The Garden of Sinners Chapter 3: Ever Cry, Never Life. (Remaining Sense of Pain)

The Garden of Sinners Chapter 3: Ever Cry, Never Life (Remaining Sense of Pain) is the third feature film installment in the acclaimed cinematic adaptation of Kinoko Nasu’s supernatural mystery light novel series, set against the backdrop of late 1990s Japan. This chapter pivots the focus away from the main protagonists, instead centering on Fujino Asagami, a seemingly ordinary high school girl who harbors extraordinary, yet suppressed, psychic abilities related to manipulation and distortion. The narrative is initiated by a profoundly traumatic event: Fujino is brutally assaulted by a local gang of delinquents in a dilapidated establishment. Shortly thereafter, she is discovered by Mikiya Kokutō, who provides temporary shelter, only for her to vanish the following morning. Simultaneously, a series of gruesome and inexplicable murders begin plaguing the city, linked directly to the location of her assault. As the investigation progresses, led partially by the film's regular cast members, it is revealed that Fujino suffers from congenital analgesia, an inability to register physical pain—a condition intentionally induced by her father to control her nascent psychic powers. The violence she experienced triggers a terrifying reawakening of her abilities, coinciding tragically with her body beginning to register pain, stemming ironically from an unrelated, life-threatening ruptured appendix. This confluence drives her descent into a ruthless quest for vengeance against her attackers, forcing a dramatic and high-stakes confrontation with the enigmatic supernatural investigator, Shiki Ryougi. The film masterfully explores complex themes of trauma response, the blurred lines between justice and retribution, identity formation through suffering, and the profound, often tragic, necessity of physical sensation. It is a mature, emotionally intense entry that solidifies the series' reputation for philosophical depth and haunting atmosphere.

"Remaining Sense of Pain" stands out as arguably the most emotionally raw and technically accomplished entry within the early parts of *The Garden of Sinners* film series. ufotable’s animation work is exemplary, utilizing dark, atmospheric color palettes and meticulous detail to enhance the psychological horror inherent in Fujino Asagami’s story. The action sequences, while relatively sparse compared to other chapters, are visceral and perfectly choreographed, showcasing Fujino’s terrifying power with fluid, impactful precision. Critically, the story pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the audience to fully grasp the depth of Fujino's trauma and her subsequent transformation; this slow burn effectively builds tension before the climactic confrontation with Shiki Ryougi. Maaya Sakamoto delivers a haunting dual performance as both Fujino and Shiki, capturing the immense psychological distress and simmering violence of the former with chilling accuracy. The film excels in thematic depth, offering a profound, objective critique on the necessity of pain for defining self and sanity, rather than merely using revenge as a plot device. The mature handling of difficult subjects like sexual assault and self-destruction is done without sensationalism, focusing instead on the characters' internal responses. This chapter is a technical triumph and a powerful piece of dramatic storytelling, reinforcing the series' reputation for sophisticated, adult-oriented anime.