Correction: It's "Boshin" War. (thanks to commenter Teolaj) ----------- Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. Many of us already know who Nobuhiro Watsuki is. And if you don't know, you should probably look into his controversy before heading into the Kenshin series. *Let me get this out first: No, he's not a good person.* The biggest problem I have with him, is how easy he got away with it. As such, I can understand why many of you would like to avoid financially supporting him, directly or indirectly. For those who choose to follow this route, you have my respect. For someone who studies movies for a living, however, separating the art from the artist is almost a necessity. It's rather impractical to avoid artists with bad deeds. Otherwise I would have to avoid talking about Harry Potter because of J.K. Rowling, X-Men because of Bryan Singer, The Godfathers because of Marlon Brando, Chinatown because of Roman Polanski, or Baby Driver because of Kevin Spacey. There is no doubt that many of these creators and artists have done some stuff from questionable to down right criminal. So the best I can do, is acknowledge the good and detest the bad. My one saving grace is that film production is a collective art. At least while I'm talking about the film, a whole team of artists are being appreciated. Again, I do not condone what Watsuki has done. But hopefully, this clarifies on why I feel this film series still deserve some recognition. It's a sticky situation, for sure. If you can think of a better method in approaching films created by controversial artists, please let me know.
I salute you for this approach. I think it's very important to make sure that Watsuki gets no more of our money, but that doesn't mean we have to stop discussing his work in fan spaces, especially adaptions like the movie series that are the collective effort of a huge number of artists.
My understanding has been that, while the exact contract deal for these films has not been disclosed, for just about every other manga-to-live-action adaptation, the original creator was cut an initial check and doesn't get proceeds from the films after that. Which means the live action adaptations may be the best way to consume RuroKen at this point.
I'm certainly won't cancel you, but are you able to take a critique? I didn't even attack your character (matter of fact I complemented your character when you were under tougher circumstances), all I said was that you can preface your videos if the situation arises
One must always separate the author/creator and the work. The work stands on it's own, if you like the work that does mean you have to love the author and vice versa.
@undertakersarmpit There is a difference between a drawing and a real photograph. Manga and anime about lolicon and pedophilia, while disgusting, are just drawings. No child was harm. But the author of Kenshin actually owned pornography and photographs of real children. If pedophiles could just watch lolicon anime and don't lay a hand on real children then I found nothing wrong with that.
@@miyako1909 you should also mention that the kids in those animes are always played by grew up women with high pitch voices that are doing their job. The porno kids are real life abused children that were forced to do that.
@undertakersarmpit There's an episode on the RK anime which I never really forgot decades later. There was Kenshin on a roof (?) with Misao. They just met at the time, as Kenshin was alone on his journey to Kyoto. He muses to himself while looking at MIsao, something along the lines of, "(something about her clothing) on her tight little body". O_O That was the english dubbed version. I'm not sure if my memory is true, but it never really left me :(
I will never forget when an old politician tried to sign revisions to the pacifist constitution and a young politician attacked him and took his pen, or the many old women that stood outside to protest against those changes.
I more like Shishio from anime than in Film. He is pragmatic man, he's goal is same with kenshin is to save japan from European imperialism (maybe eps 59). Shishio view is Social Darwinism, is Japan not strength enough defense themself only become pray to European, for historical context Japan fear his country had same fate with China during 19th Century bite to bite colonizing by European (French-Sino war, German Qingdao, Rusia occupation of Outer Manchuria/Vladivostok)
After the battle with Shishio, Kenshin just say Shishio lost just because Shishio mindset is lost favour in time and new era choose Kenshin. Kenshin never said Shishio mindset is wrong because Shishio mindset is justificate. But also Shishio mindset exactly same thought by Japanese Government during Meiji until Early Showa, Japan is fear about Western expansion by force or culture
@giri kotte I'll bite. So, what exactly was the purpose of your orginal comment and how does it relate to the video, or did you feel the need to bring up China because the UA-camr is originally from China and he's addressing a topic that hit too close to home for you?
I think, even bigger symbolism for Kenshin are the women he loves. Tomoe represents the man he once was, and is the embodiment of the unrest, inner turmoil, and slaughter happening in Japan. She is the catalyst that pushes Kenshin forward. Her death is symbolic of Battosai’s death. Kaoru represents the man he is now, and is the embodiment of a bright, unsullied, peaceful future for Japan that Kenshin hoped for. Her life is symbolic of his faith in the importance of peace. She is his desire to truly live.
Really, at the end of the first film, it was Kaoru who saved Kenshin, and your words show this, through her courage and will to live with conviction and to have faith in her ideals as Kenshin was in doubt throughout the latter half of the film. Similar to how Tomoe also saved him, but through sacrifice of herself, through her own pain and grief.
I think that the sakabato still having a sharp edge is also Kenshin acknowledging that he can still kill people if he wanted to. His oath would be easier to keep if he just walked around with a wooden sword. Every time he battles with his enemies he's also battling himself and his old ways.
He chooses not to kill. It’s very different from being unable to kill - it requires discipline and consistency... but it also means an inability to actually let go of the past and choose to never do it again. There’s that constant risk of backsliding - Kaoru (anime-wise, haven’t seen the films) doesn’t have that risk. She chooses not to be able to kill, a real commitment that is much harder to break.
Well, he need a tool which capable to fight a tough, deadly weapon. Wooden sword are too fragile against iron and steel sword, and he only have swordsmanship. Only when he used all his skill and knowledge, then he will be capable to fight anyone who may have the same caliber or higher than him. And when we talk about Sakabatou, we also need to remember the sword's blacksmith. The blacksmith also have the same dilemma as Kenshin, as he saw his crafted weapon kill so many people during the war. So the final gift of the blacksmith to Kenshin is the Reverse-blade sword. And if you know how katana is made, reverse-sword blade are practically near impossible to made.
I think the sharp edge that is now pointing to himself, instead of his opponents, is an excellent metaphor of how Kenshin is trying to atone for his sins. He use that sword to protect others, and can only hurt himself.
Really like the first statement and the replies because I have thought all of them while watching the anime, the movie and the video essay. And the funny thing is all of them make sense and they're not contradictory although it could seem that way. Fulfill the promise not to kill while risking himself during a fight and carrying the blacksmith last will using his last creation all of these under the decision of not to kill even when it would be justified for saving other innocent people because that is the way of redemption.
I also love Kaoru's character in this story, not for her personality, but for what she stands for. She's the perfect opposite of Kenshin. Kenshin grew only as a swordsman. That's what his life summed up to be after the massacre of his village. He gets renamed as a swordsman. Swords lead his life, and he only sees them in one way: a tool of death, and that's how he uses it. As for Kaoru's dojo, they believe the sword to be something that brings life. It's the same tool Kenshin used, but in such a different way. When the abandoned samurais invaded her dojo and Kenshin showed up to defend it, he confesses that he doesn't believe in what her dojo stands by. He says something on the lines of "She's wrong, a sword will never bring life, but I prefer to believe in that, even if it's wrong". That was saying a lot. In his head, after all those years, he still sees a sword as death. Even when his sword doesn't kill anymore, even when he abandoned his killer sword. The sakkabatou still weights of death. As the series go by, we see him admiring the motto of her dojo a lot, and I believe that by the end, he believed in it. If you're comparing swords to Japan's military power, that is saying a lot. It's healing the thought that weapons only serve to bring death and power. It is believing that Japan's military power will find a better purpose in defending their own people, in bringing life to them, instead of looking for wars outside. Romantic or not, Kaoru's character was the perfect character to Kenshin's, because she is the one to teach him about swords, she changes him and heals him and his ideologies. I love how they complete each other.
One thing people also fail to understand is that while Kenshin is in his 30s, Kaoru is 17. As we know she has had no prior romances since she's been living alone after her fathers death with "that servant", holding the entire weight of the kamiya kasshin dojo by herself, so its only natural for her in such age to fangirl a guy, specially if it is a guy like kenshin.
@@normandy2501 Yeah, pretty much anything you watch/read/listen to (I know I listened to a lot of political music in middle school where the message went right over my head) as a kid
There's no anime that means more to me than Kenshin. I started watching it at age 11 and I still periodically watch the full series, it's what got me into chanbara films, which led me to watch more Japanese Cinema, than into reading Japanese history, kenshin is a very precious piece of art for me. the live action films are also very fantastic and probably the best anime to live action adoption to ever be made. And I can't wait for the trust& betrayal/reflection/enishi arc films next year!
I've never seen the live-action movies, but I've heard they lack the humour of the mangas/animes which I always thought to be an important counterweight to the otherwise very dark and tragic story. Is this true or were I misinformed?
@@christertell2136 The first one has some mild humour, mainly for Sanosuke being a comedy side-kick. Obviously it can't be as animated as... well, the anime. But it feels tonally consistent. The later two films are tonally a lot darker and has a lot more political intrigues in it. The humour has to be left out as a result.
I watched the anime version before I watched these. I agree that despite the depth not being able to be covered in film series, the essence remains the same. And the pacifism rings throughout. Great essay as usual. And thanks for bringing back fond memories on why I love Japan too.
@@renkang_sg The Rurouni Kenshin films have be one of the best anime to film adaptations. Especially the choreography., the fight scenes were done so beautifully
I was born in Japan, live in Japan and study in Japan now. I'm amazed by the profound view in this video. Sadly however, Japanese people seem to lose 'Sakabato' spirit. Few Japanese people appreciate it that Self-Defense Force is not military. Actually, many people regard it as a mere rhetoric. I learned in school a comment of a politician: "Self-Defense Force is not military capability (戦力) but arms capabilty (実力) (PM Tanaka in 1972). Most of Japanese prefer to call it Japanese Military. Not that they usually do. And Japanese people aren't pacifists at all. My history teacher is very nationalistic, justifying Japan Emperor and despising Korea and China. But he is not the only one. Japanese middle-age males are more or less so. Moreover, I feel democracy of this country at jeopardy. In this spring, former Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Minister criticized a student for posting political issues on the Internet. For all the law amendments and activities, politics is still considered 'taboo.' And there exist many other taboos. It's like censorship. Yet, I'm very glad to know some people like Japan and its culture. I hope, someday, I can boast about Japanese nation as well.
