Nicole Sael
Rurouni Kenshin is a renowned manga series not just in Japan but all over the world. It all begins in Japan in the 1860s, when the end of the Japanese civil war marks the beginning of the transition from feudalism to modernity. Himura Kenshin, a great warrior, repents of his harsh ways and seeks atonement throughout the kingdom.
In the mid-1990s, Rurouni Kenshin became a popular anime series, and it was only a matter of time until the narrative was adapted into a live-action film. The project was funded by Warner Bros. Japan, which made it into one of Japan’s most well-known recent franchises.
What Makes Rurouni Kenshin Franchise so Special?
The Kenshin films are notable for several reasons: their gripping plots are filled with appealing characters, and they are set in a rich universe based on genuine Japanese history. The films strike the appropriate mix between visual naturalism and moments of sheer mythological grandeur, bringing pictures from the manga to life through great production design and cinematography. They revolve around a captivating protagonist who is introduced as an unstoppable force of war who wishes to put an end to the fighting.
Kenshin’s arc in the trilogy makes him the personification of Japan’s shame and attempt to atone for its sins. Kenshin believes that each time he kills an opponent, he loses a piece of his soul. As a result, the former samurai now wields the Sakabat, a “reverse-blade sword” with the sharp edge facing inward toward the wielder rather than outward toward his opponent. He may now use his combat skills to protect others in need without ever murdering again thanks to the weapon.
The Sakabat is a key figure in the series’ mythology, serving as a metaphor for Kenshin’s central conflict. The razor-sharp edge continuously reminds him of his abilities, and it threatens to sever him rather than his foes. It’s a powerful metaphor for the psychological effects of violence on those who choose to harm others. It’s no surprise that Kenshin’s will is broken after the blade is broken in Kyoto Inferno.
But, what are your thoughts? Will you be seeing Netflix’s new Rurouni Kenshin movie? What were your thoughts on the other live-action movies? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
