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Rurouni Kenshin

Original title: Rurôni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku romantan
  • TV Series
  • 1996–1998
  • TV-14
  • 24m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
21K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,143
52
Rurouni Kenshin (1996)
Home Video Trailer from Media Blasters
Play trailer1:40
6 Videos
99+ Photos
AnimeHand-Drawn AnimationSamuraiShōnenActionAdventureAnimationComedyDramaHistory

The adventures of a young wandering swordsman who stumbles upon a struggling martial arts school in Meiji era Japan.The adventures of a young wandering swordsman who stumbles upon a struggling martial arts school in Meiji era Japan.The adventures of a young wandering swordsman who stumbles upon a struggling martial arts school in Meiji era Japan.

  • Stars
    • Mayo Suzukaze
    • Dorothy Elias-Fahn
    • Richard Cansino
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.5/10
    21K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,143
    52
    • Stars
      • Mayo Suzukaze
      • Dorothy Elias-Fahn
      • Richard Cansino
    • 68User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Episodes95

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated

    Videos6

    Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai
    Trailer 1:40
    Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai
    Rurouni Kenshin: Legend of Kyoto
    Trailer 1:31
    Rurouni Kenshin: Legend of Kyoto
    Rurouni Kenshin: Legend of Kyoto
    Trailer 1:31
    Rurouni Kenshin: Legend of Kyoto
    Rurouni Kenshin: Tales of Meiji Boxset
    Trailer 2:29
    Rurouni Kenshin: Tales of Meiji Boxset
    Rurouni Kenshin: A Shinobi's Love /87-90
    Trailer 0:57
    Rurouni Kenshin: A Shinobi's Love /87-90
    Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai Premium Box Set
    Trailer 2:29
    Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai Premium Box Set
    Rurouni Kenshin: End Song
    Trailer 2:26
    Rurouni Kenshin: End Song

    Photos215

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    + 207
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Mayo Suzukaze
    Mayo Suzukaze
    • Himura Kenshin…
    • 1996–1998
    Dorothy Elias-Fahn
    Dorothy Elias-Fahn
    • Kaoru…
    • 1996–1998
    Richard Cansino
    Richard Cansino
    • Himura Kenshin…
    • 1996–1998
    Rebecca Forstadt
    Rebecca Forstadt
    • Kori Kamiya (Sony Samurai X dub)
    • 1996–1998
    Fuminori Morisada
    • Gonzou…
    • 1996–1998
    Mîna Tominaga
    Mîna Tominaga
    • Yahiko Myôjin
    • 1996–1998
    Lex Lang
    Lex Lang
    • Sanosuke Sagara
    • 1996–1998
    Steve Prince
    Steve Prince
    • Sanosuke Sagara (Sony Samurai X dub)
    • 1996–1998
    Brianne Brozey
    Brianne Brozey
    • Yoshi (Sony Samurai X dub)…
    • 1996–1998
    Yûji Ueda
    Yûji Ueda
    • Sanosuke Sagara
    • 1996–1998
    Dean Wein
    Dean Wein
    • Shikijo (2000)
    • 1996–1998
    Dina Sherman
    • Ayame
    • 1996
    Dan Lorge
    Dan Lorge
    • Gonzo…
    • 1996–1997
    Mika Doi
    Mika Doi
    • Megumi Takani
    • 1996–1998
    Richard Epcar
    Richard Epcar
    • Seijuro Hiko…
    • 1996–1997
    Wendee Lee
    Wendee Lee
    • Yumi Komagata…
    • 1997
    Hirotaka Suzuoki
    Hirotaka Suzuoki
    • Hajime Saitô…
    • 1996–1997
    Miki Fujitani
    Miki Fujitani
    • Kaoru Kamiya
    • 1996–1997
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews68

    8.521.4K
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    Featured reviews

    bbally81

    One of the many great anime masterpieces

    Rurouni Kenshin, is one of the best animes I've ever seen. I first discovered RK when I downloaded the first chapter of the manga. Then I became addicted to it as the story of a wandering swordsman trying to atone for his sins really got me excited and started downloading more manga issues. The first time I saw the anime version was after I downloaded the first episode. Now Rurouni Kenshin comes on my satellite dish on LBC SAT from Lebenon. I give this anime 10/10 it is an anime masterpiece that shouldn't be missed. A must see not just for anime fans but for fans of the samurai or chambara genre(Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurais and Zatoichi) as well.
    10dezzie-jane

    Love it!!!

