Demon Slayer S5 episode 5 recap and review - "To Bring a Smile to One's Face"

Wholesome smiles, hope, and an episode where we get to spend more time with one of the coolest Hashiras Tanjiro has the pleasure of training with.

In this episode, titled “To Bring a Smile to One’s Face,” Tanjiro starts his training with the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, after spending some time with Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. It’s an episode packed with action, lessons, and a touch of whimsy.

Let's take a more in-depth look at it, shall we? SPOILER WARNING: Please read at your own risk.

We kick things off with a high-octane training session. Tokito, the swordmaster, is putting the Demon Slayer Corps members through their paces, and the animation is as smooth and stunning as ever. Picture swift, flowing movements, and you've got the essence of this sequence. Tokito isn’t just about swinging swords, though. He drops some wisdom bombs, telling the trainees they need to keep moving no matter what, even if someone falls. It’s a nod to the lesser-known soldiers in the corps, giving them a moment to shine and reminding us all that every role counts.

The training is intense - like, collapse from exhaustion intense. The Corps members are practically begging Tanjiro for a break, but Tanjiro points out that Tokito is the one who's really feeling the burn. He’s training everyone on his own, with no rest, physically or emotionally. Talk about dedication!

As if daytime training isn’t enough, we learn that Tokito sneaks off to train with other Hashira at night. This nighttime sequence is a visual treat, even if it’s short, and it's a fun bit seeing Tokito, Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro practice and show off. The animation here really showcases Ufotable’s skills, with beautiful, albeit brief, scenes of Tokito pushing his limits.

Then things get even more serious as Tokito decides to try and make even more points as he ups the ante by switching to real swords instead of the wooden training ones. The trainees are understandably shaking in their boots, facing off against a swordmaster who’s mock-killed them countless times already. The tension is palpable, and it drives home just how dangerous the upcoming battles will be. But just when you think the episode is all blood, sweat, and tears, there’s a sudden, jarring shift. Tanjiro decides to challenge Tokito to... a paper airplane throwing contest. Yep, you read that right. The transition from intense training to a goofy, childish contest is a bit of a whiplash moment. It’s meant to be a bonding exercise, but it feels out of place given the high stakes.

Not to mention, I don't think airplanes are even a thing in the Demon Slayer universe.

Finally, as the episode wraps up, Tanjiro and Tokito sit down for a serious chat about Muzan Kibutsuji and the threat he poses. It’s a stark reminder of why Tanjiro is enduring all this training and why the Hashira are pushing themselves so hard. But it also highlights a recurring issue: the major threat of Muzan and his demons feels like it’s been pushed to the background.

In summary, "To Bring a Smile to One's Face" is a visual feast with incredible action and heartfelt moments. It's definitely a light-hearted and fun must-watch, and it keeps us eagerly waiting for what’s next. Catch it now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes dropping every Sunday!