Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012)

Rurouni Kenshin was the first manga I ever read. As an aspiring artist, I thought these books contained some of the coolest, bloodiest and most striking illustrations of samurai ever. When I could I would watch the anime on Cartoon Network, but just as I was getting into the franchise, and then the show was taken off of the Toonami block not long after. Nearly 10 years later, my interest in the franchise was rekindled when I happened upon the 2012 live action adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. The plot for this film follows the manga and anime's first story arc, however there was a departure from the originals in the story's presentation. Certain elements were omitted (namely the Oniwabanshū) for making a tighter story for film. That being said, the film delivered on what was most important, suitably exemplifying the essence of the story and it's characters in a live-action format. From the opening sequence, the film displays dynamic and adrenaline-charged choreography. Every fight sequence throughout the film is fast moving, the action never grows stale and is kept consistently compelling. The action direction here, in my opinion, is unparalleled. While contemporary Hollywood action films more often than not come across as disarrayed, incomprehensible CGI extravaganzas, each sequence in Rurouni Kenshin relies on an almost still camera, with little to no visual effects making for captivating, wonderfully choreographed, legible action sequences that are a feast for the eyes. A film like Rurouni Kenshin may leave you contemplating the anatomy of an action sequence, how exactly it's composed, the specific method behind its effectiveness. The filmmakers and actors on this film (specifically fight choreographer Kenji Tanigaki and Takeru Satoh as Himura Kenshin) were invested in representing the demeanors of their respective characters truthfully not only through their interactions with one another, but through their way of moving and reacting in an action sequence. Violence has the additional complexity of representing Kenshin's struggle with his former life as an assassin of the government, and his longing to lead the life of a wanderer without the draining weight of the lives he's taken shrouding him. To a choreographer, also known as an Action Director, designing a fight sequence can be more than just exciting violent titillation; it can be a valuable lens of which to view our characters. Going into this film, it would be fair to anticipate it to be another hackneyed, disastrous let down live-action adaptation of a manga, and maybe it doesn't work well enough for some purists, but I'm on the other end of the spectrum. Not only is Rurouni Kenshin a solid adaptation, it's a solid film in it's own right and succeeds on many levels. It stays faithful to the source material while succeeding on its own merits as a feature film. I watched this movie for the first time on a whim sometime last summer and was absolutely delighted.

If you are a fan of the manga or the anime, this movie will put a smile on your face. If you have never heard of Kenshin before but love action and swordplay, this fun movie will not let you down. Being a fan of the manga and the anime myself I was very skeptical of this film. The potential for it to be another overly cheesy, cartoonish live action movie was in the extreme. Thank goodness I was extremely wrong. What a joy it was to see this done right. The characters were presented in ways that were easily recognizable with the actors giving them just the right amount of charm. The action scenes were exciting: camera work and lighting superb. Plus, they didn't resort to showing the same punch or slash over and over within the fight (which is so overdone in Japanese cinema!) Can't wait for more!

So here we have a movie studio attempting a live action version of a manga/anime that is not only popular but well written. The last time I saw one it was the unwatchable Dragonball movie. This time I was actually surprised. Not only was the casting very well done but they managed to condense the first two arcs into one very good movie story line. The overall plot was very good and the movie is highly watchable. Many of the action scenes could have come directly from the manga/anime and in fact much of the dialogue is true to the source material. I checked the spoiler box only for the following parts. First I was highly pleased with Jin-e's look (to include hat and hair) and his eyes. The wasy they did the Shin no Ippo is great. It was nice to see Saito (woulda liked to see his trademark hair but that woulda been hard to say the least) and it was really nice to see a Gatotsu. I admit when I saw that I had a nerdgasm. Kenshin's Hitten Mitsurigi style is spot on. I love the effects that make him look like he has god like speed. The last duel ends just as it should. Few things I was miffed that didn't make it in. The Sekiehoutei was never mentioned for Sano's background. Yahiko's samurai background was tossed out. The epic manga/anime fight between Kenshin and Saito never really happened. They fought but ultimately I found the fight lacking. The Oni Waban group is NO WHERE to be found. No Hikijo, no Hanya, no anyone. No Aoshi Shinomri. I understand Aoshi will be in the sequels but I was disappointed not to have him in with Kanryu. When you first meet Sano he calls himself Sanoske rather than Zanza. Most of these are minor issues that I realize had to take a backseat to story and movie. Overall this movie was well done. Yahiko is brash as Yahiko. Karou is the same. It all works. Kenshin especially. I mean they really got into the dual identites of that character in the Jin-e fight. Well done. Its not easy to take a fantastic manga/anime and turn it into a live action movie but for anyone else who tries THIS is your bar. Its been set high so don't mess it up. Can't wait for the sequels and would LOVE a western release PLEASE!

The warrior who used to kill for a living, now sworn to not kill again even though circumstances make it compelling for him to do so.We follow the journey of a reformed killing machine who wanders the country using his skill to help the helpless. He is particularly pressed, upon stopping on a small village where a local mobster is ruthless in getting what he wants by oppressing the locals.The story revolves around the wanderer's past, his unique fighting skills but the struggle he faces trying to maintain an absolute oath of not killing again. The plight of a local girl who runs a sword training academy appeals to him. I particularly enjoyed the fighting scenes as they provide intensity without the Hollywoodian exaggeration.Therefore, beautiful cinematography, good dialogue, strong moral dilemma and superb action sequences makes this a winning cocktail.