@@jjescorpiso21 Its more like the younger populations are decreasing, while many more older generation remains which is a greater potential for the politicians to appeal to. Although Im not sure if the national diet actually goes along with the will of the order generations, but us youngsters think that even if we vote our number wouldn't matter and nothing would change. An opinion from college student in Tokyo, and I believe most of my generation thinks that way as well.
@@aberyusuke8985 Makes sense. I guess it's a waiting game. One day the younger generation must overtake. This is reality. The older generation cannot last forever and this generation will replace the older generation no matter how much they try to fight it. When that happens you guys need to have a list of things you want to change already waiting.
One of the issues with Japan not having a military per se but "self-Defense" is the constant threat of North Korea. I'm sure South Koreans want to leave in peace just like Japanese do, but they do have a regular military. They are not waiting for the US to help them out, if they can defend themselves. As much as Japan want to live peacefully, unfortunately you have to be prepared.
The Alita movie, while good in itself does an Godawful job at recreating the atmosphere and tone of the manga. Rurouni Kenshin actually improves on it and makes it more evident.
3:22 well actually... Kenshin wants to travel without a sword. But Arai Shakku, being skeptical about the new era and seeing Kenshin wants to travel defenceless gave him the sakabatou. He also told Kenshin not to simply run away after the many lifes he took during the war. He wants to see how far Kenshin ideals of not to kill again would bring him, and told Kenshin to only comes back when the swords broken.
And the irony loop is (if I still remember correctly on the comment I read): the samurai genre films was inspired by the cowboy genre film, and then the Seven Magnificent was based/rip off on the Samurai 7 (which is also adapted into an anime in 2000s) which then Samurai films definitely inspired Star Wars on sword fights, and then also GUNDAM
@@JohnSmith-uc4ks Wow, didn't know that. His impact is obviously obvious. Those swordfights are crazy on speed level alone, not to mention other stuff. Indeed, dope is the word.
Kenshin has been one of the most influential animes in my life, and the film series was lots of fun to watch. But never have I thought about its critique of Japan and its place in the world. Thank you for opening my eyes here! That was tremendous!
Rurouni Kenshin is a fascinating piece of media, not only because it is a love letter of Samurai culture and the Meiji restoration era of Japan, but it shows and signals to a lot of the darker scenarios the new era brought with it. To me, the most fascinating part is how such a defining piece ultimately came from someone who'd eventually go a do something heinous themselves.
Kenshin is one of an interesting case where the romanticization of Samurai culture was also met with question marks. Many of the fighters in Kenshin had shade of greyness in them, with the likes of Shishio being sunk deeply into the darkness. We all believe that power can't be innocent, and that Kenshin can't just wash of his past and be innocent even if he tries, but he does tries his best, discipline himself to not kill, and that's what turn him into a hero among morally grey fighters. Kenshin is a Kantian hero indeed~
Gintama is a mix, it has characters calling themselves samurai left and right, but also shows that blindly following the government isn't a good idea either..!
I love Kenshin because his life and struggles touches you like no other characters can touch you. His story pulls majorly at your heart string. You can’t help but go on his journey with him for redemption. In the end, you just wanted to take him into your arms like a child. Let him cry it out, comfort him and tells him everything is going to be okay. All is forgiven. You just want to fix his brokenness and give him peace.
@Velstadt Hekkleson what the hell is wrong with you? He was just stating some distinction to his name to some character no need to be butthurt over their profile pic and who are you to decide what's "normal"
@Velstadt Hekkleson normal is subjective what is normal to one isn't the same to another and your normal is utter BS, you're not better than anybody, keep lying to yourself and you'll end up worse than these no life weeabos you're so proudly superior against. I suggest watching accented cinema's vid on ipman4 since although you're not a racist you certainly have the same ideologies as one (superiority complex)
@Velstadt Hekkleson although I agree it is not as effective to learn from the messages and stories being conveyed in entertainment as opposed to actually going out there and applying these lessons yourselves, it is a good way to stop and reflect and the outlook and perspective of these story-tellers can help us look on life from a different angle. I can learn many things online and in real-life, but we are limited on that real-life part as of now so entertainment is the one keeping me sane until now. Well since you don't like reflecting from an analysis of a fictional character then my comment will serve sufficient as a reality-check
The Meiji Restoration is always an hot pot, that's interesting when japanese media actually shows something about that time period (even when it's "just" fiction)
I honestly think it had been a good setting for an Assassin's Creed game, better than Sengoku..! I also think 1700s Scandinavia would be a better setting for an ac game than what we got..!
@@Lobsterwithinternet yup, and while Ubi likes to present the Templar-Assassin conflict as grey, aren't they really good at it..! Templars wants to mind control everyone so there isn't any conflict, but everyone don't have feelings or disagreements either, just mindless puppets. Assassins want people to be free, yes there will be conflicts, but there will also be people to oppose them and fight for peace. It's clear that the templars are wrong in the way it's presented and honestly, it wouldn't be a good way to live. But honestly making one side the Shogunate and the other Ishin Shishi, like the assassins could be the Shishi to the Shogunate that were was infiltrated by the templars that came with the black ships and try taking over Japan first and then expand. Knowing history, we know the Shishi won, but with all the bloodshed, one can't necessarily call them right either, actually creating a moral dilemma. From what I've heard about Rogue, it's too unbalanced the other way. Many conflicts aren't just about right and wrong..!
The difference is that Japan lost WWII/capitulated/surrendered unconditionally/was defeated and humiliated whereas Ruroini Kenshin won the Meiji restoration
Me when the first time watching that movie: "wait, he is Kamen Rider Den-O isn't he?" Others: "Kamen what?" Me: "nah, forget it. I'm just amazed on how skillful he is with sword"
Which is a missed opportunity, the movie had none of the anime's trademark comedy, even tho Sato is more than capable of emulating it, as seen in Den O
Kenshin's history is so interesting and deep. The crimes that he committed and the struggles he's been through helped him rebuild himself. Through him we have a small glimpse of what is redemption and that it's never too late to change and to be a good person. Thank you so much for this analysis, it's really well done.
@@Lakhshamana I was hoping for new movies and frankly, this story would make a great television series too. I hope theey will make it, before Sato Takeru grows out of the role :DD
Thankfully, the Tomoe/Enishi arc will be another 2-part film like Kyoto/Legend, which will hopefully release this year where I'm hoping theaters will eventually open. ua-cam.com/video/Q0r5xZnC14s/v-deo.html
10:21 The rift between Korea and Japan runs deep in the older generations on both sides, it seems. I lived in s small town in Korea and saw the ruins of Japanese buildings in Cheonan from their occupation of Korea, as well as experiencing light hostilities towards myself, should I have spoken any Japanese. This is anecdotal, however, and should be taken lightly. It should not be used to judge the Korean people as a whole.
The difference is that Japan lost WWII/capitulated/surrendered unconditionally/was defeated and humiliated whereas Ruroini Kenshin won the Meiji restoration
I can understand where they come from, what's annoying is when the younger "woke" generation suddenly want to carry on the bad blood and hostilities. I see a lot of young Japanese having to "Pay for the sins of their fathers" as if the people criticizing them come from pure and honest ancestors who never went to war.
@@MrThistleMilk that is why i live by this "Don't feel bad for things that happend that i wasn't even alive for" and "Don't feel bad about things i had no part in"
These video essays have become so important to me. I'm close to finishing my MA in English Lit., and I feel so burnt out in terms of literary analysis. But your video essays manage to capture that spark, that deep emotional need to contemplate art and the human condition. I feel my soul uplifted every time I watch one of your videos.
Rurouni Kenshin really had ben entwined through my whole life. Experiencing the story as a kid, teenager, young adult, and full adult, i learn new things everytime. It's hard to separate the new series from the author... But the original is so meaningful to me
thank you for this review and excellent analysis. I keep coming back to your channel. I am Filipino. both my grandfathers fought against the terrible Japanese Imperial Army. that being said, I believe their atonement for their war crimes was sincere. I dearest hope is to keep the unadulterated truth of everything that transpired would be protected and shared. only then can all wounds heal and true friendship flourish. hope you're safe
I'm Filipino too, but for me they aren't entirely sincere since they don't acknowledge comfort women nor do they make reparations for them. Germans study their history and the war crimes Nazis did during World War II. In comparison, the Japanese don't study or know of their war crimes. It's not taught in their curriculum.
@@p3arl38 scholarly analysis of the nationalist agenda in Japan suggests that they are getting taught about it though; although there has been some steps backwards in actually allowing revisionist textbooks in the first place, the use of such textbooks in schools is extremely small to be insignificant. As a side note, I think it is best to separate the revisionist aspirations/policies of the nationalistic politicians from the actual people themselves and refrain from making sweeping statements about how the people think without basis; politicians aren't always representations of the majority of the people they claim to represent after all.
@@ShihouMatsuri I did a little a digging and I acknowledge I made sweeping statements regarding how their war crimes are studied in school. While it's true most textbooks do not erase this part of their history, the way it is taught still varies from school to school or prefecture to prefecture, some either gloss over or just mention in passing. And there is still ignorance regarding being aggressors in the war and being victims. But the comfort women part of my statement is still true.
@@p3arl38 The part about comfort women is, from my understanding, not entirely true or false. It is definitely true that recent administrations have shied away from mentioning the comfort women issue, preferring to bury it or at least, deem it 'settled' by previous administrations. It is also true that coverage of the comfort women issue in education is still lacking, with only brief mentions in texts. However, it is also true that the Japanese government has apologised multiple times for the war crimes, and it is also true that the government has set up a fund for reparations to the victimised comfort women. To be fair, I cannot speak for either side; I'm neither Japanese nor Korean, and I have not actually studied enough to definitively judge whether the Japanese people are actually sincere in their views over WWII without only referring to public statements by notable personages. What I personally think, as a descendant of those who have suffered in WWII, is that as long as their descendants recognise the danger of blindly following those in power, that's fine by me.
@@ShihouMatsuri it will always be true as long as the victims themselves feel so. In October 2006, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's apology was followed on the same day by a group of 80 Japanese lawmakers' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine which enshrines more than 1,000 convicted war criminals. Two years after the apology, Shinzo Abe also denied that the Imperial Japanese military had forced comfort women into sexual slavery during World War II. -wiki They may have apologized before 2006, but with Abe, it was all undid. Koreans may have gotten some apology and reparations, but Filipinos have not.
"In the eyes of this series, and thus kenshin, the meiji government isn't exactly the good guy either.." This film will make problem if it's created in my country.
