Movie Digest
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (るろうに剣心 最終章 The Beginning) is a Japanese-origin live-action film that hit the cinema halls on the 4th of June, 2021. It contains ratings for an 18+ audience, including violence and extreme profanity. The plot revolves around the backstory of Himura Kenshin, telling his life when he was younger and when he met Yukishiro Tomoe.
The Feel-Good Part
The romance that blossoms between Himura and Tomoe excite the audience beyond expectation. We become aware of both of their dark pasts. The detailing crafted in the cinematography impresses the crowd the most, showing the investment in the movie for the fans. Moreover, the soundtrack deployed perfectly captured the emotions and ambiance made by the characters.
The Disappointing Factor
Fans have a slight disappointment with the melodrama concerning its pace. They have found it to be slow-paced, filled with static noise. It feels like fillers, under-utilizing the potential of the Rurouni Kenshin series in two hours.
In-Depth Analysis
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning draws its inspiration from the manga series “Rurouni Kenshin” (るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚) by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The movie does quite well at the box office with a dedicated fanbase. Set during the winters, it’s a delight to catch the Japanese snow on the screen. Moreover, several questions get answers regarding the “X” on Himura’s left cheek. It is a must-watch before Rurouni Kenshin: The Final. Written for the screen and directed by Otomo Keishi, you can watch the film on Netflix’s platform.
Star Power
The cast involves Satoh Takeru as Himura Kenshin, Arimura Kasumi as Yukishiro Tomoe, Takahashi Issei as Katsura Kogoro, Eguchi Yosuke as Saito Hajime, Murakami Nijiro as Okita Souji, Kitamura Kazuki as Tatsumi, Ohnishi Shima as Lizuka, Ando Masanobu as Takasugi Shinsaku, Fujimoto Takahiro as Kondo Isami, Wada Soko as Hijikata Toshizo, Ikeuchi Mansaku as Katagai, Hotta Mayu as Ikumatsu, Watanabe Makiko, Takahashi Tsutomu as Hirata, Araki Towa as Yukishiro Enishi, Hirano Kirani as Nakajo, Ichinose Wataru as Sumita, Narita Eiki, Kubota Masataka as Kiyosato Akira, Ohnishi Takeshi as Furutaka Shuntaro, and Nakamura Tatsuya.
Overall Opinion
If you are an otaku and are yet to catch up with the live-action adaptation, then this is a perfect time as all the parts are out. However, Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is an ideal standalone movie to watch, as it concerns general background.
