REVIEW: るろうに剣心 (大友啓史) – Rurouni Kenshin (Otomo Keishi, Live-Action Film)

First Thoughts

Rurouni Kenshin is a manga from my childhood, so naturally when I heard about there being a live-action production in the works I was at first apprehensive. Overall, as a fan of the original material, I would say I wholeheartedly approve. However, I think this film has painted the story in a different light which to some could be upsetting, but for me I found it both interesting and exciting.

Characters and Plot

There are some characters that are original to the movie, and many of the initial arcs are condensed into one film plot. The result is a storyline that has different elements from different story arcs combined, such as Udou Jinei being in the employ of Takeda Kanryu as well as posing as the Battousai… while still being Udou Jinei.

Takei Emi as Kamiya Kaoru and Sato Takeru as Himura Kenshin

But perhaps what’s most different is the portrayal of Himura Kenshin. While the original character had already found a certain amount of peace within himself, this rendition of Kenshin presents a man who is more desperately trying to change and escape his old life so he wavers more. This is evident in the little differences from the film to the anime/manga. I actually liked how in the film Kenshin receives his characteristic red kimono from Kaoru, which in a way represented the start of a new life, a new identity.

Viewers might be surprised by the fact that this film sheds more light on Kenshin’s past as the Battousai in 2 hours than the entire anime series and the first half of the manga series, with a flashback scene that feels like it was taken right out of Tsuiokuhen (Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal). This, however, I think was a very smart move as it will help keep the character development tight over the course of what is planned to be a trilogy.

Despite these changes, the characterization of Kenshin could be not more spot on. Sato Takeru plays the role of Kenshin very well, and in more ways than one. Emotionally, he is able to lend a soft and gentleness to the character and yet bring out the calm and collected cool of a seasoned fighter, or break out the murderous yet quiet fury of the Battousai with ease. Physically, he is quite appropriate for the role as well. The actor’s breakdancing background lends itself well to the fighting choreography, making it seem natural, as it should be.

Action/Choreography

I was quite (read: very) happy with the choreography and stuntwork as it was entertaining and the film managed to maintain a very good balance of realistic combat and the heavily stylized action of the anime/manga. I personally loved the film version of the fight between Sanosuke and Kenshin, and its parallels with the legend of Yoshitsune and Benkei fighting on the bridge. Whether it was on purpose or not, I’ll give credit all the same!

They really kept viewers hanging for that Battoujutsu, but when they did dish it out at the end… it only succeeded in leaving everyone wanting more!

Final Thoughts

This movie may not be so accessible to those who are not largely familiar with the manga and/or anime (or are at least fans of Sato Takeru), for some of the characters make one a minor appearance and it might be difficult to follow otherwise. And given the limits of a feature-length film, some (read: all) characters’ backgrounds save for Himura Kenshin’s is lacking. For some it may be upsetting due to the inevitable omission of certain characters and/or events, most notably Shinomori Aoshi and the Oniwabanshu, but as long as one can keep track of all the characters it can serve as a pretty good introduction to the Rurouni Kenshin franchise.