Rurouni Kenshin was the first Manga series I ever finished reading, back when I started getting into Manga. So you can understand that I was so excited when the live action movies were released and to see that they're so awesome made me really happy ♥ That's also why I am so glad you made a fantastic video about it. Thank you so much for that! (...And also once again thank you for your videos on Ip Man. I just recently started watching the movies and they're great!)
It's very hard for me to come across films/shows that I truly enjoy, but I am more than happy to say the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy are some of my favorite movies ever. As a writer myself I thrive one the metaphors they give and the story of how Kenshin overcomes his past and moves on into his future. I never realized how much of a metaphor he is for Japan until your video, so thank you so much for this video! I learned a lot, and I hope you keep making your incredible content!
I started reading Rurouni Kenshin's manga when I was a teenager, after being spellbound by the anime adaptation. Since then I have deeply admired the characters created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, especially Kenshin, who quickly became a role model to this day, making a profound impact on how I want to behave as a human being. I explain this because my admiration for Watsuki's work has nothing to do with what he has done in his private life, and it bothers me very much that a group of strangers feel they have the right to criticize my personal approach to this manga and anime, as if by the mere fact of admiring a work of fiction, that made me an accomplice of the crimes of its author. It's stupid! Please stop pretending to impose your own views on other people. Do not behave like religious fanatics by pointing fingers at all those you consider to be sinners. If you intend to cancel someone, start by canceling yourself for being so deeply disgusting and judgmental.
I remember dismissing these movies for a long time saying "its just a garbage live action version of the manga/anime" so I dismissed it, wasnt until I saw some of the incredible and meticulous choreography and decided to watch them and without comparing it to the source material these films are amazing. I do prefer the source material but damn these movies are great
One of the reasons I try to watch things without the influence of reviews or unfair judgement I’ve seen so many amazing movies after I adopted this mindset
I've watched the anime TV series and two of the trilogy films, but it is the first time I found the interpretation that the sakabato is the metaphor for the JSDF. Great interpretation!
other thing that i love from this movie was, theyre not trying to fill those moves with effects (such as invisible speed on sukuchi), but theyre just trynna do it naturally. shishio flame sword looks very cool tbh. and also kenshin ultimate jutsu, idk how to say but he still nailed it.
This is my favorite Anime when i was a child. And make me Fall'in love with japanese Culture Their culture, how they respect it And how even now in this In an era of technology such as the current era, Japan can still be a country where the Culture from the Past and the Age of Technology can come together. and the people really have a different character and mentality from other countries in the world (Sorry for my english.still learning)
Thank you for finally dedicating a video essay to (in my opinion) one of the greatest story adaptations ever made! Your timing is amazing as I was actively searching for a thoughtful review of these movies. I’ve been patiently waiting for you to write this essay, and to hear your thoughts. UA-cam didn’t notify me, so I’m glad I was looking for this only two days late from your upload date. Rurouni Kenshin is, indeed, something very special on so many levels. It became my favorite anime series when I discovered it in 2003, and immediately sought out the manga which became the first manga series I read from beginning to end. The live action films, to my relief, did the story justice! So many fans I’ve interacted with have expressed so many reasons why they love this story, and I could write an essay myself why I love this samurai. But I’ll save that for my own video on RK someday. For now, I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this incredible story of redemption. This film series is so well made, yet does not receive the attention it deserves here in the west. It’s highly under recognized, and I’m always trying to recommend it to anyone looking for a good film. I’m happy it’s done very well in Eastern Asian countries. Well enough to earn another two part sequel to conclude Kenshin’s journey with the next two films coming out in 2021 (hopefully it doesn’t get pushed back, again). If the next chapters end with the same perfection as the manga, this will be a really specially well rounded film series! ^_^ﾒ
I can't thank you enough for giving this film more exposure especially on UA-cam. It's one of my favorite films and the sequels are in the works. And it baffles me that people still haven't discovered this movie and saying there's no good anime adaptation film.
This movie series is one of the very few that honoured the original, in fact it excels on its own. Instantly just loved them. Might watch it again after seeing this. So good to get more perspective on them.
If you're going to watch just ONE anime, RK (Rurouni Kenshin) is widely considered the most accomplished masterpiece. Trust and Betrayal OVA is where its at.
Your videos are consistently high quality and add layers of meaning I tend to intentionally avoid looking for in a kind of escapist way. I'm glad you're getting sponsorship money for it to help your income. That said, I think this one and the "How to write racism" one are my favourites. Very insightful, and on topics close to my heart. Thank you for all your hard work.
For those want to know more, here's my few cents: Japan's politics and foreign policies are pretty complicated, to begin with. While extremists still exist in Japan, they're pretty much a minor group (though still significant for some of them still doesn't recognize Japan's war crimes in the past and try to teach the young the same); and while Shinzo Abe was pretty insistent about rewriting the constitution, he was also cautious about that and not pushing it too hard despite he's quite popular in Japan already. And the need to possess a proper army vary because, well, they're pretty much America's protectorate, just like South Korea. The catch is, Japanese doesn't hold a high esteem about the stationed American army (at least in Okinawa), and even they're pretty much in the same side, Japan still doesn't get along with South Korea well, and conflicts broke out between them time to time. One of the major factor of Japan calling to "rearm" themselves is obviously due to Mainland China, of which swinging towards expansionism, to say it politely; but a rearmed Japan are recalling fears in pretty much every states in the area, for obvious reasons. Japan is trying to find "loopholes" in their current constitution, such as their new Izumo-class helicopter destroyers are pretty much a pseudo-Light Carriers, and trying to send SDF to foreign peacekeeping operations. These alerted China, South Korea and others, but with China's threat becoming more apparent, it's hard to tell if Japanese are still resisting the idea, though it's more because Suga had just come to the stage.. BTW I didn't watch Kenshin's anime and movie at all, but it's pretty nice to know it can be viewed that way.
@Naim Miah I wouldn't say it's easy on Sino-Japan relations though. Yes, China is horrifying aggressive on all fronts, but as I said part of Japanese refuse to recognize their bloodbath in WW2 (of which China got the biggest hit) pose a thorn between the two states. And let's not get into Diaoyu Island disputes, it's even more complicated.
@DuyDD Pham Oddly enough, I find the German account of the Nanjing massacre to be the most trustworthy, since a German would have little reason to lie about it in that time period.
Very insightful overview of the current geopolitical situation facing Japan, they are pushed to expand the SDF primarily by China's sudden (but foreseeable) aggression under Xi, and secondarily by the control the US exercises over Japan's affairs due to their need of it's protection. South Korea would be a natural ally in containment of China, but the long history of enmity (culminating in the atrocities of WW2) present a barrier to this otherwise no-brainer alliance. I'm not sure about Japan's status with other southern Asian countries or Australia (which faces the threat of economic domination by Beijing), but their lesser military strength makes the choice of further demilitarization, or even just maintaining it's current defense force size, a risky proposition for Tokyo. One thing about Kenshin: He's able to uphold his ideals because of the strength of his swordsmanship. We respect pacifism, but pacifism fails if it isn't upheld by enough strength to keep the calculus of conflict such that escalation by one's opponent is a losing proposition.
@@Low_commotion South East Asian here. We no longer have problem with Japan & enjoyed a good bi/multilateral relationship, but I personally am pissed off that they tried to rewrite their history books.
The difference is that Japan lost WWII/capitulated/surrendered unconditionally/was defeated and humiliated whereas Ruroini Kenshin won the Meiji restoration
@@goncaloferreira6429 ofcourse i know that.. i was just thinking to myself that it was so silly that people in the anime just say "hmm yea that couldn't possibly kill".
This angle is wonderful and I may teared up a little. RuroKen is my absolute favorite and you just added another layer as to why the overall material is such great piece of art.
When i was kid, i watched samurai x for the cool sword actions and the iconic opening song. Then as a teenager, i watched the last samurai and learned the socio politic that japan had at that time setting and just realized how complex it was to kenshin at that period.
Seems like yesterday that I first knew him as that unlucky guy who got possessed by four Imajins. I was amazed by how great he was playing one of my favorite swordsmen in anime. Well done, Takeru Satou. Well done, Kenshin Himura.
As a person who belongs to a country where our dark histories involved Japan taking over us by means of cruelty, the idea of "The world loves Japan as how it is now, but the World also knows what Japan has done" is just legit. But i love this Ruruoni series so bad ❤️ and the making of this fiction Kenshin's character, either manga or live action is just no doubt superb
I'm here as a fan, but I'm also here from The Corridor Crew channel comment Accented Cinema left. lol. I'm SO glad you did this movie. I love this channel AND this film. Win Win! Lol. Thank again!
I saw a lot of Indonesian names in the comments here. There are a lot of reason why Kenshin resonated with us. We have watched the anime, read the manga before we watched the anime. We also suffer under the Japanese during World War II so we know how it feel under Japanese ultra-nationalist. In contrast, we also know that our grandparents' suffering under Japan also a catalyst to make our country free because our first generation of millitary, PETA, were made by Japanese but after Independence, some of rebellion were started by the same generation of millitary. In fact, a lot of Makoto Shisio in Indonesian history.
So deep.. But i think it's just simply samurai x was the most popular anime back then when it was aired in indonesia circa 98, i remember i was in 5th grade and every kids talk about it, 'sobakasu' was earworming, my friend then become fans of l'arc~en~ciel bcs the song '4th avenue cafe' used as the ending ost. What a nostalgic..
the most beautiful manga adaptations. the story is beautiful. well, you can't compare it with the manga and anime. but, it is a masterpiece for adaptation.
Thank you for this video! I enjoy your work here in general but was waiting espescially for that one. Runouni Kenshin is one of my alltime favourite mangas and I was surprised how amazingly well done the movies were. And now I learned to enjoy it on another level.
I've read the Rurouni Kenshin manga growing up, and enjoyed the movies when they were released. I also grew up watching wuxia tv series adapted on Louis Cha/Jin Yong's novels, most notably the Condor trilogy. Having recently watched the latest adaptations for Louis Cha's Condor trilogy, I have come to think of RK as the Japanese version of a wuxia story. Besides the action (martial arts/swordsmanship taken to fantastic levels), the other major element of similarity between the Condor trilogy and RK is the use of an actual historical setting (more specifically, when times of significant political change is happening). I think this historical setting plays a large part in making the story good, as it provides a believable and relatable context, which then allows us to consider the reasons behind the protagonists' actions which let us think of them as heroes.
