This review refers to some events from Kyoto Inferno. Otherwise, it is spoiler-free. Seen the movie? Read Ten tableflip-worthy moments from Rurouni Kenshin: the Legend Ends
We all know what happens: Kenshin Himura faces Shishio Makoto in an action-heavy finale. That’s what we saw animated on TV: the red-haired protagonist struggling against his bandaged successor with the fight ending on a fiery note.
But after seeing the events at Kyoto Inferno, how the legend actually ends in the movie is anybody’s guess.
Assassin-turned-wanderer Kenshin has taken a sakabatou (reversed-edged sword) to use his swordsmanship while keeping his vow of never to kill. His successor, Shishio, burned alive by the new government, vowed to take control by force through any means necessary. Two warriors with similar roots are pitted against each other in this two-part sequel to the 2012 film Rurouni Kenshin.
The Legend Ends (Densetsu no Saigo-hen) has a different take on Kyoto Arc, and director Keishi Otomo took liberty with the second-sequel with satisfying results.
Kyoto Inferno ended with Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara) making his way to Tokyo on his battleship, the Purgatory; and an unconsious Kenshin (Takeru Sato) being picked up on the shore by his master, Hiko Seijuro (Fukuyama Masaharu). These events happened differently in the anime, warning purists in the audience for potential table-flip rage over The Legend Ends.
And the final sequel was indeed table-flip worthy, but for all the right reason: the fight scenes are divine. Story aside, this is, after all, an action film. Keep your eyes on the screen at all times or you might miss some scenes that end really quick.
Also, there’s blood.
The anime’s original master-apprentice dynamic has been retained with Hiko and Kenshin, and the skirmishes showed a just adaptation of their skills’ disparity. By now, viewers should note how the Rurouni Kenshin movies tend to keep the moves as close to realistic , so fans should manage their expectations about Hiten Mitsurugi. Also, for the first time, viewers are given access to the x-scarred protagonist’s thoughts, although it only happens once or twice in the movie.
Japanese Idol Fukuyama Masaharu was perfect for the role of Hiko Seijuro, while one can’t overemphasize how Takeru Sato’s portrayal of Kenshin has always been spot on since the first movie.
Kenshin versus Aoshi Shinomori (Yusuke Iseya) was also an eye-candy, with the still-Battousai-obsessed Oniwabanshu head finally meeting his target.
Ten tableflip-worthy moments in Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
It has been stated early on by creators that there won’t be any back story for fast Soujiro Seta (Ryunosuke Kamiki), but a need for one becomes apparent after he faces Kenshin for a rematch.
Finally, the much-anticipated four-on-one actually happens. But the events leading to this meet is one that moviegoers should watch out for. It was beautifully choreographed that you’ll want to marry it, bring it home, and live with it until the original DVDs come in.
Also, be ready to table-flip as soon as its over because you’ll want an extra hour of this scene.
Tatsuya Fujiwara finally takes the spotlight in this film as Shishio. Viewers who haven’t seen him on Battle Royale and Death Note will see why he is a perfect fit: his acting pierces through his costume. Fujiwara embodied the main villain as much as Sato became Kenshin.
Fujiwara isn’t new to playing iconic pop culture characters. He already became Nanahara Shuya of Battle Royale and Yagami Light of Death Note. He deserved to be Shishio.
Several face-offs in the anime/manga did happen in the movie, although the circumstances are much different. But it is understandable, given the nature of cinema and how this movie is really about senpai Kenshin trying to stop Shishio from taking over Japan. It also means that some anticipated fights by fans were not included. We can’t say which character(s) took a back seat: we promised no spoilers.
Be on a lookout however for the “special power” Munetaka Aoki said during the cast’s Manila trip that his character, Sanosuke Sagara, will use in The Legend Ends. It is rightfully Sano.
Related: Transcending cultures with Rurouni Kenshin in Manila
There is also a question that gets asked in the movie that is missing a second answer. This will probably open floodgates for speculation of another movie.
Sequences, relationships, and events may have been changed in Rurouni Kenshin’s final movie (so far. Ahem, Warner Bros.), but it delivered on the action and wrapped up the two earlier stories with some flashbacks that came in at the right moments.
All-in-all, The Legend Ends is a fitting conclusion for an epic that has captured hearts since its 2D days. You have to watch it, whether you’ve seen the anime, read the manga, or was just old enough to see the first film. Still a teen? Don’t worry, it’s R-13.
All photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines. Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends opens on Sept. 24.
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Is this post holding back too much for you? Here’s our spoiler-filled 8 10 table-flip moments from Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends!