    I must say that this is THE BEST ANIME I have EVER seen!!! It definitely is the perfect mix of romance, story, history, mystery, and all other good things all rolled into one series!

    I especially love it because of its strong storyline and characters. Every character has a history and this anime has been created in a way that allows them to show you that background on each character, making each character all the more interesting. I also like the subtle romance it portrays and the way that it intertwines real Japanese history with fiction - that was probably the best part, actually.

    Anyway, from the first episode, I was hooked...I was so hooked, I finished the series within like a month and half. Now, I'm on to reading the manga, which is just as good as the anime. This is one anime that I can watch over and over and not get bored of!
    karcat_2003

    a masterpiece!

    Without any doubt this is one of the best animated series ever done and my favored of all times.

    The way they combine fiction and real facts of Japanese history occurred during the Mei Ji era make it more interesting.

    What make it different from other Japanese series is that in this case the main character, Kenshin Himura, has a real purpose to fight for in order to mend all those terrible things he did in the past.

    Another point about it is the way they combine drama, action, romance and comedy. The backgrounds and the music are just brilliant and exquisite. There's no doubt these series has one of the best soundtracks.
    10SoulfulFX

    Master of anime and of the sword

    This is one of the greatest anime series I have ever seen. I have been introduced anime on relatively recently...1997 at earliest. In that time, I've gotten my hands on a number of really good and really bad shows. Kenshin is definitely among the best.

    The dynamic emotions of Kenshin himself as well as the mix of humor and philosophy of life vs. death in the show make it exceptionally entertaining and captivating.

    The mutual devotion between Kenshin and his friends, Kaoru, Sanoske, Yahiko, etc... is amazing to watch as it develops and is put to the test.

    The sadistic enemies, and the foolish ones, all provide foils that drive the plot and cause the viewer to be moved as Kenshin struggles to throw off his murderous past in favor of a life defending his honor, his friends, and the innocent.

    If you are a long time anime-buff, or a new fan of the genre...this series is a must-see.
    VichusSmith

    One of the essential Anime titles for the anime fan.

    Ruroni Kenshin (Known in Samurai X in the US) is one of the greatest animes of all time. Ruroni Kenshin has everything an anime fan could want: a compelling story, interesting characters, and equal amounts of bloodshed and character development. I have seen a few episodes of the subtitled version and the first two OAV's "Trust" and "Betrayal.

    I recommend both of them, but the subtitled version is much better.

    If you haven't seen it before, then buy it (don't rent) and add it to your anime collection. It is an essential anime title for the anime fan I also recommend Ghost in the shell, Ninja scroll, the Dragonball Z and Gundam series

    IMDb's Top 50 Anime Series

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      One of the main characters, Hajime Saitoh, was a real person. Saitoh was a swordsman for the Shinsen Gumi throughout the last days of the Bakufu (Shogunate) government and the fighting leading up to the Meiji Restoration. After the defeat of the Shogunate, he did obtain a job in a provincial police organization, where he spent his days before this death near the end of the century.
    • Quotes

      Hajime Saito: I'll kill you now.

      Kenshin Himura: "I'll kill you now"? That's my line.

    • Crazy credits
      The USA Region 1 Media Blasters DVDs have overlays over the Japanese credits.
    • Alternate versions
      There is a alternate English dub version called "Samurai X" which aired in various Asian countries.
    • Connections
      Edited into Rurouni Kenshin: Volume 6: The Flames of Revolution - Outtakes (2000)
    • Soundtracks
      Freckles
      (Opening theme)

      Original lyrics by Yuki (as Yuki Isoya)

      Original composition by Kaito Onta

      Original Japanese version Performed by Judy and Mary

      English Version Performed by Sandy Fox

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    FAQ18

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    • Is there a light novel?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 17, 2003 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Language
      • Japanese
    • Also known as
      • Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai
    • Production companies
      • Aniplex
      • SME Visual Works
      • Shueisha
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 24m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo

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