This film series is a masterpiece. The writing, acting, cinematography, and directing is in a category of it's own. The arc of the story is emotionally compelling filled with internal and external conflict within the characters. It is no wonder why it is so popular. Congratulations to all the participants... superb!!!
Rurouni Kenshin was the manga and anime that made me interested in studying and understanding japanese culture as a whole. I remember watching the intense swordfights in Cartoon Network's Toonami when I was a child and getting amazed by how Kenshin was such a fierce/strong character, being able to defeat evil men with the infamous sword of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. The anime had a great deal of humorous parts, so it was really nice. (SPOILERS!!!) But there was this arc about a ruthless killer named Kurogasa Jin-E that gave the series a much darker tone, for he was one of the first villains that wanted to see Himura's Battousai persona emerge once again at all costs. Eventually, they clash, and Kenshin almost kills him with the cutting edge of the sakabatou, but was prevented in doing so by Kaoru. Then, Jin-E tells him right before dying: "I'll be watching you from hell pretending to be a wanderer, waiting for the day when Battousai finally returns!". Because of this, Nobuhiro Watsuki said that Kurogasa was the only enemy who trully bested Kenshin, by bringing Battousai to light once more, after many years. After this battle, I guess Himura finally understood that true redemption would only be achieved if he struggled every day to be a better person, by showing mercy even to his most inhuman adversaries and to himself - hardest of all. In the end, being compassionate to those who deals harm to you or others you love, and being compassionate to yourself, forgiving your past sins, is the only way to keep moving forward to a better world - that's the true battle Himura kept fighting endlessly and made him the strongest swordsman of all. I like to think that's the message the series and the movies tries to convey and why the story still ressonates with many of us. Your videos are trully great! Keep them coming! Kudos from a Brazilian fan!
I’m so happy Otomo directed this trilogy (2 more movies coming). There would’ve been no one better suited. His Ryomaden series was amazing and showcased his talents for capturing historical dramas
Almost all of the Ryomaden actors are in Rurouni Kenshin Takeru Sato-Okada Izo Masaharu Fukuyama-Ryoma Sakamoto Yusuke Iseya-Takasugi Shinsaku Munetaka Aoki-Goto Shojiro
Oh man. I was really enjoying these films ... and you just keyed me into so many ideas. Thank you. I haven't watched all three yet and all ready I want to go back and watch them all again.
Thanks Zhang Yang, for this insight into Ruroni Kenshin, a truly intriguing Japanese film. Japan is in an internal fight for its soul. The right-wing advocates militarism and a return to Empire. Revisionism and denial of their war-time past is no longer hiding in the shadows. Abe has given legitimacy to these elements. I respect Japan and Japanese culture a lot. THere is much to admire in their discipline, commitment to tradition, and the high value they place on honour and integrity. I hope Japan chooses the right path for its people. A return to militarism and expansionism will only bring tears. This time, they will not find weak and declining nations standing in their way.
As a westerner (american) when I watched these films I honestly thought I was reading too much into the films, but guess I wasn't. What you brought up in the video matched almost 100% with my read shows there is still hope for this 60 year old american.
7:22 It should be known that Wealthy Landowning Samurai families were actually fine after Meiji. Even the Tokugawa family maintained much power and prestige following the Meiji restoration, with the last Shogun (Yoshinobu) enjoying a privileged, quiet, existence as a peer of the realm. Some of his descendants married in to the Imperial Household. It was lower ranking samurai, many of whom were already struggling economically during Tokugawa's shogunate, that had a hard time afterward. Being literate, many of them eventually became school teachers and civil servants afterwards. A number of them joined the IJA and the Imperial Guard, as well.
You may have to do analysis of the Anime , because they showed some Politicans as major heroes , some cops were also shown to be dirty , the anime is better than this really good accurate movie tbh
@@argeraint Past the Shishio arc. They didn't adapt the Enishi/Jinchuu arc and opted to have an original story instead. 3rd season was lackluster, but the 4th tanked really hard.
I do agree that a more "nuanced" view of the Meiji govt, more as a greyish blur than a clear hero has been helpful, but another important point is how it is often viewed as a "necessity" in any study of modern Japanese history. Not unlike the abandonment of imperial China, first under the GMD, and now under the CCP Might be helpful to tie in the theme of how such Kenshin's sacrifice, even if for a noble cause, is not without cost.
In the anime/manga series, the word's Kenshin's Master - Hiko Seijūrō were quite important. I haven't seen the live action so I can't say but I have seen many of the anime adaptations. Hiko Seijūrō knew Kenshin quite well and he knew the path he would be walking, advising Kenshin against it because he knew what would ultimately happen to him. Kenshin was still basically just a child when he made up his mind so he did not know, but perhaps his master did, having walked that path himself.
Earlier I was actually thinking about why Kenshin has an edge to his sakabato if he didn’t want to kill, and I’m glad I found someone who tried to address it. Thank you.
Thank you very much for this interesting essay. Kenshin is one of my favorite movies, and I'm in my Bachelor of Japanese Studies. It was fascinating to see how you connect it to the SDF and such. I didn't actively connect those things to the movie, but it does make sense quite a bit. Thanks for the insight!
This is an unexpected combination that I love. The live action movies really feel like they went under the radar, so knowing you talked about them is a treat.
I grow up watching the anime version as a kid... once I found what Watsuki had done. It was hard to watched the anime after that, despite how emotionally invested I was. Still love Rurouni Kenshin, but my disgust toward Watsuki lingers.
I remember watching an episode of this with my son and there was a line from it that I find myself using all the time. Something about a brick house that is too badly damaged and how you can't start to rebuild it without tearing the whole thing down because brick is just too strong. Very astute metaphor. Didn't know it was a live action movie though.
What an outstanding video! I really don't have words to describe the feelings I have by watching this masterpiece of explanation. Excellent! Big hugs from Colombia!
Correction: It's "Boshin" War. (thanks to commenter Teolaj)
-----------
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room.
Many of us already know who Nobuhiro Watsuki is. And if you don't know, you should probably look into his controversy before heading into the Kenshin series.
*Let me get this out first: No, he's not a good person.* The biggest problem I have with him, is how easy he got away with it. As such, I can understand why many of you would like to avoid financially supporting him, directly or indirectly. For those who choose to follow this route, you have my respect.
For someone who studies movies for a living, however, separating the art from the artist is almost a necessity. It's rather impractical to avoid artists with bad deeds. Otherwise I would have to avoid talking about Harry Potter because of J.K. Rowling, X-Men because of Bryan Singer, The Godfathers because of Marlon Brando, Chinatown because of Roman Polanski, or Baby Driver because of Kevin Spacey.
There is no doubt that many of these creators and artists have done some stuff from questionable to down right criminal. So the best I can do, is acknowledge the good and detest the bad. My one saving grace is that film production is a collective art. At least while I'm talking about the film, a whole team of artists are being appreciated.
Again, I do not condone what Watsuki has done. But hopefully, this clarifies on why I feel this film series still deserve some recognition. It's a sticky situation, for sure. If you can think of a better method in approaching films created by controversial artists, please let me know.
I salute you for this approach. I think it's very important to make sure that Watsuki gets no more of our money, but that doesn't mean we have to stop discussing his work in fan spaces, especially adaptions like the movie series that are the collective effort of a huge number of artists.
My understanding has been that, while the exact contract deal for these films has not been disclosed, for just about every other manga-to-live-action adaptation, the original creator was cut an initial check and doesn't get proceeds from the films after that. Which means the live action adaptations may be the best way to consume RuroKen at this point.
I'm certainly won't cancel you, but are you able to take a critique?
I didn't even attack your character (matter of fact I complemented your character when you were under tougher circumstances), all I said was that you can preface your videos if the situation arises
One must always separate the author/creator and the work. The work stands on it's own, if you like the work that does mean you have to love the author and vice versa.
@@mboatrightED300 That's exactly what's most important.
one thing of sure: Rurouni Kenshin's fandom is a rare, lucky fandom because the live action of their series is actually good
So true
sadly the author of the manga was arrested for having child pornography
@undertakersarmpit There is a difference between a drawing and a real photograph. Manga and anime about lolicon and pedophilia, while disgusting, are just drawings. No child was harm. But the author of Kenshin actually owned pornography and photographs of real children. If pedophiles could just watch lolicon anime and don't lay a hand on real children then I found nothing wrong with that.
@@miyako1909 you should also mention that the kids in those animes are always played by grew up women with high pitch voices that are doing their job. The porno kids are real life abused children that were forced to do that.
@undertakersarmpit There's an episode on the RK anime which I never really forgot decades later. There was Kenshin on a roof (?) with Misao. They just met at the time, as Kenshin was alone on his journey to Kyoto. He muses to himself while looking at MIsao, something along the lines of, "(something about her clothing) on her tight little body". O_O That was the english dubbed version. I'm not sure if my memory is true, but it never really left me :(
One of the only Live Action Anime Adaptation
that doesn't fail to deliver quality viewing experience.
the japanese death note live action is good too
bar one particularly unintentionally funny scene, the Tokyo Ghoul adaptation is also quite good
The are a few anime which Hollywood can be adapted successfully like Black lagoon.
Same with Gintama Live-Action Movies.
Initial D live action was also pretty good.
I love how you said “The world loves Japan how it is but the world also know what Japan has done”.
I will never forget when an old politician tried to sign revisions to the pacifist constitution and a young politician attacked him and took his pen, or the many old women that stood outside to protest against those changes.
@giri kotte this is irrelevant to the argument made in the video.
I more like Shishio from anime than in Film. He is pragmatic man, he's goal is same with kenshin is to save japan from European imperialism (maybe eps 59). Shishio view is Social Darwinism, is Japan not strength enough defense themself only become pray to European, for historical context Japan fear his country had same fate with China during 19th Century bite to bite colonizing by European (French-Sino war, German Qingdao, Rusia occupation of Outer Manchuria/Vladivostok)
After the battle with Shishio, Kenshin just say Shishio lost just because Shishio mindset is lost favour in time and new era choose Kenshin. Kenshin never said Shishio mindset is wrong because Shishio mindset is justificate. But also Shishio mindset exactly same thought by Japanese Government during Meiji until Early Showa, Japan is fear about Western expansion by force or culture
@giri kotte I'll bite. So, what exactly was the purpose of your orginal comment and how does it relate to the video, or did you feel the need to bring up China because the UA-camr is originally from China and he's addressing a topic that hit too close to home for you?
