Rurouni Kenshin

*Reviewed by spcnet

Some Spoilers!
Probably my favorite anime thus far, Rurouni Kenshin (English title: Samurai X), boasts one of the best storylines, character portrayals, and soundtracks. An anime set in Japan's Meiji Period, it tells of the journey for redemption of Kenshin (literally Sword Heart), a warrior who fought in the revolution that brought about the Meiji Restoration. He is the legendary Hitokiri Battousai, a title given to the number one warrior in Japan and also a title that he has won from killing a great many people for the revolution's cause.

The series begins with Kaoru Kamiya, a young girl who has taken over her late father's Kamiya Kasshin Dojo. She is struggling to keep the departing disciples because of a rumor that the legendary Battousai is abound murdering people under the Kamiya Dojo name. Kaoru mistakenly, and ironically, attacks a man, Himura Kenshin, on the streets who has red hair and a "X" scar on his face, seeing that he is carrying a sword. She realizes her mistake when the real culprit shows up and later on, through Kenshin's help she is able to restore her dojo's reputation. Kaoru finds that Kenshin is the true Battousai and when he is about to leave to wander again, she asks him to stay. Tired of traveling, he agrees to stay for awhile.



Characters like Sanosuke the punk haired gangster who becomes Kenshin's good friend, Yahiko the young boy who becomes Kaoru's disciple, Megumi, Aoshi, Saito, and more make their appearances, filling following episodes with a lot of suspense and action.

The way of the samurai, seen as an ancient relic, is no longer needed in the new era, but for many, the warrior code was all they knew and followed. They became outcasts of society and sought their own form of survival in a cruel world. This being a major theme in "Rurouni" made many "villains" in the anime fleshed out and acting with motivation. Each character has a past that is well-drawn out and makes the story that much more engaging.

The suspense build-up and excitement is also terrific before and during major battles--and there are many. One of the aspects that make "Rurouni" stand out is the fact that while there is so much violence, it does not glorify it. Kenshin fights because he has to. It is a story that is wrought around a theme of salvation and hope for many of the characters, and especially Kenshin's.

The animation is sharp and simple, but also very appealing to the eyes. Action scenes are also done excellently.

The music is also beautiful, many of the background music is haunting and fits each mood perfectly. Each major character has a music theme that portrays their personality and inner feelings. Probably this is about the only other show, aside from "Ashes of Time", where I have went out to actually try to buy the soundtrack.



Kenshin's sad past, why and how Kenshin has the "X" shaped scar on his face, and why he gave up his killing and the Battousai, is explained in the OAVs, which is serious throughout, unlike the TV series which throws some comic relief once in a while.

This anime reminds me of how a wuxia story and adaptation should and could be. I could find no flaws with this anime, so I'll make this review brief--if you watch anime and miss this one, it is a great shame.