Rurôni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku roman tan / Rurouni Kenshin: Origins (2012) - Fluid mixture of fantasy and history - 9/10 (25/06/20)

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins is the first of three live action movies based upon a popular manga and anime series around a former assassin turned wanderer named Himura Kenshin. Two more live action movies are scheduled to be released early next year in Japan. Out of the three already existing live action movies, this first film is certainly the best. It convinces with fascinating characters, stunning locations and a coherent plot that doesn't overstay its welcome or features any cliffhangers. This is certainly the best way to start discovering this franchise that mixes action, drama and thriller elements in a historical setting.

The titular hero had been employed by Imperialist forces to fight the shogunate. After the decisive victory, the young swordsman abandons his katana and swears to never kill again. He even procures a reverse-blade sword that can only be used for defense but not fatally strike an opponent. Haunted by his bloody past. Himura Kenshin lives as a loner and arrives in Tokyo eleven years after the final battle. Someone is murdering people, acting like a public avenger and claiming to be Himura Kenshin. The philosophical wanderer needs to clear his name and find the real culprit. He gets assisted by the owner of a martial art school, a young but resilient student, a fugitive doctor who had been forced to make opium, a vicious street fighter and a grumpy police officer. However, the mastermind behind the grisly murders is an influential businessman supported by conservative minds who want to bring back the shogunate.

This first entry in the live action franchise convinces on several levels. The settings are colourful, detailed and realistic as they bring the nineteenth century to life. The locations blend in splendidly and vary from bloody battlefiels over modest dojos to luxurious mansions. The characters are particularly charismatic, diversified and unique with tough street fighter Sagara Sanosuke being my favourite. The story offers an eclectic mixture of action, crime and drama as the titular hero must save his reputation and life while facing off against a powerful enemy and his numerous associates.

If you like Japanese martial arts movies, Rurouni Kenshin: Origins is a contemporary highlight that deserves its attention, praise and success. Despite an unusually challenging length of two hours and fourteen minutes, this movie entertains from start to finish and mixes fantasy and history fluidly. The other movies of this live action franchise aren't essential but this first strike here is a genre highlight that justifies its hype no matter if you are familiar with the source material or not.