I think, even bigger symbolism for Kenshin are the women he loves. Tomoe represents the man he once was, and is the embodiment of the unrest, inner turmoil, and slaughter happening in Japan. She is the catalyst that pushes Kenshin forward. Her death is symbolic of Battosai’s death. Kaoru represents the man he is now, and is the embodiment of a bright, unsullied, peaceful future for Japan that Kenshin hoped for. Her life is symbolic of his faith in the importance of peace. She is his desire to truly live.
screw Kaoru, there can only be one.
@@underdogmage5607 then dig your grave beside Tomoe's
Really, at the end of the first film, it was Kaoru who saved Kenshin, and your words show this, through her courage and will to live with conviction and to have faith in her ideals as Kenshin was in doubt throughout the latter half of the film.
Similar to how Tomoe also saved him, but through sacrifice of herself, through her own pain and grief.
When U're so badass that the woman whose fiance you killed actually falls for you.
Tomoe = Japan pre and during WW2
Kaoru = Japan post WW2
Tomoe’s death = Nuclear explosion of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
I think that the sakabato still having a sharp edge is also Kenshin acknowledging that he can still kill people if he wanted to. His oath would be easier to keep if he just walked around with a wooden sword.
Every time he battles with his enemies he's also battling himself and his old ways.
He chooses not to kill.
It’s very different from being unable to kill - it requires discipline and consistency... but it also means an inability to actually let go of the past and choose to never do it again.
There’s that constant risk of backsliding - Kaoru (anime-wise, haven’t seen the films) doesn’t have that risk. She chooses not to be able to kill, a real commitment that is much harder to break.
Well, he need a tool which capable to fight a tough, deadly weapon. Wooden sword are too fragile against iron and steel sword, and he only have swordsmanship. Only when he used all his skill and knowledge, then he will be capable to fight anyone who may have the same caliber or higher than him.
And when we talk about Sakabatou, we also need to remember the sword's blacksmith. The blacksmith also have the same dilemma as Kenshin, as he saw his crafted weapon kill so many people during the war. So the final gift of the blacksmith to Kenshin is the Reverse-blade sword. And if you know how katana is made, reverse-sword blade are practically near impossible to made.
I think the sharp edge that is now pointing to himself, instead of his opponents, is an excellent metaphor of how Kenshin is trying to atone for his sins. He use that sword to protect others, and can only hurt himself.
Really like the first statement and the replies because I have thought all of them while watching the anime, the movie and the video essay. And the funny thing is all of them make sense and they're not contradictory although it could seem that way. Fulfill the promise not to kill while risking himself during a fight and carrying the blacksmith last will using his last creation all of these under the decision of not to kill even when it would be justified for saving other innocent people because that is the way of redemption.
Honestly vthe reveres blade is also useful for cooking and cutting radishes
If he carry a wooden sword it'll just brake everytime he swings it
I also love Kaoru's character in this story, not for her personality, but for what she stands for. She's the perfect opposite of Kenshin.
Kenshin grew only as a swordsman. That's what his life summed up to be after the massacre of his village. He gets renamed as a swordsman. Swords lead his life, and he only sees them in one way: a tool of death, and that's how he uses it.
As for Kaoru's dojo, they believe the sword to be something that brings life. It's the same tool Kenshin used, but in such a different way.
When the abandoned samurais invaded her dojo and Kenshin showed up to defend it, he confesses that he doesn't believe in what her dojo stands by. He says something on the lines of "She's wrong, a sword will never bring life, but I prefer to believe in that, even if it's wrong". That was saying a lot. In his head, after all those years, he still sees a sword as death. Even when his sword doesn't kill anymore, even when he abandoned his killer sword. The sakkabatou still weights of death.
As the series go by, we see him admiring the motto of her dojo a lot, and I believe that by the end, he believed in it. If you're comparing swords to Japan's military power, that is saying a lot. It's healing the thought that weapons only serve to bring death and power. It is believing that Japan's military power will find a better purpose in defending their own people, in bringing life to them, instead of looking for wars outside.
Romantic or not, Kaoru's character was the perfect character to Kenshin's, because she is the one to teach him about swords, she changes him and heals him and his ideologies. I love how they complete each other.
Underrated comment.
One thing people also fail to understand is that while Kenshin is in his 30s, Kaoru is 17. As we know she has had no prior romances since she's been living alone after her fathers death with "that servant", holding the entire weight of the kamiya kasshin dojo by herself, so its only natural for her in such age to fangirl a guy, specially if it is a guy like kenshin.
"It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war."
i grew up with this series and only now do i realize how little i really reflected on its themes
@@normandy2501 Yeah, pretty much anything you watch/read/listen to (I know I listened to a lot of political music in middle school where the message went right over my head) as a kid
There's no anime that means more to me than Kenshin. I started watching it at age 11 and I still periodically watch the full series, it's what got me into chanbara films, which led me to watch more Japanese Cinema, than into reading Japanese history, kenshin is a very precious piece of art for me.
the live action films are also very fantastic and probably the best anime to live action adoption to ever be made. And I can't wait for the trust& betrayal/reflection/enishi arc films next year!
I've never seen the live-action movies, but I've heard they lack the humour of the mangas/animes which I always thought to be an important counterweight to the otherwise very dark and tragic story. Is this true or were I misinformed?
@@christertell2136 The first one has some mild humour, mainly for Sanosuke being a comedy side-kick. Obviously it can't be as animated as... well, the anime. But it feels tonally consistent.
The later two films are tonally a lot darker and has a lot more political intrigues in it. The humour has to be left out as a result.
@@AccentedCinema Thanks for the answer, I'll definitely give them a try.
If you haven't read the manga you're doing yourself a disservice.
Wait they are making a trust and betrayal live action? That's awesome
Title: The metaphors of Rurouni Kenshin.
Me: Now that is a name i haven't heard in a long long time.
I watched the anime version before I watched these. I agree that despite the depth not being able to be covered in film series, the essence remains the same. And the pacifism rings throughout.
Great essay as usual. And thanks for bringing back fond memories on why I love Japan too.
hello there.
@@renkang_sg The Rurouni Kenshin films have be one of the best anime to film adaptations. Especially the choreography., the fight scenes were done so beautifully
They're making two more films.
@@michaelturnage3395 they are already done, should have been released this summer but because of covid they were postponed to next year
I was born in Japan, live in Japan and study in Japan now. I'm amazed by the profound view in this video.
Sadly however, Japanese people seem to lose 'Sakabato' spirit. Few Japanese people appreciate it that Self-Defense Force is not military. Actually, many people regard it as a mere rhetoric. I learned in school a comment of a politician: "Self-Defense Force is not military capability (戦力) but arms capabilty (実力) (PM Tanaka in 1972). Most of Japanese prefer to call it Japanese Military. Not that they usually do.
And Japanese people aren't pacifists at all. My history teacher is very nationalistic, justifying Japan Emperor and despising Korea and China. But he is not the only one. Japanese middle-age males are more or less so.
Moreover, I feel democracy of this country at jeopardy. In this spring, former Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Minister criticized a student for posting political issues on the Internet. For all the law amendments and activities, politics is still considered 'taboo.' And there exist many other taboos. It's like censorship.
Yet, I'm very glad to know some people like Japan and its culture. I hope, someday, I can boast about Japanese nation as well.
Is politics being taboo the reason why a lot of young Japanese don't vote?
Excellent comment, rampant ultra nationalism is a dangerous ideology in any country.
@@jjescorpiso21 Its more like the younger populations are decreasing, while many more older generation remains which is a greater potential for the politicians to appeal to. Although Im not sure if the national diet actually goes along with the will of the order generations, but us youngsters think that even if we vote our number wouldn't matter and nothing would change. An opinion from college student in Tokyo, and I believe most of my generation thinks that way as well.
@@aberyusuke8985 Makes sense. I guess it's a waiting game. One day the younger generation must overtake. This is reality. The older generation cannot last forever and this generation will replace the older generation no matter how much they try to fight it. When that happens you guys need to have a list of things you want to change already waiting.
One of the issues with Japan not having a military per se but "self-Defense" is the constant threat of North Korea. I'm sure South Koreans want to leave in peace just like Japanese do, but they do have a regular military. They are not waiting for the US to help them out, if they can defend themselves. As much as Japan want to live peacefully, unfortunately you have to be prepared.
Many people : Alita Battle Angel is the best anime adaptation.
Me : Rurouni Kenshin movies are the best anime adaptations.
I agree so strongly
I third that
Death Note and Gintama adaptations are also among the best.
The Alita movie, while good in itself does an Godawful job at recreating the atmosphere and tone of the manga.
Rurouni Kenshin actually improves on it and makes it more evident.
DMC for me.
3:22 well actually...
Kenshin wants to travel without a sword. But Arai Shakku, being skeptical about the new era and seeing Kenshin wants to travel defenceless gave him the sakabatou. He also told Kenshin not to simply run away after the many lifes he took during the war. He wants to see how far Kenshin ideals of not to kill again would bring him, and told Kenshin to only comes back when the swords broken.
To be honest, this film alone has more dope swordfights than Star Wars films combined
The action director of this movie is Donnie Yen's disciple, ofc it's dope.
@@JohnSmith-uc4ks Kenji Tanigaki is the action director of the 3 movies. Is he disciple of Donnie yen?
@@letterm6656 yes, he has worked with Donnie for a long time. You can see him in many Donnie's movies
And the irony loop is (if I still remember correctly on the comment I read): the samurai genre films was inspired by the cowboy genre film, and then the Seven Magnificent was based/rip off on the Samurai 7 (which is also adapted into an anime in 2000s) which then Samurai films definitely inspired Star Wars on sword fights, and then also GUNDAM
@@JohnSmith-uc4ks Wow, didn't know that. His impact is obviously obvious. Those swordfights are crazy on speed level alone, not to mention other stuff. Indeed, dope is the word.
Fun Fact: RK fight choreographer is Kenji Tanigaki, he work with action star Donnie Yen since the 90s
Thanks! Good to know as the fight choreography is totally awesome!
Kenshin has been one of the most influential animes in my life, and the film series was lots of fun to watch. But never have I thought about its critique of Japan and its place in the world. Thank you for opening my eyes here! That was tremendous!
