Summary: Character-spanning action/drama follows the exploits of a famed ex-assassin during crucial pseudo periods of Japanese history. Popular with fans for it's coloful colloquy-laden narratives; it's intense sword spinning action and memorable characters.
Title Aka:	Samurai X
Company/Distributors:	Media Blasters;Anime Works
Year:	1997
Length:	97 Episode Series
Rating:
Genres:	Action, Drama, Comedy, Historical, Fantasy
Format:	T.V. Series
Content Level:	N/A
Comments:	Recommended

Synopsis: The time is the period of the "Meiji Era", a painstakingly futile and dark one re-tracing the steps left by the legions of samurai warriors; whom once flourished in Japan's own share of political dominace. It is one now abruptly halted and altered by the means of modernization, as well as the favored destruction and total extinction of the Shogun and Tokugawa governments. Few wander regions of Japan in the old ways of the samurai warriors, indeed all are but extinct in this newly formed society of political unrest and corruption; nearly 11 years after the rein of a powerful warrior known as "Hitokiri Battousai". Still being sought after nearly 11 years since the chaos. Legend has it that Battousai fought bravely and stongly durring the opposition of the Meiji revolution, a warriors who's skills were unsurpassed. One day "Himura Kenshin" is wandering the streets minding his own business, when he is suddenly attacked by an enraged dojo leader named "Kamiya Kaoru". When a huge thug automatically appears to attack Kaoru, Kenshin quickly rescues her amidst the cunning speed of his "Upside-Down Blade". A sword designed in such a way which could not harm anyone. Soon forgeting about her quick-witted intensions to do away with the legendary "Battousai", Kenshin is offered the hospitality of Kaoru's dojo; one which soon began to loose it's students. Result of a false reputation for the fighting style Kaoru teaches, which is designed to protect oneself rather than utilized to obtain force. With Kenshin's help, Kaoru re-establishes the dojo as a respectable learning ground; yet she soon learns of Kenshin's true secrets as the once legendary wandering samurai "Battousai". But Kenshin gave up his means of following this distinctive fighting art long ago, after the dark struggles of the Shogun and Tokugawa. When the spark of battle would soon be ignited once again in Japan, Kenshin must choose to remain at peace; or take up the once defiled heart of the true warrior "Hitokiri Battousai". Review: Rurouni Kenshin is a long running anime series based upon the manga created by "Watsuki Nobuhiro". Released by Jump Comics. It's one of the most beloved and popular anime/ninja/action series to come right out of this current decade. In fact, the show is so popular that it's often hard to get around the groundwork set by it's plethora of ardent "otaku's" and ninja/action buffs. Many consider Kenshin to be the definitive action/ninja hero, something reminiscent outside Kawajiri's "Jubei Kibagami". It's been said that the animation of this series is one unsurpassed, much in the same respects to it's storyline and characters; which have become instant favorites. But first off lets set a few aspects straight. First off, there are a great many aspects about this series which define it as something to be surely recognized. Rurouni Kenshin has got to be the most single-handed top-notch manipulator of "stock" and distinctive animation techniques this side of "Dragonball" or "Record Of Lodoss War". These two famous series are favorites for this rather unorthadox technique in animation film making, one which is not often seen in America. The fact that the animators can utilize distinctive camera angles and shots to manipulate them, basically to re-use them to obtain desired effects. Stock is often due to budget problems with animation studios, but it never hurt to put in a little more artistic rendering here and there. Well, in "Rurouni Kenshin" it's highly noticable here, there as well as everywhere else. While engulfed into popular cliches of camera techniques and storyline methods, the series does a rather marvelous job at dealing with these several aspects. Indeed, this series contains an awful lot of "stock-footage" and what could be often referred to as "choppy-effects" in animation. But with the aid of a fast cut-n'-paste job, some rather marvelous set-ups; and a distinctive use of color the show creates a wonderfully depth look to it. Unlike anything seen in this style, which is a cross between "Fushigi Yugi's" impetuous stock and all the majestically faultless action of "Ninja Scroll". Action sequences are both well-executed and beautifully rendered. The series does a great job of mixing both "shoujo" and conventional ninja/samurai/action genres; to obtain a unique and often pleasing look. Rurouni Kenshin just looks fantastic, and utilizes several key camera movements to stylize action sequences; making this a highly action oriented anime in it's own right. But what many non-fans of this show don't realize about "Rurouni Kenshin" is that it is obviously and most prominentaly (At times anyhow) a screwball comedy, full of wacky slapstick and character deformity. Which has become a trademark for many different styles seen in "Rayearth", "Ranma 1/2" and other series like the more recent "Jubei-Chan". It can be said that "Rurouni Kenshin" is the definitive groundbreaker on a smaller scale. What truly makes this show even more enjoyable are simply it's cunning and highly likable characters. A stylish, yet fully-realized "Kenshin" is both dashing as well as haunting; the other characters further add to exuberate this series' great sense of emotion as well as comedy. Something which moves at often rocket-pace every episode. While taking off on some of the more contemporary standards, Kenshin attempts to offer more episode-oriented segments. Ones which don't really serve to further create depth until way later. For this reason, many often feel for this story to become too rampant; but Rurouni Kenshin saves itself by it's impeccable emotional sense of storytelling, right down to it's overly-cute moments and dark segments of melo-drama. Not overly done to the extent of being boring, rather stylized just enough to be entertaining. It's what keeps a show containing several animation flaws and storyline holes going at a steady and enjoyable rate. For this reason we never really feel lost as an audience, rather enticed by Kenshin himself. Presenting a both funny, serious and versatile hero figure as such could not properly exist without the present aid of villians and supporting characters. As for those, the show does a rather great job as well. Music is great containing both original tracks and some catchy J-pop songs and lyrics; one's which somehow match perfectly with this show. Though containing some flaws here or there in many ways, this is a series which is sure to delight fans of this genre. Yet is should even appeal to those not too fond of it already. Check it out for these reasons. Even though you may think otherwise, there's no arguing the fact that "Kenshin" is obviously one of the coolest anime heros around. Well, I suppose the storyline which goes with him is o.k. too. Nonetheless, it's more than enough to recommend "Rurouni Kenshin". Also, be sure not to miss the OAVs. Click Here To See Overview!

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