Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014) Movie Review

 

Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (Original title: Rurôni Kenshin: Kyôto taika-hen) | 2014 | 2h 18m
Genre: Martial Arts/Samurai/Action/Adventure/Drama/Fantasy | Country: Japan
Director: Keishi Otomo | Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki, Sean Whitley, Kiyomi Fujii
Cast: Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Tatsuya Fujiwara
IMDB: 7.5
My Rate: 9/10

Kenshin must abandon his peaceful life and fight again when Makoto Shishio emerges, aiming to overthrow the Meiji government.  Kenshin doesn't realize this fight will cost him his Sakabato sword and endanger Kaoru.

Warnings:

Contains violence, smoking, and alcohol.

 

Synopsis:

Saito (Yōsuke Eguchi) is tasked with apprehending rebels in Kyoto, but they're led by the formidable Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara), who slaughters Saito's entire squad.

Shishio, a former assassin like Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), harbors a deep grudge against the government for betraying him.  After killing numerous enemies, he's nearly killed and burned by another assassin working for the government, but survives with grievous injuries.

Okubo (Miyazawa Kazufumi), a high-ranking official in the new government, asks Kenshin to fight Shishio.  Kenshin hesitates, but after witnessing Okubo's death and the killing of innocents, he reluctantly agrees to go to Kyoto.

Meanwhile, a mysterious man who try to find Kenshin attacks Sanosuke, but Megumi arrives to help.  Kaoru, feeling uneasy, follows Kenshin to Kyoto with Sanosuke and Yahiko.

Kenshin encounters Misao, who attempts to steal his sword.  They encounter a child whose family was murdered by Shishio's men as a "welcome" gesture for Kenshin.  Sojiro Seta appears and takes Kenshin to Shishio.

Kenshin challenges Shishio to a duel, but Shishio insists Kenshin fight Sojiro Seta first.  Their intense battle ends with Kenshin's Sakabato breaking in two.

Kenshin seeks Arai Shakku, his former swordsmith, but he's deceased.  Arai Seiku, Shakku's son, initially refuses to forge a new sword.  This changes when Seiku's child is kidnapped by Cho.

Kenshin rescues Seiku's child, fighting with his broken sword. Seiku gives Kenshin his father's final creation – the original Sakabato.

Cho informs the police of Shishio's plan to burn Kyoto.  Kenshin, Saito, Kaoru, Yahiko, and the Watchers prepare to stop him, but this is a ruse to mask a larger plan.

Will Kenshin succeed in thwarting Shishio's scheme?

 

Review:

Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno isn't directly connected to the first film, allowing viewers to watch it independently.  However, watching the first film enhances the experience.

The story is systematic and easy to follow. The characters and their backgrounds are well-explained.  Shishio's introduction is compelling, creating intrigue.

The conflicts are well-built, starting with smaller conflicts that escalate to a major confrontation.  The resolution is well-done, leaving a memorable mystery.

The music and sound effects enhance the action sequences.  The fights are intense, showcasing Kenshin's skills more prominently than in the first film, as he faces stronger opponents.

The acting is excellent across the board.  Even the child actor delivers a powerful performance, conveying grief convincingly.

Overall, this film is a must-watch for fans of the Rurouni Kenshin series.

 

Memorable Scene:

Kenshin receives a new sword from Seiku during his fight with Sawagejo Cho.  Kenshin, unsure of the sword's type, experiences internal conflict.  He draws the sword and defeats Cho with one strike.

This scene portrays Kenshin's mixed emotions, especially upon realizing it's a reverse-blade sword.  It shows a mix of relief and guilt as his killer instincts briefly resurface.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"Kill first … before they kill you."

 

Ending:

Cliffhanger

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)