Sometimes you don't know why you're drawn to any media until someone or YT lay it out for you. Anime/manga does that so well timeless.
@@artfire28 That's true, it must have been there in our subconscious mind
Rurouni Kenshin is a fascinating piece of media, not only because it is a love letter of Samurai culture and the Meiji restoration era of Japan, but it shows and signals to a lot of the darker scenarios the new era brought with it. To me, the most fascinating part is how such a defining piece ultimately came from someone who'd eventually go a do something heinous themselves.
This is "THE BEST" live action anime adaptation even Hollywood cannot do.
Kenshin is one of an interesting case where the romanticization of Samurai culture was also met with question marks.
Many of the fighters in Kenshin had shade of greyness in them, with the likes of Shishio being sunk deeply into the darkness. We all believe that power can't be innocent, and that Kenshin can't just wash of his past and be innocent even if he tries, but he does tries his best, discipline himself to not kill, and that's what turn him into a hero among morally grey fighters.
Kenshin is a Kantian hero indeed~
eyy you're here
Many of the fighters in Jojo had gayness in them.
Gintama is a mix, it has characters calling themselves samurai left and right, but also shows that blindly following the government isn't a good idea either..!
@@soekmamaulana427 Eyyy
@@patt5085 Why can't action movies be gay again nowadays it all just faceless enemies and that sucks.
I still can't believe there's an anime/manga adaptation this fucking good in the timeline we're currently living in.
I love Kenshin because his life and struggles touches you like no other characters can touch you. His story pulls majorly at your heart string. You can’t help but go on his journey with him for redemption. In the end, you just wanted to take him into your arms like a child. Let him cry it out, comfort him and tells him everything is going to be okay. All is forgiven. You just want to fix his brokenness and give him peace.
My parents named me after kenshin... ;-;
I think that’s pretty cool to have parents like that
@Velstadt Hekkleson bruh its just a name
@Velstadt Hekkleson “I look more Asian than the weeb”
You don’t even know their gender, how could you know that?
@Velstadt Hekkleson what the hell is wrong with you? He was just stating some distinction to his name to some character no need to be butthurt over their profile pic and who are you to decide what's "normal"
@Velstadt Hekkleson normal is subjective what is normal to one isn't the same to another and your normal is utter BS, you're not better than anybody, keep lying to yourself and you'll end up worse than these no life weeabos you're so proudly superior against. I suggest watching accented cinema's vid on ipman4 since although you're not a racist you certainly have the same ideologies as one (superiority complex)
@Velstadt Hekkleson although I agree it is not as effective to learn from the messages and stories being conveyed in entertainment as opposed to actually going out there and applying these lessons yourselves, it is a good way to stop and reflect and the outlook and perspective of these story-tellers can help us look on life from a different angle. I can learn many things online and in real-life, but we are limited on that real-life part as of now so entertainment is the one keeping me sane until now. Well since you don't like reflecting from an analysis of a fictional character then my comment will serve sufficient as a reality-check
The Meiji Restoration is always an hot pot, that's interesting when japanese media actually shows something about that time period (even when it's "just" fiction)
Well, UK also love period and historical drama.
The current 'hot one' is The Crown.
I honestly think it had been a good setting for an Assassin's Creed game, better than Sengoku..! I also think 1700s Scandinavia would be a better setting for an ac game than what we got..!
@@TeruteruBozusama Same. Would rather play in the Meji Era than just making a dumbed-down Tenchu wannabe.
@@Lobsterwithinternet yup, and while Ubi likes to present the Templar-Assassin conflict as grey, aren't they really good at it..! Templars wants to mind control everyone so there isn't any conflict, but everyone don't have feelings or disagreements either, just mindless puppets. Assassins want people to be free, yes there will be conflicts, but there will also be people to oppose them and fight for peace. It's clear that the templars are wrong in the way it's presented and honestly, it wouldn't be a good way to live.
But honestly making one side the Shogunate and the other Ishin Shishi, like the assassins could be the Shishi to the Shogunate that were was infiltrated by the templars that came with the black ships and try taking over Japan first and then expand. Knowing history, we know the Shishi won, but with all the bloodshed, one can't necessarily call them right either, actually creating a moral dilemma. From what I've heard about Rogue, it's too unbalanced the other way. Many conflicts aren't just about right and wrong..!
The difference is that Japan lost WWII/capitulated/surrendered unconditionally/was defeated and humiliated whereas Ruroini Kenshin won the Meiji restoration
Me when the first time watching that movie: "wait, he is Kamen Rider Den-O isn't he?"
Others: "Kamen what?"
Me: "nah, forget it. I'm just amazed on how skillful he is with sword"
In part one, he fought KR Skull from Kamen Rider W.
Ah, I nearly missed the "Sword" reference there...
he were Den-O, Koyuki from Beck (man u should try watch this movie adapt n the mangas), and also Kenshin.
he is rly a great actor.
Which is a missed opportunity, the movie had none of the anime's trademark comedy, even tho Sato is more than capable of emulating it, as seen in Den O
i was waiting to see Momotaros
Kenshin's history is so interesting and deep. The crimes that he committed and the struggles he's been through helped him rebuild himself. Through him we have a small glimpse of what is redemption and that it's never too late to change and to be a good person. Thank you so much for this analysis, it's really well done.
I had fallen out of love with the anime, but the three movies brought my love back! I hope the fourth movie does not get delayed further.
Huh. I thought they ended with, well, _The Legend Ends._ I guess Tomoe's arc is going to the silver screen after all.
@@Lakhshamana I was hoping for new movies and frankly, this story would make a great television series too. I hope theey will make it, before Sato Takeru grows out of the role :DD
Thankfully, the Tomoe/Enishi arc will be another 2-part film like Kyoto/Legend, which will hopefully release this year where I'm hoping theaters will eventually open.
ua-cam.com/video/Q0r5xZnC14s/v-deo.html
I just love listening to you speak on any subject- you bring to art the thoughtfulness and respect it deserves.
10:21 The rift between Korea and Japan runs deep in the older generations on both sides, it seems. I lived in s small town in Korea and saw the ruins of Japanese buildings in Cheonan from their occupation of Korea, as well as experiencing light hostilities towards myself, should I have spoken any Japanese. This is anecdotal, however, and should be taken lightly. It should not be used to judge the Korean people as a whole.
The difference is that Japan lost WWII/capitulated/surrendered unconditionally/was defeated and humiliated whereas Ruroini Kenshin won the Meiji restoration
I can understand where they come from, what's annoying is when the younger "woke" generation suddenly want to carry on the bad blood and hostilities. I see a lot of young Japanese having to "Pay for the sins of their fathers" as if the people criticizing them come from pure and honest ancestors who never went to war.
@@MrThistleMilk that is why i live by this "Don't feel bad for things that happend that i wasn't even alive for" and "Don't feel bad about things i had no part in"
@@MrThistleMilk Japan was thoroughly humiliated in WWII. Fact. Period.
@@Maconhaepaz No one is denying that here captain obvious, fact, period.
These video essays have become so important to me.
I'm close to finishing my MA in English Lit., and I feel so burnt out in terms of literary analysis. But your video essays manage to capture that spark, that deep emotional need to contemplate art and the human condition. I feel my soul uplifted every time I watch one of your videos.
Rurouni Kenshin really had ben entwined through my whole life. Experiencing the story as a kid, teenager, young adult, and full adult, i learn new things everytime.
It's hard to separate the new series from the author... But the original is so meaningful to me
thank you for this review and excellent analysis. I keep coming back to your channel. I am Filipino. both my grandfathers fought against the terrible Japanese Imperial Army. that being said, I believe their atonement for their war crimes was sincere. I dearest hope is to keep the unadulterated truth of everything that transpired would be protected and shared. only then can all wounds heal and true friendship flourish. hope you're safe
I'm Filipino too, but for me they aren't entirely sincere since they don't acknowledge comfort women nor do they make reparations for them. Germans study their history and the war crimes Nazis did during World War II. In comparison, the Japanese don't study or know of their war crimes. It's not taught in their curriculum.
@@p3arl38 scholarly analysis of the nationalist agenda in Japan suggests that they are getting taught about it though; although there has been some steps backwards in actually allowing revisionist textbooks in the first place, the use of such textbooks in schools is extremely small to be insignificant.
As a side note, I think it is best to separate the revisionist aspirations/policies of the nationalistic politicians from the actual people themselves and refrain from making sweeping statements about how the people think without basis; politicians aren't always representations of the majority of the people they claim to represent after all.
@@ShihouMatsuri I did a little a digging and I acknowledge I made sweeping statements regarding how their war crimes are studied in school. While it's true most textbooks do not erase this part of their history, the way it is taught still varies from school to school or prefecture to prefecture, some either gloss over or just mention in passing. And there is still ignorance regarding being aggressors in the war and being victims.
But the comfort women part of my statement is still true.
@@p3arl38 The part about comfort women is, from my understanding, not entirely true or false.
It is definitely true that recent administrations have shied away from mentioning the comfort women issue, preferring to bury it or at least, deem it 'settled' by previous administrations. It is also true that coverage of the comfort women issue in education is still lacking, with only brief mentions in texts.
However, it is also true that the Japanese government has apologised multiple times for the war crimes, and it is also true that the government has set up a fund for reparations to the victimised comfort women.
To be fair, I cannot speak for either side; I'm neither Japanese nor Korean, and I have not actually studied enough to definitively judge whether the Japanese people are actually sincere in their views over WWII without only referring to public statements by notable personages. What I personally think, as a descendant of those who have suffered in WWII, is that as long as their descendants recognise the danger of blindly following those in power, that's fine by me.
@@ShihouMatsuri it will always be true as long as the victims themselves feel so.
In October 2006, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's apology was followed on the same day by a group of 80 Japanese lawmakers' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine which enshrines more than 1,000 convicted war criminals. Two years after the apology, Shinzo Abe also denied that the Imperial Japanese military had forced comfort women into sexual slavery during World War II.
-wiki
They may have apologized before 2006, but with Abe, it was all undid.
Koreans may have gotten some apology and reparations, but Filipinos have not.
"In the eyes of this series, and thus kenshin, the meiji government isn't exactly the good guy either.."
This film will make problem if it's created in my country.
which country?
@@lyhthegreat indonesia
@@JohnSmith-ey6zy how do u know?
