Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014) Movie Review

 

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (Original title: Rurôni Kenshin: Densetsu no saigo-hen) | 2014 | 2h 14m
Genre: Martial Arts/Samurai/Action/Adventure/Drama/Fantasy | Country: Japan
Director: Keishi Otomo | Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki, Sean Whitley, Kiyomi Fujii
Cast: Takeru Satoh, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Emi Takei
IMDB: 7.5
My Rate: 9/10

Kenshin seeks to overcome his inner demons and master his master's final technique to defeat Shishio.  Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Tokyo, threatening to expose Kenshin's past and demanding his execution.

Warnings:

Contains violence and smoking

 

Synopsis:

Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), finally awakens after being found unconscious by his master, Hiko Seijuro (Masaharu Fukuyama). Kenshin is unaware of Kaoru's condition because only he was found on the beach. Setting aside his sadness, Kenshin asks Seijuro to teach him his final technique. Seijuro agrees and trains him through combat.

Meanwhile, Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara) has arrived in Tokyo and meets with Ito Hirobumi and several high-ranking government officials. Shishio threatens to overthrow the government by revealing their past crimes to the public. However, Shishio says that this will not happen as long as Ito can capture Battōsai and execute him.

The hunt for Battōsai spreads throughout the country. Upon learning this, Yahiko and Sanosuke realize that Battōsai is still alive.  Kaoru also learns this after a woman gives her the cloth Misao gave her. Yahiko and Sanosuke take turns caring for Kaoru until she regains consciousness.

Misao arrives at Kenshin's hideout just as Kenshin is preparing to leave for Tokyo. Misao delivers news of Kenshin becoming a fugitive and that Kaoru is still alive. Kenshin appears more confident in his next step.

With the help of the Watchers, he finds a secret route to safely reach Tokyo. Although he is hindered by Aoshi, who wants to kill him, even causing the elder Watcher to lose his life. Kenshin arrives in Tokyo and is greeted by Megumi at the dojo.

It turns out that the Tokyo police have learned of Kenshin's presence and raid to arrest him. Kenshin surrenders without resistance. Ito tells Kenshin that he must do this to deceive Shishio. The plan for a public execution is announced throughout the country. Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sanosuke, upon reading the news, are shocked and rush to the execution site.

Kenshin is paraded, bound, and seemingly ready for execution. Unfortunately, Shishio is not at the execution site and is only represented by his subordinates.

Will Kenshin die without ever facing Shishio?

 

Review:

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends is the third film in the Rurouni Kenshin series. This film is not far removed from the second series, Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014). Released in the same year, it allows viewers to quickly learn the continuation of the second film, following its cliffhanger ending.

This third film not only shows intense battles between Kenshin and his enemies but also the internal battles within Kenshin himself. Viewers can see Kenshin's weaknesses in this film.  This film should be watched after the second film to understand Kenshin's feelings. Viewers can also see several implied messages in this film, which can be understood from the dialogue delivered by the actors.

The story is presented systematically with good development of the background story. The conflicts and tension are quite diverse, and all of them make the audience hold their breath. Because the intrigue is truly adrenaline-pumping. We can see battle after battle showcasing their swordsmanship skills. The resolution is also done well and is touching.

The camera movement is also very good, clearly capturing the speed of the actors' movements. This makes the fight scenes more intense with clear details. The choice of sound effects and music is also very good, creating a cohesive and impactful whole.

The acting of the actors is certainly beyond doubt. With many scenes requiring strong stamina, they successfully deliver a captivating performance. The makeup used is also appropriate to the situation depicted. The CGI effects used are also quite good.

Overall, this film is definitely worth watching.

 

Memorable Scene:

In the fight between Kenshin and Sojiro Seta, Kenshin defeats Sojiro. Sojiro is truly devastated, because his belief that "strength wins, weakness dies" is shaken. Especially after Kenshin leaves him alive and advises him to continue searching for truth throughout his life.

In this scene, we can see the strong expressions shown by Sojiro. As well as the calmness shown by Kenshin. This scene truly leaves a deep impression. Especially with the intense fight between the two.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"Your own life is worth as much as any other."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)