REVIEW: “Solo Leveling: ReAwakening”

REVIEW: “Solo Leveling: ReAwakening”

December 2nd, 2024

Haylie Baker

Survival of the fittest is one of mankind’s most universal truths, and this is especially true in Solo Leveling: ReAwakening. The upcoming 2024 film offers an engaging retelling of Season 1 while previewing the action-packed developments of Season 2, treating fans to the first two upcoming episodes. Based on Chungong’s original manwha and its anime adaptation, Solo Leveling: ReAwakening is an exciting experience for new and returning fans of the franchise.

From the perspective of a viewer who’s less familiar with this franchise, I found the film to be an entertaining introduction. The appeal of Solo Leveling: ReAwakening is clear: it’s a prime example of the isekai genre and common powerscaling tropes, it knows its audience. In this world, ten years have passed since gates, the bridges between this dimension and another, first appeared. Simultaneously, humans known as hunters began to “awaken” with newfound superpowers to vanquish the dungeons within the gates, braving danger to make a living. Hunters are classed from weakest to strongest, with Sung Jinwoo being nicknamed “The World’s Weakest Hunter.” Once awakened, the ability of hunters is set, meaning they cannot be leveled up or improved upon over time. However, this rule unexpectedly changes for Jinwoo. After being trapped in a double dungeon, a high level dungeon veiled by a low level dungeon gate, Jinwoo suffers severe injuries. Whilst on the brink of death, a quest window suddenly appears. Jinwoo accepts the quest it offers, making him the only person in the world capable of leveling up.

The film is immediately attention grabbing as it opens with an intense fight sequence, immersing viewers in the high stakes environment right from the start. It soon after gives a brief explanation of the world and its dynamics, a helpful introduction for newcomers that doesn’t go too in depth for returning fans. From there, the film recaps the events of Solo Leveling Season 1, and once caught up, smoothly transitions into the beginning of Season 2.

For an isekai that doesn’t stray too much from its common tropes, Solo Leveling: ReAwakening uses this to its benefit. Viewers aren’t left to question whether Jinwoo will be able to defeat his enemies, but rather, by how much and what means. Even with predictable victories in sight, every fight feels so satisfying to watch as Jinwoo faces new challenges that he must overcome before he can triumph. Solo Leveling: ReAwakening explores themes of overcoming adversity through Jinwoo’s journey starting out as the weakest hunter to becoming stronger with every fight. The fighting sequences are executed beautifully with the film’s high quality art style and music, significantly enhancing the experience. Solo Leveling: ReAwakening is set to debut in North American theaters this Friday, December 6th, with high expectations of introducing new fans to the franchise while captivating returning fans, all in one epic theatrical release.

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Haylie Baker

Haylie Baker is an anime and cartoon enthusiast with a background in creative writing and character design. Some of her favorite titles include FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aside from animation, she enjoys comics, graphic novels, and writing her own stories. She also has a fluffy white cat named Oliver that likes to meow at her while she works.