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Rurouni Kenshin: The Movie

Original title: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku romantan - Ishinshishi e no requiem
  • 1997
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
3K
YOUR RATING
Rurouni Kenshin: The Movie (1997)
AnimeHand-Drawn AnimationActionAnimationDramaHistoryWar

The clashes between the two warriors, Himura Kenshin, a pacifist who wishes to stop a rebellion from Takimi Shigure and a band of desperate rebels who have sworn to settle one final score wi... Read allThe clashes between the two warriors, Himura Kenshin, a pacifist who wishes to stop a rebellion from Takimi Shigure and a band of desperate rebels who have sworn to settle one final score with society.The clashes between the two warriors, Himura Kenshin, a pacifist who wishes to stop a rebellion from Takimi Shigure and a band of desperate rebels who have sworn to settle one final score with society.

  • Director
    • Tsuji Hajiki
  • Writers
    • Nobuhiro Watsuki
    • Yukiyoshi Ôhashi
  • Stars
    • Mayo Suzukaze
    • Shanon Weaver
    • Miki Fujitani
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    3K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Tsuji Hajiki
    • Writers
      • Nobuhiro Watsuki
      • Yukiyoshi Ôhashi
    • Stars
      • Mayo Suzukaze
      • Shanon Weaver
      • Miki Fujitani
    • 16User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos169

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    Top cast54

    Edit
    Mayo Suzukaze
    Mayo Suzukaze
    • Kenshin Himura
    • (voice)
    Shanon Weaver
    • Kenshin Himura
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    • (as J. Shanon Weaver)
    Miki Fujitani
    Miki Fujitani
    • Kaoru Kamiya
    • (voice)
    Judson Jones
    Judson Jones
    • Shigure
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    • (as Judson L. Jones)
    Kara Bliss
    Kara Bliss
    • Kaoru
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Yûji Ueda
    Yûji Ueda
    • Sanosuke Sagara
    • (voice)
    Gray G. Haddock
    Gray G. Haddock
    • Sanosuke
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    • (as Gary G. Haddock)
    Mîna Tominaga
    Mîna Tominaga
    • Yahiko Myôjin
    • (voice)
    Shaneye Ferrell
    • Toki
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Derek Wade
    • Yahiko
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Ken Webster
    Ken Webster
    • Saitou
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Hirotaka Suzuoki
    Hirotaka Suzuoki
    • Hajime Saitô
    • (voice)
    Clay Towery
    • Kajiki
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Bill Wise
    • Tomono
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Bill Harwell
    • Yamagata
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    David R. Jarrott
    • Kawaji
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Boon Sheridan
    • Gentatsu
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Hiroshi Yanaka
    • Tsunan Tsukioka
    • (voice)
    • Director
      • Tsuji Hajiki
    • Writers
      • Nobuhiro Watsuki
      • Yukiyoshi Ôhashi
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    7.33K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    9acce245

    Samurai X: Reflection of the Meiji

    This movie was well executed. This, since it is really a puzzle piece that fills in the gaps left in the animated series Rurouni Kenshin, will be viewed by some as a bit weak, and only for fans. However, as a stand alone movie it is also quite good. The artwork follows more of the style of the series. The movie has its own storyline, but some see it as a lot of flashback. It is certainly an action oriented movie, and the ending is a bit of a twist. Also, the movie follows the shonen theme of the manga with the shojo undertones that makes Kenshin what it is. The movie is definitely worth seeing at least once, even for those who are not fans of foreign animation. This shows just how well a movie can pull all the elements together from a series and blend them with (at the time) high quality animation and quality voice acting.
    ssstudio

    Admiration to a great animated feature

    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.
    10seanthezon

    Such a Beautiful Film

    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.
    8au_law2001

    More of an extended episode, but still okay.

    I say this is more of an extended episode of the series, and the beginning looked like one of the filler episodes of the show. And the story is not much except more of Kenshin's past back to haunt him, and a conspiracy going on about their new friends they meet at the beginning is stirring up. I would say the animation is very good, the effects okay, and more background of Kenshin also. But not all of the characters are there, only a few others make an appearance but others don't. Just the four, Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, Sano, and oh, at least Saitou is back. That's good to see, but you seem fight only a few times, and I also like the poem or haiku in it, and it goes something like this, "the bluest sky is infinitely high and crystal clear." That is something I'll never forget, very beautiful. Recommended to the fans of the show.
    10SoulfulFX

    Kill one guy, you gotta take on all his friends

    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.

    More like this

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    7.2
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    7.4
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    7.5
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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The Japanese VHS by SPE Visual Works retail price was 14,800 Yen.
    • Goofs
      The scenes that show Kenshin as the Hitokiri Batosai in the beginning of the film and throughout the flashbacks is incorrect. Kenshin is shown with the full X shaped scar on his right cheek, even though Kenshin swore that he would stop killing after Rurôni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku romantan - Tsuioku-hen (1999).
    • Quotes

      Kenshin Himura: That's enough.

      Shigure: Clear my path!

      Kenshin Himura: Now, withdraw your followers.

      Shigure: It's too late!

      Kenshin Himura: I will *not* allow this!

      Shigure: Your choice.

      [he attacks Kenshin but Kenshin blocks it, he strikes again but again Kenshin blocks Shigure's attack]

      Shigure: The Sakabato, it has long been by hope that our swords never cross.

      Kenshin Himura: And I had hope for the very same thing.

      Shigure: You will... regret your decision!

      [Shigure kicks Keshin in the stomach]

    • Crazy credits
      The DVD from ADV Films replaced the original Japanese title card to read: 'Samurai X: The Motion Picture'.
    • Alternate versions
      On the USA DVD from ADV Films, there are English overlays on top of the original Japanese credits and locations in the film, also, there is a "Samurai X: Requiem For the Meiji Restoration Patriots" overlay title card over the original Japanese "Rurouni Kenshin" title card. The Japanese ending credits have been replaced with English credits and the song lyrics have forced subtitles.
    • Connections
      Followed by Rurôni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku romantan - Tsuioku-hen (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Niji
      Performed by L'Arc-en-Ciel

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    FAQ14

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 27, 2001 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Language
      • Japanese
    • Also known as
      • Samurai X: The Movie
    • Production companies
      • Anime Spot
      • Fuji Television Network (Fuji TV)
      • Group TAC (I)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 30m(90 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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