That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Guren no Kizuna Hen

Movie Review: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bond

A Fun but Divisive Addition to the Slime Universe

If you’re a fan of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, you’ve probably already heard about Scarlet Bond, the franchise’s first movie. Released on November 25, 2022, this film takes place between the second and third seasons, diving into a fresh adventure with Rimuru and his crew. But is it worth the hype? Well, the internet seems split—some love it, some call it “mid,” and others are just happy to see more slime content.

What’s the Story?

The movie follows Rimuru and his allies as they get tangled in a conspiracy in Raja, a small country west of Tempest. Without spoiling too much, expect political intrigue, new characters (including a flame demon who’s either a clown or a badass, depending on who you ask), and, of course, Rimuru being his usual overpowered self.

Fans of the series will recognize the familiar mix of action, humor, and world-building, but Scarlet Bond also introduces a standalone plot that doesn’t heavily impact the main storyline. This has led to debates about whether the movie is “canon” or just a fun side story.

The Canon Debate: Does It Even Matter?

One of the biggest discussions online is whether Scarlet Bond fits into the official timeline. Some fans argue it’s “anime canon” (meaning it aligns with the anime’s continuity but not necessarily the light novels), while others dismiss it as pure filler.

Here’s the thing: the movie was written by Fuse, the original author, which gives it some credibility. But as one Reddit user pointed out, “Just because it’s written by the author doesn’t mean it’s automatically canon.” Others compared it to Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale, another movie that later got integrated into the main story.

Personally? If you’re the type who obsesses over lore, you might nitpick inconsistencies (like the Oni’s backstory). But if you’re just here for a good time, the movie delivers—even if it doesn’t revolutionize the franchise.

The Good, the Bad, and the “Meh”

The Good:
– Animation & Action: The fights are slick, and the animation quality stays top-notch.
– New Characters: Hiiro, the flame demon, is a standout—some love his theatrics, others find him over-the-top.
– Rimuru Being Rimuru: If you enjoy watching our favorite slime outsmart everyone, you won’t be disappointed.

The Bad:
– Predictability: A lot of fans called the plot “by-the-numbers.” If you’ve seen enough anime, you’ll guess most twists early.
– Pacing Issues: Some scenes drag, especially in the middle. One viewer even admitted they fell asleep during a fight scene (ouch).
– No Major Stakes: Since it’s a side story, nothing game-changing happens.

The “Meh”:
– The Ending: Without spoilers, it wraps up a little too neatly. One fan joked it felt like a Disney “happily ever after” moment.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Skip It?

The MyAnimeList forums were buzzing with mixed takes:
– “It’s not canon, but it’s still fun!” – A common sentiment. Many fans enjoyed it as a standalone adventure.
– “Why waste time on filler when we could get Season 3 sooner?” – A fair point, but hey, the movie did confirm Season 3 at the end, so mission accomplished?
– “The villain was like a mix of a clown and Batman’s Penguin.” – Honestly, that sounds amazing.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a die-hard Slime fan, Scarlet Bond is a fun ride—just don’t expect it to blow your mind. It’s more of a “bonus episode” than a must-watch.

But if you’re new to the series? Skip this and start with the anime. The movie assumes you’re already invested in Rimuru’s world, so it won’t hit the same without context.

Rating: 7/10 – Solid entertainment, but not essential.

What do you think? Did the movie live up to the hype, or was it just glorified filler? Drop your thoughts in the comments!