@@lyhthegreat his name...
@@JohnSmith-ey6zy bayu is sanskrit word, akbar is arabic word, hey...maybe he's from india or somewhere..
Rurouni Kenshin was the first Manga series I ever finished reading, back when I started getting into Manga. So you can understand that I was so excited when the live action movies were released and to see that they're so awesome made me really happy ♥ That's also why I am so glad you made a fantastic video about it. Thank you so much for that!
(...And also once again thank you for your videos on Ip Man. I just recently started watching the movies and they're great!)
It's very hard for me to come across films/shows that I truly enjoy, but I am more than happy to say the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy are some of my favorite movies ever. As a writer myself I thrive one the metaphors they give and the story of how Kenshin overcomes his past and moves on into his future. I never realized how much of a metaphor he is for Japan until your video, so thank you so much for this video! I learned a lot, and I hope you keep making your incredible content!
I started reading Rurouni Kenshin's manga when I was a teenager, after being spellbound by the anime adaptation. Since then I have deeply admired the characters created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, especially Kenshin, who quickly became a role model to this day, making a profound impact on how I want to behave as a human being. I explain this because my admiration for Watsuki's work has nothing to do with what he has done in his private life, and it bothers me very much that a group of strangers feel they have the right to criticize my personal approach to this manga and anime, as if by the mere fact of admiring a work of fiction, that made me an accomplice of the crimes of its author. It's stupid! Please stop pretending to impose your own views on other people. Do not behave like religious fanatics by pointing fingers at all those you consider to be sinners. If you intend to cancel someone, start by canceling yourself for being so deeply disgusting and judgmental.
I remember dismissing these movies for a long time saying "its just a garbage live action version of the manga/anime" so I dismissed it, wasnt until I saw some of the incredible and meticulous choreography and decided to watch them and without comparing it to the source material these films are amazing. I do prefer the source material but damn these movies are great
One of the reasons I try to watch things without the influence of reviews or unfair judgement I’ve seen so many amazing movies after I adopted this mindset
Same here, I was afraid it will ruin my expectations but one day it played in Cable so I watch it about halfway and amazed by it
The anime certainly is one of the first I ever saw as a kid and i loved it , even to this day , it is 10/10 !
me too! it was dubed in french and shown on TV5 sunday morning at 8am in my east european country.
@@HisameArtwork i think for many 90z kids this was our first taste of anime
I've watched the anime TV series and two of the trilogy films, but it is the first time I found the interpretation that the sakabato is the metaphor for the JSDF. Great interpretation!
It is a metaphor for Japanese rearmament not the JSDF in particular but of Japan's potential military capacity in general.
Same! This is such an amazing interpretation that also manages to be novel after all the time the series has been out!
other thing that i love from this movie was, theyre not trying to fill those moves with effects (such as invisible speed on sukuchi), but theyre just trynna do it naturally. shishio flame sword looks very cool tbh. and also kenshin ultimate jutsu, idk how to say but he still nailed it.
This is my favorite Anime when i was a child. And make me Fall'in love with japanese Culture
Their culture, how they respect it
And how even now in this In an era of technology such as the current era, Japan can still be a country where the Culture from the Past and the Age of Technology can come together. and the people really have a different character and mentality from other countries in the world
(Sorry for my english.still learning)
Thankyou so much Accented Cinema. You have made my day.
I will never forget this essay and Kenshin.
Thank you for finally dedicating a video essay to (in my opinion) one of the greatest story adaptations ever made! Your timing is amazing as I was actively searching for a thoughtful review of these movies. I’ve been patiently waiting for you to write this essay, and to hear your thoughts. UA-cam didn’t notify me, so I’m glad I was looking for this only two days late from your upload date.
Rurouni Kenshin is, indeed, something very special on so many levels. It became my favorite anime series when I discovered it in 2003, and immediately sought out the manga which became the first manga series I read from beginning to end. The live action films, to my relief, did the story justice!
So many fans I’ve interacted with have expressed so many reasons why they love this story, and I could write an essay myself why I love this samurai. But I’ll save that for my own video on RK someday. For now, I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this incredible story of redemption.
This film series is so well made, yet does not receive the attention it deserves here in the west. It’s highly under recognized, and I’m always trying to recommend it to anyone looking for a good film. I’m happy it’s done very well in Eastern Asian countries. Well enough to earn another two part sequel to conclude Kenshin’s journey with the next two films coming out in 2021 (hopefully it doesn’t get pushed back, again). If the next chapters end with the same perfection as the manga, this will be a really specially well rounded film series! ^_^ﾒ
omg! you have explained everything really well... and I truly agree,.
the series is truly a specialllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll , I love it
Bravo! Always eagerly waiting for new content, has never disappointed.
I can't thank you enough for giving this film more exposure especially on UA-cam. It's one of my favorite films and the sequels are in the works. And it baffles me that people still haven't discovered this movie and saying there's no good anime adaptation film.
favorite time of the week is when accented cinema puts out another insightfully thoughtful video essay MMM
Kenshin Himura is my first love. The cartoon version made me fall in love with the character. I am 33 now but still I admire the story of SAMURAI X
This is a classic already. The writing, acting, story line, art. All 10's.
Well done.
The manga is really good to
This movie series is one of the very few that honoured the original, in fact it excels on its own. Instantly just loved them. Might watch it again after seeing this. So good to get more perspective on them.
This is how you'll psyops me into watching anime.
If you're going to watch just ONE anime, RK (Rurouni Kenshin) is widely considered the most accomplished masterpiece. Trust and Betrayal OVA is where its at.
Your videos are consistently high quality and add layers of meaning I tend to intentionally avoid looking for in a kind of escapist way. I'm glad you're getting sponsorship money for it to help your income.
That said, I think this one and the "How to write racism" one are my favourites. Very insightful, and on topics close to my heart. Thank you for all your hard work.
For those want to know more, here's my few cents: Japan's politics and foreign policies are pretty complicated, to begin with.
While extremists still exist in Japan, they're pretty much a minor group (though still significant for some of them still doesn't recognize Japan's war crimes in the past and try to teach the young the same); and while Shinzo Abe was pretty insistent about rewriting the constitution, he was also cautious about that and not pushing it too hard despite he's quite popular in Japan already.
And the need to possess a proper army vary because, well, they're pretty much America's protectorate, just like South Korea. The catch is, Japanese doesn't hold a high esteem about the stationed American army (at least in Okinawa), and even they're pretty much in the same side, Japan still doesn't get along with South Korea well, and conflicts broke out between them time to time.
One of the major factor of Japan calling to "rearm" themselves is obviously due to Mainland China, of which swinging towards expansionism, to say it politely; but a rearmed Japan are recalling fears in pretty much every states in the area, for obvious reasons. Japan is trying to find "loopholes" in their current constitution, such as their new Izumo-class helicopter destroyers are pretty much a pseudo-Light Carriers, and trying to send SDF to foreign peacekeeping operations. These alerted China, South Korea and others, but with China's threat becoming more apparent, it's hard to tell if Japanese are still resisting the idea, though it's more because Suga had just come to the stage..
BTW I didn't watch Kenshin's anime and movie at all, but it's pretty nice to know it can be viewed that way.
@Naim Miah I wouldn't say it's easy on Sino-Japan relations though. Yes, China is horrifying aggressive on all fronts, but as I said part of Japanese refuse to recognize their bloodbath in WW2 (of which China got the biggest hit) pose a thorn between the two states. And let's not get into Diaoyu Island disputes, it's even more complicated.
@DuyDD Pham And you can STFU as there're more than just movies but also numerous different sources from other states including Japan.
@DuyDD Pham Oddly enough, I find the German account of the Nanjing massacre to be the most trustworthy, since a German would have little reason to lie about it in that time period.
Very insightful overview of the current geopolitical situation facing Japan, they are pushed to expand the SDF primarily by China's sudden (but foreseeable) aggression under Xi, and secondarily by the control the US exercises over Japan's affairs due to their need of it's protection. South Korea would be a natural ally in containment of China, but the long history of enmity (culminating in the atrocities of WW2) present a barrier to this otherwise no-brainer alliance. I'm not sure about Japan's status with other southern Asian countries or Australia (which faces the threat of economic domination by Beijing), but their lesser military strength makes the choice of further demilitarization, or even just maintaining it's current defense force size, a risky proposition for Tokyo.
One thing about Kenshin: He's able to uphold his ideals because of the strength of his swordsmanship. We respect pacifism, but pacifism fails if it isn't upheld by enough strength to keep the calculus of conflict such that escalation by one's opponent is a losing proposition.
@@Low_commotion South East Asian here. We no longer have problem with Japan & enjoyed a good bi/multilateral relationship, but I personally am pissed off that they tried to rewrite their history books.
The story of Rurouni Kenshin told by his creators is the gift that keeps on giving
The difference is that Japan lost WWII/capitulated/surrendered unconditionally/was defeated and humiliated whereas Ruroini Kenshin won the Meiji restoration
As a long time fan of rurouni kenshin, i've always think about this.. you can still kill with blunt steel..
the sword metaphor is at work here. kenshin´s edge/spirit/will is blunt but of course he can still kill. a weapon is still a weapon.
@@goncaloferreira6429 ofcourse i know that.. i was just thinking to myself that it was so silly that people in the anime just say "hmm yea that couldn't possibly kill".
This angle is wonderful and I may teared up a little. RuroKen is my absolute favorite and you just added another layer as to why the overall material is such great piece of art.
When i was kid, i watched samurai x for the cool sword actions and the iconic opening song. Then as a teenager, i watched the last samurai and learned the socio politic that japan had at that time setting and just realized how complex it was to kenshin at that period.
Great video essay! Rurouni Kenshin is my childhood and my intro to anime!
I never really looked at the Rurouni Kenshin that way. That's pretty cool. Thanks for making the video :)
Dude, i love your analysis. Please keep going- you are so good at what you do.
Seems like yesterday that I first knew him as that unlucky guy who got possessed by four Imajins. I was amazed by how great he was playing one of my favorite swordsmen in anime.
Well done, Takeru Satou. Well done, Kenshin Himura.
As a person who belongs to a country where our dark histories involved Japan taking over us by means of cruelty, the idea of "The world loves Japan as how it is now, but the World also knows what Japan has done" is just legit.
