Rurouni Kenshin - The Movie

When I saw this film I had no idea that it was a series, in fact I had never even heard of the film, I just caught it at a friends house. I was utterly shocked at the shear quality of it, the action is superb, and while the actual story isn't great (nor is it bad by any means) the messages and thoughts it provokes are very impressive (i wont go into them here). As I said I had never heard of this before, I knew nothing about the film, but unlike many anime the story doesn't get confusing and you get a good feel for the history of the characters. The only bad thing that I can say about the film is the quality of the animation isn't as good as I've seen, but this doesn't really detract from the enjoyment, especially when you get dragged into the story. Top stuff.(8/10).

The americans may made animation commercial, but the japanese made it right. As a great addition to the Rurouni Kenshin series.

Rurouni Kenshin in itself is one of the best japanese animation series ever, combining history, adventure and awe-inspiring animation. The movie is also the same.

Kenshin meets a former assassin like himself and befriends him. Later, he realizes how different their paths were taken after they "retired". The showdown at the end is worth the movie. Fans will not be disappointed since most of their favorite characters will make an appearance.

This story is as amazing as the other OVA's and the Kenshin series. True, plenty of fans have had their differences over the two. But I disagree with any disrespect given to this movie.

This movie, compared to the first parts of the OVA (Trust and Betrayal for us pro-English/Japanese-handicapped folk) is closer in style and story to the Kenshin series. The animation is identical to the series though the voice acting cast is different since this movie predates the series by a few years.

From the flashbacks to Kenshin's assassin days to the fact that he's fighting the same battles a decade later, we see that Kenshin's determination to kill with his sword in his former days will never allow his more peaceful side a chance to really be at ease. As in the series... Kenshin's victims, or rather their friends and family, dog Kenshin's every step with either ideas of revenge, making him feel guilty about his deeds, or forcing him to confront impetuous adversaries in order to make things right.

Kenshin uses his reverse-blade sword to try to save himself and his opponents from deadly mistakes. But he finds out how hard it is to atone for such unspeakable bloodshed.

This movie is a little easier on Kenshin's personal life than Trust/Betrayal, but attentive viewers will share in Kenshin's deep frustration when so many subverse elements ruin his chances to make amends.

Samurai X the Motion Picture is a good movie but it wasn't as well done as Rurouni Kenshin the T.V. series. I watched this before the T.V. series, and was a bit confused as to who everyone was. This isn't really a problem and is easily fixed by watching the movie. An annoying aspect of the movie is the showing of one flashback seven times. Seeing the same scene over and over really got boring. The animation didn't seem as good as the T.V. series either, but was still pretty good.

I gave Samurai X the Motion Picture an 8, but it's really more of a 7.5. It's a good anime, but nothing seemed to make it special.

I judge movies and tv shows based on its emotional impact on me, and needless to say this was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had with a movie.. Just plain outright amazing, a very impactful and inspirational film.. Just when I'd thought I've seen everything from Rurouni Kenshin, I find this movie.. The soundtrack was outwright beautiful and heartwarming, the animation was second to none, and the fighting sequences were some of the best I've seen from any Rurouni Kenshin overall. I am so glad this film lived up to my expectations, definitely a must watch.