Live-Action Rurouni Kenshin Movie Review

Title: Rurouni Kenshin / るろうに剣心
Director:  Keishi Ohtomo
Starring: Takeru Sato, Emi Takei, Koji Kikkawa, Yu Aoi, Munetaka Aoki, Yosuke Eguchi
Genre: Drama, Action
Country: Japan
Released: 25.08.2012

Plot: Former legendary assassin Kenshin Himura (Takeru Sato) has now become a wandering samurai. Offerring aid & protecting those in need as atonement for his past deeds. During this time Kenshin Himura comes across and aides Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei). Her father opened the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu, a kendo school located in Tokyo and Kaoru is now an instructor there. Kaoru then invites Kenshin to stay at her dojo. Their relationship develops further, but Kenshin is still haunted by his violent past.

Review:
I finally watched it, the live-action adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. I’ve never ever anticipated an adapted movie from a manga or anime like I have with this one, true I wasn’t thrilled when I first heard the news, but when those stills emerged everywhere on the internet.. I was literally sold. Plus, Rurouni Kenshin is one of my all time favorite anime, I even rewatched the whole series almost 2 years ago.

So, what’s so great about this adaptation? Simply… Everything! For the fans, don’t worry the plot wasn’t changed to please other audience, this movie was done for you, and they sticked with the plot. The cast, I just can’t think of any better cast especially Takeru Sato, this guy nailed the role of Himura Kenshin, I swear every tiny details about Kenshin the wanderer or the ruthless Battousai was depicted brilliantly by Sato-san, and that Battojutsu stance (image above) might show you how good he was, and he instantly became one of my favorite Japanese actors after watching the movie. And so were the other cast, everybody was perfect for their roles. Now the action scenes, in the manga and the anime that was the most important part of the whole Rurouni Kenshin story, and so it is in this movie. The action choreography was insane, Kenshin (Takeru Sato) feels like he’s been animated or the animated Kenshin is brought to life… I swear..!

It won’t be enough talking about it, obviously I love it, not because I love everything about Rurouni Kenshin, it’s the first perfect adaptation I’ve ever seen. The cast, directing, the action choreography, music was a top notch too, so yes I highly recommend it.

Cast: 9/10
Action: 10/10
Music: 10/10