Rurouni Kenshin Part III: The Legend Ends

I reckon you'll have at least seen the two movies before this one. So I don't consider it spoiling talking about things that happened before this movies events. Like the fact, that our main character swore to not kill anymore. Something difficult to hold up, especially if you consider how many people are out to get him.

After that cliffhanger from the previous movie, we do get an introduction to that character we saw at the end. And it's a pivotal character to say the least. Since I'm not aware of the Manga or Anime made before this, I can't compare anything. I do know that the dynamic of the movie works nicely. Also the action scenes are really well choreographed (like the previous one). It might be a bit too long with its running time, but it's still very entertaining

Keishi Otomo returns with the conclusion to the Kyoto arc, the writing and directing, and honestly everything with the production design holds up in Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends. The reason being that it was shot back to back with Kyoto Inferno which was the first part of this duology. I decided to watch this film a day after Kyoto Inferno because of how the story takes place immediately after as Kenshin recovers following losing Kaoru at sea, and that was the right choice to do. I don't have anything bad to say about the writing, it keeps the same level as Kyoto Inferno and the characterization as well. But one thing that I felt they fixed even more so than the previous movie was how they shot the dialogue and more drama sequences, the first film (Origins) had the tendency to not be engaging in the drama sequences but it feels like the director and actors got better with the experience, as with the previous film I found it engaging and The Legend Ends keeps up with engaging character interactions and dialogue. The scenes with Kenshin Himura and Hiko Seijuro were great, containing some of the best acting of the film. Tatsuya Fujiwara's performance as Makoto Shishio is another highlight in terms of acting. I'm glad Ryunosuke Kamiki who plays Seta Sojiro got more time to shine, especially in the fight sequences, the rematch was astonishing and epic like a lot of the fights are. There's one more character I want to write about and it's Saiko whom is important to the Kyoto duology but doesn't really have a big character arc, but I have loved him since his first appearance. The way he fight and the skills he posess, he is just so entertaining to watch and the actor does a phenomenal job.

Though the first act isn't as action packed like Kyoto Inferno first act was, I found it extremely well written and truly a strong point of the long length, it did everything it needed to do to build up for the climax and ending fight with Kenshin and Shishio. It tells us more about our main character and hero, and the darker characterization is truly perfect here. The second act is where The Legends Ends truly begin to shine, story and individual character arcs that Kyoto Inferno started come full circle, and it's where Aoshi Shinomori makes his anticipating return. Something that have been in the ten years making and something he told us in dialogue multiple of times, his need to kill Kenshin. I would actually say the fight sequence between them was way better than the one Aoshi had with Okina "Elder", it was fast and engaging but also epic in terms of quality and how the music played into it. The second act is stronger but the act that truly brings this samurai film to a 10 is the third and final act. Everything about it is breathtaking and incredible, a satisfying and action packed climax.

The fighting choreography and action sequences are like the previous film, truly superb and also beautifully shot. The sets that are used in this film are great, especially where Kenshin trains with his old master. Many sets and locations in these two films are beautiful, this second installment of the duology having the most stunning ones. The musical score during action sequences and in other scenes, are like Kyoto Inferno, quite brilliant. The music is powerful and memorable, edited well into the scenes so it flows really well.

Now this is far from the best film I have ever seen, but these two films together are some of the most entertaining films I've seen. Not a single minute went by that I found myself bored, Keishi Otomo created a film worth coming back to. If not just for the brilliant and epic action sequences, Kyato Inferno and The Legend Ends will become classics in the samurai/action genre. Without a doubt.

Fans of the manga may have issues with the story, but since I don't know the source material, it didn't bother me.

The key moments are well done, but in between those key moments things tend to drag on. I understand these are manga characters, so they tend to be on the unrealistic side. But something just feels off in the delivery of the dialogs, they seemed... disconnected. But once I got to those key moments I was thoroughly entertained.

The fights are fantasy style katana combat, but very creative and well choreographed. As a fan of martial arts movies, I enjoyed them very much. The "final boss fight" was fantastic and worthy of the climax of the trilogy. Bravo.

If you like action, especially martial arts action, I say this trilogy is worth a watch, but just keep in mind this came from comic books. As with most action movies, if you look too deep everything falls apart, so just sit back and enjoy.

A reflective first act may prove to be too slow for some viewers, but these moments contain the most imperative lessons for Kenshin in the entire trilogy. This film contains-easily one of the greatest third acts I've ever seen, and any martial arts/action film buff worth their salt needs to see this film. Once again I applaud Satoh Takeru, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Kenji Tanigaki and the rest for the unbelievable devotion to realizing these dynamic characters as authentically as possible. Aside from some character development gripes, the assuredness of direction, cinematography, pacing, acting-chops, choreography and perhaps most importantly, appreciation for the source material, it's lessons and essence, this is easily one of the best, ( if not the best) in contemporary Japanese action cinema. This trilogy was seriously on point. Purists open your eyes: this is what all adaptations should strive to achieve, creating an ending that is far more impactful, and ultimately improves upon its source. Next to "The Raid", unparalleled fight choreography.

When the live action movie of Rurouni Kenshin was announced, I was not pleased. I feared the adaptation would just kill this great story, and because of that, I ignored the installments. Yet here I am, beyond satisfied with the trilogy. Actually, I am thrilled to be alive in a time where stories like this one are respected and loved to be told in such a beautiful way by cast and crew. In every frame, you see the efforts in sound, photography, directing, writing and acting (among others) to make the most enjoyable moment for the audience, whether it's made of anime/manga fans or not. There is only one word to describe the AWESOMENESS in this flawless adaptation: subarashii (magnificent). I thank you all involved. And congratulate you on the marvelous job done.