Rurouni Kenshin : The Beginning (2021) Movie Review and Synopsis

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning | 2021 | 2h 17m
Genre: Martial Arts/Action/Adventure/Drama/History/Romance | Country: Japan
Director: Keishi Otomo | Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki, Keishi Otomo
Cast: Takeru Satoh, Kasumi Arimura, Yosuke Eguchi
IMDB: 7.4
My Rating: 10/10

Kenshin, a cold-blooded killer who carried out his duties to bring about a new era of government, began to waver in his purpose.  This was especially true after meeting Tomoe, who revealed his 'weak' side.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, sensuality, and smoking.

 

Synopsis:

Kenshin (Takeru Satoh) was an assassin who joined the Chosu clan to create a more peaceful new government. His task was to assassinate several politicians as ordered. However, Kenshin began to doubt his actions after an incident with one of his victims. Kenshin's humanity began to surface, threatening his performance.

One day, Kenshin accidentally met Tomoe (Kasumi Arimura) while having dinner. Tomoe was harassed by two men claiming to be soldiers. Kenshin, disliking this, intervened and defended her.

Kenshin encountered an assassin targeting him on his way back from the restaurant. A fierce fight ensued, ending with a final strike that killed the assassin. Tomoe, coming out to thank Kenshin, accidentally witnessed the event. She was splattered with blood and fainted.

Kenshin took Tomoe to his hideout in an inn. After the innkeeper helped clean and change Tomoe's clothes, Kenshin rested.  The next morning, Kenshin was surprised to find Tomoe had decided to stay at the inn and work there.

Rumors about Tomoe and Kenshin reached Katsura Kogoro, Kenshin's superior. Katsura warned Tomoe not to change Kenshin, sensing a shift in his attitude.

Tomoe spoke to Kenshin about his work as an assassin. Tomoe seemed to want Kenshin to stop killing, but Kenshin remained firm in his belief that his actions would bring about a better era.

A traitor was suspected within their clan. The Shogun learned of their plan and raided Katsura's hiding place. Katsura escaped, but Kenshin nearly got caught fighting the Shogun. Some time later, the Shogun raided Kenshin's hideout. However, Kenshin and Tomoe had already fled.

Katsura felt the situation was unsafe and planned to hide. Before doing so, he sent Kenshin and Tomoe to the countryside to hide. Katsura asked Tomoe to protect Kenshin and pretend to be his wife. Kenshin, having feelings for Tomoe, asked her to become his real wife. Tomoe agreed.

Although their life seemed idyllic, Tomoe seemed to have a hidden secret, especially after her brother, Enishi, suddenly appeared at their hideout.

Who is Tomoe really? Will their happy life last forever?

 

Review:

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is a film adapted from the famous manga "Rurouni Kenshin: Junchuhen" by Nobuhiro Watsuki. This is the fifth and final film in the Rurouni Kenshin film series. It was released shortly after the fourth film, and several clips had already appeared in Rurouni Kenshin: The Final.  Filming was even done simultaneously with the fourth film.

Although titled "The Beginning," depicting the early life and emergence of Battosai, this film feels fitting as the series finale. It serves as a conclusion to his life story and the beginning of a new one, answering all the hidden secrets for the viewers.

Unlike the other four films filled with intense action, this film still shows some exciting fights. However, a larger part of the story focuses on Kenshin's emotional journey. His interaction with Tomoe is touching, revealing another side of Battosai.

The series maintains consistency. The quality of the story and acting remains high from the first to the last film. Viewers will not be disappointed with the storyline, acting, or technical aspects. We also see the consistency of several scenes in this film that appeared as clips in previous films.

The story is presented systematically, with good development of the background story and characters. The conflicts are built gradually to a satisfying climax. The resolution is well-done, neat, touching, and connects to the opening of the Rurouni Kenshin (2012) film.

The acting of all the cast members was also excellent. Although I personally didn't particularly enjoy Kasumi Arimura's acting in the film Narratage (2012), her performance in this film was truly captivating. Her interaction and connection with Takeru Satoh were very well-established. Although there weren't many changes in facial expressions, it actually made the emotions felt by the character conveyed well. It was as if she gave life to the character she played.

The music and sound effects were also very well-chosen, fitting each scene perfectly. The camera movement and cinematography were also excellent. All the emotions shown by the actors were captured well and in detail.

Overall, this film is a must-watch as the conclusion to the Rurouni Kenshin film series. I personally fell even more in love with the portrayal of Kenshin's character.

 

Memorable Scene:

Tomoe and Kenshin became closer and more intimate after Tomoe revealed her hidden past to Kenshin. In that scene, Kenshin promised Tomoe to protect the happiness that had been stolen from her life. We can see Kenshin's sincerity in how he tightly embraced Tomoe while making that promise.

Through this scene, we learn that someone who appears cruel also has an unimaginable side, especially when it comes to someone they love and cherish. Kenshin seemed willing to give up everything just to live happily with Tomoe.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

"I will preserve him though it means my life"

 

Ending:

Sad Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)