The cinematic transposition of the most beloved samurai of the manga ended. The nine years long journey of Rurouni Kenshin is the greatest example of a successful live action film series. Let’s review all the chapters of this incredible adventure.
The Samurai X
If you know who Himura Kenshin is, you are probably born in the 80ies / early 90ies. In the late 90ies, the anime Samurai X was spreading around the world with a huge success. The legend of this incredible figure sets in the Meiji Era is illustrated by the mangaka Nobuhiro Watsuki in the Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story series. Since its release the manga became a classic that it is continuing until today with new stories and arcs. The multimedia franchise of the “Wandering Samurai” is a triumph in every way, so it is not a surprise that the big resonance of the live action series is moving from Japan to the rest of the world, also with Netflix.
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins
The first movie adaptation of the manga tells the story of the wanderer samurai Himura Kenshin (portrayed by Takeru Satoh), known as Hitokiri Battosai, an historical true title given to four elite warriors who opposed the military governament Tokugawa shogunate around 1860. After participating to the Bakumatsu war, the samurai made a vow to never kill again, since then he will use a reverse-blade sword, the legendary Sakabato. Wandering the countryside of Japan in order to offer his help and aid to those in need, Himura Kenshin will arrive in Tokyo, where a conspiracy awaits him. In order to save her new friend Kaoru, the samurai will have to fight again.
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno
The first part of the Rurouni Kenshin sequel will introduce Kenshin’s nemesis Shishio Makoto, played by Tatsuya Fujiwara. The villain of the series is a notorious renegade betrayed by the Meiji government and seeking vengeance, trying to conquer Japan. In order to oppose him, the government instruct Kenshin to track down Shishio, who is terrorizing Kyoto with his army. So Kenshin will depart for his new mission in company of his new friends, however defeated by Shishio.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
The second part of the Rurouni Kenshin sequel starts with a Kenshin’s flashback, in which part of his past along with his old master is presented. And it is right in his old Master Hiko’s house that Kenshin wakes up, demanding to teach him the lethal Hiten Mitsurugi technique. So Rurouni starts his training in order to defeat Shishio. Finally Kenshin is able to fight again against Shishio, giving life to the most epic swordfight of the saga.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final
In the fourth installment of the Rurouni Kenshin series the past of Himura Kenshin resurfaces, with the character of Yukishiro Enishi, played by Mackenyu Arata. The secret behind Kenshin’s scars is revealed along with the bond within the two. The Samurai X will face again a dangerous fight.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning
The fifth and final movie of the Rurouni Kenshin saga is actually a prequel and it shows how Himura Kenshin received his cross-shaped scar, exploring his relationship with Yukishiro Tomoe played by Kasumi Arimura.
More than a samurai series
The action of the Rurouni Kenshin movies is appreciated by the critics worldwide, setting a new era for samurai movies. The intense training of Takeru Satoh (Kenshin) and Tatsuya Fujiwara (Shishio), who mostly did their own stunts, write a new chapter for the martial art genre and the Japanese movie industry. The Rurouni Kenshin movies are taking the samurai fight to the next level with a realistic anime inspiration. The most beloved samurai of the manga is today also the most appreciated samurai of the movies, and all this thanks to all the actors and directors who collaborated to create such an amazing live action series.
What is your favourite Rurouni Kenshin’s movie? Did you ever read the manga or watch the anime?