Late Review: "Rurouni Kenshin"

What is forgivable and what isn't?

If someone committed numerous atrocities during their lifetime, but wanted to make amends, could one forgive them? Do they even deserve the chance?

There is no unanimous answer to those questions, but what Rurouni Kenshin does provide is a tightly woven story about a man's personal story of redemption. Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai or also known as Samurai X for certain American viewers, tells the story of Himura Kenshin. Kenshin is an infamous assassin/manslayer who attempts to repent for his war crimes by vowing to never kill again. Throughout the series, he makes friends, helps bystanders, meets people like himself, and falls in love.

Having found such success, there are multiple adaptions of Rurouni Kenshin. There is two original video animations made in 1999 and 2001 called Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal and Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection. There is also a more modern TV adaption that covers the main arc, called the Kyoto Arc. It has even carried over into live action movies, having produced four different films so far. It's clear that Rurouni Kenshin has some staying power, but for this review, I'll be discussing the 1996 anime television series. I do want to say, that for some elements to be genuinely appreciated, I do bring in some points from outside sources (FYI).

There's a few characters to the story begins with. There's Kenshin of course, but there is also the main female character, Kamiya Karou. She's young and the owner of a wooden sword dojo. She truly cares for Kenshin. Next is Sagara Sanosuke (the tall DBZ looking character), a former mercenary who is inspired by Kenshin to turn over a new leaf. In comes, Myojin Yahiko! He's a small orphan from a samurai linage who aspires to learn swordsmanship. Some other minor characters worth mentioning is medical practitioner, Takani Megumi.

In terms of story elements/beats, Rurouni Kenshin can seem very standard and basic. Much of the beginning episodes introduces the world and the set of characters that will become mainstays. A character gets into trouble (Sometimes Karou, Yahiko, or a random side character), a villain is introduced and is defeated by Kenshin at the episode. Many of the times the foe changes for the better and becomes a friend of the day. This is how Sanosuke becomes a part of Kenshin's friend group. This goes on for multiple episodes, you just might find yourself confused on which episode you're on.

It is worth mentioning that multiple characters in the series are based off of real life people and true historical events. This allows the series to really look in deep into consequences that history seems to forget about.

It is not until the 15 episode mark where the villains become more profound and ACTUALLY test the character of Kenshin. A mark of great character development is having your main character get his/her philosophy challenged. What happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force? Great conflict stems from this simple question. Many of the later episodes begin to have this clash of deals onto the forefront and it eventually culminates as one of the more-well written arcs of shonen (The Chimera Ant Arc of Hunter x Hunter will forever remain king).

The Kyoto Arc, which covers episodes 28-62, is definitely the magnus opus of the series. Not to say that the other smaller arcs are not as interesting, but the Kyoto Arc is truly where the dynamics of Rurouni Kenshin begin to shine.

Without giving too much away, Kenshin faces off foes who attempt bring out the infamous manslayer he once was. Inversely, his friends (whom the audience have grown to care for, at least I hope so at this point) attempt to help calm the storm that is brewing inside Kenshin. The highlight of the arc has to be the villains. Shisio Makoto, Seto Sojiro, Anji, and Yumi are all bright spots in the arc. With rich backgrounds, their interactions with the other characters are so intriguing. With flamboyant character design, how can one not gravitate towards them? In each fight, character philosophies clash and the personal backgrounds of each character only adds to the emotion. My personal favorite has be when Anji fights Sanosuke or Sojiro clash swords with Kenshin, as the villian's stories are more tragic than one might think. Along with an excellent original soundtrack, each punch and swing of the blade becomes that much more impactful.

As previously mentioned, the anime falls into smaller arcs before and after the Kyoto Arc. The anime stops right before the final arc of the series, the Jinchu Arc. This last arc has never been animated, but it follows much of the same themes.

With that being said, there is a matter with the author and creator that I think needs to be at least mentioned. Nobuhiro Watsuki (the creator obviously) was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in late 2017. During the time, he was writing the sequel series of Ruroni Kenshin called Ruroni Kenshin: The Hokkaido Arc, which they put on hiatus. He was prosecuted and fined for about 200,000 yen, which is roughly about $2,000 USD. I ask that the readers take into account that Japanese social and cultural standards are different from the U.S. I also ask that in the eyes of the Japanese public, most have already forgiven him. I say this because, the Hokkaido Arc (having returned in late 2018) is still being written and published as we speak. IN NO WAY, am I condoning this disgusting act, I only ask that you consider a different perspective. At the time of finishing the series, I wasn't aware of this information until I saw a couple of YouTube videos on the matter.

It seems a bit ironic, doesn't it? To write a series about atonement and forgiveness, only to go on such a similar journey himself.

Beside the author's issues, Rurouni Kenshin is not without faults. The filler episodes can be rather boring. In addition, the smaller arcs leading up to and after the Kyoto Arc can seem rather nonconsequential. It attempts to hold the same emotional weight but it falters. The villains are not as intriguing. You can tell they were dragging along the story to get to somewhere else. I will say that there is one moment with Sanosuke in the last arc after the Kyoto arc that does tug at the heartstrings.

In terms of the animation, it is solid, though midway through the season, the series switches animation studios and it is rather noticeable. It stands out even more if you happen to be binge watching it.

For what its worth, Ruroni Kenshin ended up having some of my favorite moments in anime. It can be inspirational, not because the hero always wins in the end, but because he learns to accept his past and the deeds he committed.

I have a hard time recommending this anime to anyone because of the creator's past. It is understandable if someone does not want to watch it for those reasons, but the journey is still something to behold if you try.

Ruroni Kenshin is a solid anime. With dynamic music, good animation, and an amazing story, it is easy to see why. At its peak, it can go toe-to-toe with the best anime, but the filler episodes and the creator's shaky past (to put it graciously) can put away some people.

Rating: 7/10.

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