," was powerful, and I felt like I could see Aki's shape. It was a lot of fun acting with him. Aki starts off by saying "No way!" to the angel devil, so the difference in their feelings was really conveyed. He was able to bring out the angel devil's feelings of "I don't really want to work or anything."
◇I want to play the rest of the story!
--By the way, there are many different demons that appear in the game, but if you were to become a devil hunter, which demon would you want to make a contract with?
Uchida-san is beaming! She was cute in the "Reze" episode. Not because of her abilities, but because she's cute as a pet.
Sakata-san is a violent demon. When I watched the "Reze" episode, I felt like I'd like to have an older brother like him. He has a sense of humor, and being around him seems like it would cheer you up.
--The Aki and Angel Devil episodes since "Reze" have also been popular. Do you want to continue playing them in the future?
I would love to play Uchida-san !
Sakata-san, the "Reze" episode received a huge response, and I actually saw it in the theater and felt everyone's passion. Of course, I would like to act in the sequel!
