Rurouni Kenshin (TV series)
Overview
Definitely one of the best TV series I’ve ever seen. This epic drama is about the adventures of a small group of individuals, and the things that have united and bonded them to be together at Kamiya Dojo.
Storyline & Narrative
Before the end of Bakumatsu period there was a man known as Hitokiri Battousai (sword wielding killer) who fought for the Ishinshishi revolution, to open Japan to Western influence. To establish this, the Hitokiri Battousai served as a bodyguard, killed people from rebellious groups and delivered tenchu (heavenly punishment… heh) to those who plotted against their goal. Just before the end of the revolution, this man named Himura Kenshin came to conclusion that killing to establish an utopia was unjust and wrong. To atone for his sins he swore to never kill again, but to protect and help the innocent in need with his sakabatou (reversed blade). Hitokiri Battousai became a rurouni (wandering samurai, vagabond) and disappeared, creating legend…
The year is 1879 Meiji era, 11 years after the end of Bakumatsu. Himura Kenshin is walking the streets of Tokyo and meets a girl named Kamiya Kaoru. After a little scenario where Kenshin saves her life, he is offered sanctuary at her Dojo for his help. Tired from his long journey the rurouni accepts Kaoru’s offer, unknowing that his settlement at Kamiya Dojo will soon draw danger. Kenshin’s vow to never kill again soon becomes a problem when the lives of his new friends depend on him. Fighting to protect his friends he begins to revert back to being the Hitokiri Battousai he once was, his friends being more afraid that he’ll win than if he loses.
Characters & Dynamics
The characters are awesome. Further into the series you’ll meet characters such as Sagara Sanosuke, Myojin Yahiko and much more. The characters each have their own little story and unique characteristics that contribute from the light hearted humour to the intense action packed scenarios of the melodramatic drama. The villains are just as interesting, if not more. At an age where people lived by their strong ethical views to revolutionize and shape paths for a better form of government, you can’t expect anything less than characters that have strong and powerful principles to portray their personal qualities.
Animation & Visual Direction
The animation isn’t outstanding quality or even drawn to an elite degree, even the scenery isn’t very detailed. But keep in mind that this is a long TV series, not a high budget production. Don’t let this put you off though, the story easily covers for this flaw. And even so, there are still some scenarios in the series that are animated beautifully.
Voice Acting & Soundtrack
The voice acting for the Japanese dub is excellent, all voices suit the characters. But then again, I’ve never heard bad Japanese dubbing for any anime. The voices for the English dub don’t suit the characters and have little acting. The theme songs are catchy and the BGMs (background music) are perfect for every mood. I definitely recommend the original music CDs.
