prehistory
Rurouni Kenshin is a manga created in 1994. Over time, it was also made into an anime series, and the final chapter was written in 1999. In 2012, director Keishi Otomo set out to make his own feature film using the manga as source material. Having experience in filming television dramas, Otomo invited dramatic actors to play the main roles. Kenji Saito, a member of Donnie Yen's stunt team, was hired as the fight choreographer. Did everyone manage to cope with their tasks and please both avid fans and viewers unfamiliar with the original?
Plot/Characters
For those who have read the manga or watched the anime, the plot of this movie revolves around Kanryu. The plot is quite close to the original, but some changes are still present. Those who are completely unfamiliar with the characters will have no problem getting into the plot, since it is not too complex, and the costumes match the original source. The plot fits well into the narrative, providing viewers with just the right amount of information to build suspense without being overly intrusive or preachy.
The characters are exactly as colorful and unique as they were in the anime. One of the most pleasant features of the film is that there is no exaggeration in it. All the characters look like ordinary people; there are no typical “failures” present in anime adaptations as such. All the roles were played conscientiously, and I quickly got used to the image of Kenshin played by Takeru Sato. Each of the actors fit into their role perfectly, and I did not have the slightest feeling that there was anything wrong with the casting. You'll learn more about the characters if you read the manga or watch the anime, but the film gives viewers everything they need to get to know the main characters.
Action/Choreography
Luckily, the combat in Rurouni Kenshin is just as good. The choreography combined with the speed creates a spectacular hyper-anime that I have never seen before. I wasn’t really able to understand how the creators managed to achieve such fast movements, but it fits very well with the style. Kenshin must move faster than any person, but at the same time believable. For this reason, some may not like what is happening, but anime fans will be happy. Kenji Saito did a great job, the choreography for each fight is unique and true to the characters, the fights are interesting and there are a lot of them. In my opinion, they were edited very well, however, I can understand why some might not like them.
Buy, watch, skim through, or ignore?
Will you enjoy watching the movie "Rurouni Kenshin"? It depends on whether you are familiar with the topic. Anime fans will, for the most part, enjoy it and rewatch it from time to time, which is exactly what anime adaptations should be. Others will enjoy the film on its own, although some moments are a little “straining.” In essence, "Rurouni Kenshin" is a film about a man who is haunted by his past, which is what became the key to its success as a whole. Unique fights and a coherent plot are the reasons why this film should not be missed.
Conclusion: buy
Author: K.Miller
Source: martialartsmoviejunkie.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
Special thanks to Kelly for the review. ;)
Trailer
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Tags: Rurouni Kenshin, Go Ayano, Keishi Otomo, Kenji Sato, Munetaka Aoki, Takeru Sato, Amy Takei, Yu Aoi
Tags: Rurouni Kenshin, Go Ayano, Keishi Otomo, Kenji Sato, Munetaka Aoki, Takeru Sato, Amy Takei, Yu Aoi
News has emerged that the film adaptation is going to be turned into a trilogy.
It’s already on the root tracker with both subs and voice acting. :)
Han rey, where did you download it?
The film is wonderful! I haven't had this much fun for a long time! Colorful, beautifully filmed, beautiful actors, beautiful fight choreography! And this despite the fact that the actors are not fighters at all! I am a fan of the anime series - and the film, in my opinion, is very worthy. In general, I highly recommend watching it (at the level of "Shinobi: Heart Under the Blade"). :)
I've been waiting for this movie for a long time, I'll check it out soon))))