But i love this Ruruoni series so bad ❤️ and the making of this fiction Kenshin's character, either manga or live action is just no doubt superb
I'm in love with that subtle ending
I'm here as a fan, but I'm also here from The Corridor Crew channel comment Accented Cinema left. lol. I'm SO glad you did this movie. I love this channel AND this film. Win Win! Lol. Thank again!
I wish I could peel meaning out of stories in film like you do, when I watch stuff I can barely get past the 'haha sword go shwing'
In the first chapter when you are explaining the sword, makes me blow my mind for that. It's my fav. film and you are explaining it very well!
Did not even know there was a movie, I grew up with the animie and the comic. Great video.
The way you explained this gaved me chills.
I saw a lot of Indonesian names in the comments here. There are a lot of reason why Kenshin resonated with us. We have watched the anime, read the manga before we watched the anime. We also suffer under the Japanese during World War II so we know how it feel under Japanese ultra-nationalist. In contrast, we also know that our grandparents' suffering under Japan also a catalyst to make our country free because our first generation of millitary, PETA, were made by Japanese but after Independence, some of rebellion were started by the same generation of millitary. In fact, a lot of Makoto Shisio in Indonesian history.
So deep..
But i think it's just simply samurai x was the most popular anime back then when it was aired in indonesia circa 98, i remember i was in 5th grade and every kids talk about it, 'sobakasu' was earworming, my friend then become fans of l'arc~en~ciel bcs the song '4th avenue cafe' used as the ending ost. What a nostalgic..
All the Kenshin films just got made available on Netflix in the UK. I wouldn't have known to watch them if I hadn't seen your video. Thank you man.
the most beautiful manga adaptations. the story is beautiful. well, you can't compare it with the manga and anime. but, it is a masterpiece for adaptation.
Thank you for this video! I enjoy your work here in general but was waiting espescially for that one. Runouni Kenshin is one of my alltime favourite mangas and I was surprised how amazingly well done the movies were. And now I learned to enjoy it on another level.
I've read the Rurouni Kenshin manga growing up, and enjoyed the movies when they were released. I also grew up watching wuxia tv series adapted on Louis Cha/Jin Yong's novels, most notably the Condor trilogy.
Having recently watched the latest adaptations for Louis Cha's Condor trilogy, I have come to think of RK as the Japanese version of a wuxia story. Besides the action (martial arts/swordsmanship taken to fantastic levels), the other major element of similarity between the Condor trilogy and RK is the use of an actual historical setting (more specifically, when times of significant political change is happening). I think this historical setting plays a large part in making the story good, as it provides a believable and relatable context, which then allows us to consider the reasons behind the protagonists' actions which let us think of them as heroes.
This film series is a masterpiece. The writing, acting, cinematography, and directing is in a category of it's own. The arc of the story is emotionally compelling filled with internal and external conflict within the characters. It is no wonder why it is so popular. Congratulations to all the participants... superb!!!
Rurouni Kenshin was the manga and anime that made me interested in studying and understanding japanese culture as a whole. I remember watching the intense swordfights in Cartoon Network's Toonami when I was a child and getting amazed by how Kenshin was such a fierce/strong character, being able to defeat evil men with the infamous sword of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. The anime had a great deal of humorous parts, so it was really nice.
(SPOILERS!!!)
But there was this arc about a ruthless killer named Kurogasa Jin-E that gave the series a much darker tone, for he was one of the first villains that wanted to see Himura's Battousai persona emerge once again at all costs. Eventually, they clash, and Kenshin almost kills him with the cutting edge of the sakabatou, but was prevented in doing so by Kaoru. Then, Jin-E tells him right before dying: "I'll be watching you from hell pretending to be a wanderer, waiting for the day when Battousai finally returns!". Because of this, Nobuhiro Watsuki said that Kurogasa was the only enemy who trully bested Kenshin, by bringing Battousai to light once more, after many years. After this battle, I guess Himura finally understood that true redemption would only be achieved if he struggled every day to be a better person, by showing mercy even to his most inhuman adversaries and to himself - hardest of all.
In the end, being compassionate to those who deals harm to you or others you love, and being compassionate to yourself, forgiving your past sins, is the only way to keep moving forward to a better world - that's the true battle Himura kept fighting endlessly and made him the strongest swordsman of all. I like to think that's the message the series and the movies tries to convey and why the story still ressonates with many of us.
Your videos are trully great! Keep them coming! Kudos from a Brazilian fan!
I didnt know i can love Rurouni Kenshin even more. Your video essays never fail to help viewers rediscover the beauty of films.
I’m so happy Otomo directed this trilogy (2 more movies coming). There would’ve been no one better suited. His Ryomaden series was amazing and showcased his talents for capturing historical dramas
Man, when you wrote Otomo, I thought you meant Otomo Katsuhiro and I was, like, what?!?!
@@StudioArtFX he means Keishi Otomo
Almost all of the Ryomaden actors are in Rurouni Kenshin
Takeru Sato-Okada Izo
Masaharu Fukuyama-Ryoma Sakamoto
Yusuke Iseya-Takasugi Shinsaku
Munetaka Aoki-Goto Shojiro
@@michaelbandada9887 Yes! Such great casting if you ask me
@@tammybui9278 Tatsuya Fujiwara made Shishio look like a cruel menace and Yosuke Eguchi is badass like Saito
Oh man. I was really enjoying these films ... and you just keyed me into so many ideas. Thank you. I haven't watched all three yet and all ready I want to go back and watch them all again.
I have just finished watching all 5 films. They were absolutely amazing and puts America cinema to shame.
I’m a longtime fan of the Rurouni Kenshin franchise, and you’ve opened my eyes to things I somehow never considered. Thank you!
Kenshin live action is liek the gold-standard for live action. Disney take note.
@Dang Memes Hahahahaha!
Your channel is like a beam of piercing light in the dark.
Thanks Zhang Yang, for this insight into Ruroni Kenshin, a truly intriguing Japanese film. Japan is in an internal fight for its soul. The right-wing advocates militarism and a return to Empire. Revisionism and denial of their war-time past is no longer hiding in the shadows. Abe has given legitimacy to these elements. I respect Japan and Japanese culture a lot. THere is much to admire in their discipline, commitment to tradition, and the high value they place on honour and integrity. I hope Japan chooses the right path for its people. A return to militarism and expansionism will only bring tears. This time, they will not find weak and declining nations standing in their way.
As a westerner (american) when I watched these films I honestly thought I was reading too much into the films, but guess I wasn't. What you brought up in the video matched almost 100% with my read shows there is still hope for this 60 year old american.
7:22 It should be known that Wealthy Landowning Samurai families were actually fine after Meiji. Even the Tokugawa family maintained much power and prestige following the Meiji restoration, with the last Shogun (Yoshinobu) enjoying a privileged, quiet, existence as a peer of the realm. Some of his descendants married in to the Imperial Household. It was lower ranking samurai, many of whom were already struggling economically during Tokugawa's shogunate, that had a hard time afterward. Being literate, many of them eventually became school teachers and civil servants afterwards. A number of them joined the IJA and the Imperial Guard, as well.
Can't wait to see the next installment. Kenshin vs Enishi.
You may have to do analysis of the Anime , because they showed some Politicans as major heroes , some cops were also shown to be dirty , the anime is better than this really good accurate movie tbh
Oh, yeah. Like the police swordsmen in the early episodes.
So long if he stays away from the latter half of the series...
@@argeraint yes they also showed govt officials that kenshin respected ,
@@Lakhshamana which half?
@@argeraint Past the Shishio arc. They didn't adapt the Enishi/Jinchuu arc and opted to have an original story instead. 3rd season was lackluster, but the 4th tanked really hard.
No other anime is emotionally colorful as Rurouni Kenshin the only anime I really felt on each shades it portrayed
I do agree that a more "nuanced" view of the Meiji govt, more as a greyish blur than a clear hero has been helpful, but another important point is how it is often viewed as a "necessity" in any study of modern Japanese history. Not unlike the abandonment of imperial China, first under the GMD, and now under the CCP
Might be helpful to tie in the theme of how such Kenshin's sacrifice, even if for a noble cause, is not without cost.
Just catching a bug for ya -- KMT is the more commonly used term when "CCP" is used under the same context.
It also took me awhile who the GMD is 🤣 tho tbf, that is indeed how people who uses pinyin might have spelled it
In the anime/manga series, the word's Kenshin's Master - Hiko Seijūrō were quite important. I haven't seen the live action so I can't say but I have seen many of the anime adaptations. Hiko Seijūrō knew Kenshin quite well and he knew the path he would be walking, advising Kenshin against it because he knew what would ultimately happen to him. Kenshin was still basically just a child when he made up his mind so he did not know, but perhaps his master did, having walked that path himself.
I really love the main character actor, especially in kamen rider Den-o
I thought the guy who played KR Skull did well as the main antagonist for part 1.
@@artfire28 wait, he was in the movie ?
Edit: yeah I just realized he was in there. For some reason I didn't recognized his face
Inuyashiki!
Wow, your analysis makes this movie 1000 times better.
You really awesome
Yaaas. I really enjoyed the rurouni Kenshin film series.
Earlier I was actually thinking about why Kenshin has an edge to his sakabato if he didn’t want to kill, and I’m glad I found someone who tried to address it. Thank you.
Thank you very much for this interesting essay. Kenshin is one of my favorite movies, and I'm in my Bachelor of Japanese Studies. It was fascinating to see how you connect it to the SDF and such. I didn't actively connect those things to the movie, but it does make sense quite a bit. Thanks for the insight!
This is an unexpected combination that I love. The live action movies really feel like they went under the radar, so knowing you talked about them is a treat.
I grow up watching the anime version as a kid... once I found what Watsuki had done. It was hard to watched the anime after that, despite how emotionally invested I was. Still love Rurouni Kenshin, but my disgust toward Watsuki lingers.
I remember watching an episode of this with my son and there was a line from it that I find myself using all the time. Something about a brick house that is too badly damaged and how you can't start to rebuild it without tearing the whole thing down because brick is just too strong. Very astute metaphor. Didn't know it was a live action movie though.
I remember that too. Kenshin has always been one of the better anime out there writing-wise. The movies are really good.
Dang ... I never knew these interesting metaphors in the kenshin series. Thank you for pointing them out and teaching me 😊
What an outstanding video!
I really don't have words to describe the feelings I have by watching this masterpiece of explanation.
Excellent! Big hugs from Colombia!