Rurouni
Kenshin: Origins (Original title: Rurôni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku romantan) |
2012 | 2h 14m
Genre:
Martial Arts/Samurai/Action/Adventure/Drama/History/War | Country: Japan
Director:
Keishi Otomo | Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki, Kiyomi Fujii, Keishi Otomo
Cast:
Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Yû Aoi
IMDB:
7.4
My
Rate: 9/10
Legendary samurai Battōsai, Himura Kenshin, reappears after 10 years of hiding, but the world isn't as improved as he'd hoped. The villainous businessman Kanryū manipulates samurai, and his henchman Jin-e commits brutal murders under Battōsai's name.
Warnings:
Contains
violence, drug use, suicide, smoking, and alcohol.
Synopsis:
Battōsai
(Takeru Satoh) sheathes his sword after a victorious battle, signifying the
dawn of a new era. However, his sword is found by Udo Jin-e (Kōji Kikkawa), a
surviving samurai. Battōsai disappears and begins a new life as Himura Kenshin.
Brutal
murders in Tokyo are attributed to Battōsai, though police chief Hajime (Yosuke
Eguchi) suspects the arrogant businessman Kanryū (Teruyuki Kagawa).
Kenshin,
seeing a Battōsai wanted poster, is attacked by Kaoru (Emi Takei), heir to a
kendo school whose reputation has been tarnished by the false Battōsai. Kaoru realizes Kenshin isn't the killer.
Meanwhile,
Megumi (Yū Aoi), an opium maker working for Kanryū, escapes to the police
station after witnessing the brutal murder of her colleagues. Jin-e (the false
Battōsai) attacks the station, killing officers. He encounters Kaoru and intends to kill her
after a duel, but Kenshin arrives in time, and they escape
Kanryū
tries to seize Kaoru's dojo, sending men to destroy it. Kenshin intervenes,
fighting with his reverse-blade sword (Sakabato). Though he saves the dojo, he's imprisoned.
Hajime
frees Kenshin and asks him to join the army.
Kenshin, having vowed never to kill again, refuses and returns to the
dojo. However, the brutal murders
continue, shaking Kenshin's resolve.
Will
Kenshin keep his promise or kill again?
Review:
Rurouni
Kenshin: Origins is a live-action adaptation of the popular manga series
"Rurouni Kenshin" (known as "Samurai X" in some regions).
The story focuses on the aftermath of the war in early Meiji-era Japan, where
Battōsai chooses to stop killing and leaves his sword on the battlefield.
The
story is presented systematically and easily understood, even for those
unfamiliar with the manga. The
characters and their backgrounds are well-developed. The conflicts are
well-crafted and exciting, and the resolution is satisfying and emotionally
resonant.
The
camera work is crucial, especially during the fast-paced action sequences. The fights are captured and presented well,
enhanced by appropriate music and sound effects.
While
some makeup or acting might seem exaggerated, it doesn't detract from the
enjoyment. This is likely due to the
adaptation from a manga, where the reader's imagination needs to be considered.
The
acting is excellent, especially Takeru Satoh's captivating performance. He underwent special sword training to
portray Battōsai convincingly. The
supporting actors are equally impressive.
Action
fans will appreciate the intense action sequences, particularly during the
conflicts. However, humorous moments are
interspersed with the tension. For
example, Sanosuke and one of Kanryū's underlings take a break to eat and drink
wine during a fight.
Overall,
this film is a successful adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. Fans of the manga should definitely watch it,
despite some differences and adjustments in the story.
Memorable Scene:
Kenshin
witnesses a police officer's grieving wife after her husband's brutal
murder. This triggers Kenshin's
repressed memories of a victim's grieving loved one, highlighting the emotional
turmoil that led him to stop killing.
Memorable
Dialogue:
"I have abandoned my past. I will kill no more."
Ending:
Happy
Ending
Recommendation:
Must
Watch
(Aluna)
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