Rurouni Kenshin review

Story: Japan during the early years of the Meiji Era. Kenshin Himura is a wanderer with unresolved past. During the last days of the Togukawa era, he is known as Hitokiri Battousai(drawn sword assassin) because of his unparalleled swords skill and technique.

Review: I have been a fan of the anime since the mid 90's during the trend of anime fandom. I have read the manga(comics) version but I was able to watch all 95 episodes especially the Shishio story arc, it's movie, and the two OVA(original video anime) which is the mini-series that shows his past as Battousai and the Enishi story arc. So I can safely say that I am the right person to review this movie in my own perspective as a fan.

I almost lost hope that this movie will be shown locally here in the Philippines. Especially if the movie is going to be screened to selected countries. Even though the movie is under the Warner banner, it is produced by its Japan branch. Despite the demand of the fans here, you have to think its commercial value. You don't doubt the local fans will watch but will it also attract newer audience as well.

Back to the movie. If you have seen the trailer and the poster, you will probably have an idea of the story arcs that will take place in the movie. But it was given a different take on the four major story arcs of the series that was adapted in the movie and it is no carbon copy of the series.

As for the actors, the production made a good choice of the actors. They are able to act up the characters the anime fans grown to love and made part of their TV experience. Watsuki Nabuhiro, creator of Rurouni Kenshin, made a good choice for Takeru Sato to play the title role. The fans was not disappointed. He was known to play one of the Kamen Riders. Takeru was able to project Kenshin's mild manner behavior as well as his dark side as a feared assassin.

Emi Takei played Kaoru Kamiya, the owner of a dojo.  Emi can display a lot of courage as well as being a woman at the same time just like her 2D anime counterpart and much more cuter. Tanaka Taketo is a spitting image of Yahiko Myoujin. I am looking forward any developments regarding his character if ever there is a sequel.

Aoki Munetaka played Sanosuke Sagara. He also did justice playing the role. He was just as crazy in a funny way and tough. I was expecting Megumi Takani more older than Aoi Yuu who played the part in the movie. Aoi Yuu was seductive as well as beautiful but able to pull off her mysterious side.

Veteran actor Eguchi Yosuke played Saito Hajime pretty well. He was described as the Japanese version of Kurt Russell when playing this role. Saito is a lone wolf who has a honorable code of a samurai which is "Kill evil instantly". Saito Hajime is one of the characters patterned from a real life counterpart of the same name.

Jine Uodo is one of the fiercest opponents Kenshin ever faced. Played by another Kamen Rider actor Kouji Kikkawa. Kouji played Jine so cool for a villain. Just like in any anime or manga, villains are just as handsome as the hero of the story and Jine is no exception to that rule. As Takeda Karyuu, the drug lord was played by Kagawa Teruyuki, he was not the exact likeness as his counterpart in anime but he also played the part with good detail.

There are other characters in the anime/manga that also appeared in the movie. In a restaurant, it was not clear if the character was Tsubame the waitress or Sekihara the manager who approached Kaoru. Yamagata and police chief Uramura are the only two characters that has the spitting image of their anime/manga counterparts. Yamagata also is a real-life character.

As for the fight scenes, I was disappointed. The movie was able to show the sword skills of Kenshin in good detail. Thanks to SM Cinemas for releasing Rurouni Kenshin in the Philippines.