018 4 Okay now then let me make clear that the first part of this review is a comparing the Director's cut vr . the normal . Also first off Samurai X Reflections takes place about ten years after the end of the manga and series and sheds light on what happens after words . The story is told threw Karu's eye , though this karu is completely different from the Karu in the series . However she is what you would expect an older Karu from the manga would be like . Also there is little if any gore in this movie .
Now then if you are trying to decide which one to buy , I would say buy this one for the simple fact it fills some of the questions the other version does not . For example you learn exactly why Kenshin gave up his sword , it also gives a better answer to what desease he is inflicted with . Also the flow of the story is smoother and things make more sense . The last difference is some minor corrections in grammar though there is still the misspernounce a certain name . However if you have already baught the original version of the ova , don't bother buying this version . There are only about ten minutes worth of extra footage not to mention the end diologe during the end credits which is a rather let down . Second though slight some areas are missing their music but that's nic picking .
Now then on to the actual review . I want to say a few things first before I begin . I first off this is not for children , not that there is anything that any one but the most straight laced old biddy will have a problem with . It has more to do with that children just won't get what's going on as this is not a simple story . Second if you were hoping for a happy ending for our favorite wondering samurai , this ain't it .
As I said this story is told threw Karu's eyes and give the story a completely different light . The story is just as tragic and flawless as trust and betral , though the ending is somewhat opened for those the opptimist , make sure to watch threw the credits and have the subs on to get the true ending . Saying the story is wonderful is self appearent since Samurai X IS the best tragedy ever created .
The music is again flawless as is the English voice acting that is actually better then the japanese actors , I know end of the world stuff . Everything concerning sound is dead on .
Imagery is some of the best I have seen in the two hundred some anime series I've seen . Though the color sceme is brighter then turst and bestrayal they are do not harm the atmosphere but rather add to it . Every one has aged very well especially Kenshin .
Though I normally over look atmosphere I believe that it would be a mistake not to at the very least mention it . The atmosphere of reflections is perfect everything contriputs to the feel of sadness and regret .
In ending if you want to see how things end buy this dvd . If you just plan enjoy a good tragedy buy this dvd . If you such plan like a good story buy this dvd . I can't recommend it too highly .
Now then before I end I want to say a few things and clear up some missunderstandings I've heard from people . First off Kenshin wonders because he has to , he can not find peace and thus is forced to wonder . Think , a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do , he just has to . Second Kenshin doesn't return and is leaving in poverity because he has ammenesia and is a forgiener in China after the Chinese and Japonese war and has a deseases . Third Sonoaska doesn't return with him because he knows that that there is nothing more he can do and the best thing he could do to honor everything Kenshin has meant to him is to live his life done his new path , notice his trade make Bad sign is gone . Fourth why did Kenji leave home ? Think about it his father was the main factor that brought down the last government and changed the course of history and was one of the greatest swordsmen to have ever lived , he just wanted to get to know his father and his strength . That is why Yoheko left Kenshin's sword with him for a night . To a samurai their sword is the physical embodiment of their ideals and soul , in away it is their heart . So in away that night Kenji was having a father son talk remembering Kenshin's last sword fight . that's it I hope it helped
001 4 The ' Samurai X ' OVA's stand separate from the body of the Rurouni Kenshin series in that the subject is the events preceding and following the television stories . While the contain a commonality in characters and are the go further in the direction of presenting more of the motivations that lie behind master assassin Kenshin Himura's decisions and provide us with closure on the story of a life full of regret and the quest for atonement .
All of the OVA's , ' Reflections ' included , lack the comic relief of the TV series . In that sense they are an acknowledgement of Kenshin's contribution , and the ongoing price he would have to pay for being a murderer . In ' Reflections , ' Kenshin seeks the ability to be at peace again . And Kaoru , the loyal wife of his later years wants desperately to be as important a part of his life as his first love , Tomoe , who sacrificed her life at his hands so that he could go on to fight the Shogun .
The pressures of their lives drive them apart on more time , as Kenshin travels to China to help the living . But the real story is the retelling of their relationship and it's themes in carefully interwoven flashbacks . The threads of destiny and duty wind tighter and tighter as the drama , reminiscent of Greek tragedy as well as Noh plays , comes to its bittersweet conclusion .
It is almost unfortunate that ' The Cross-shaped Wound ' ( the last episode of the previous OVA volume ) reached such a high standard of artistry . ' Reflections ' is wonderful , beautifully written , illustrated and scored , but it lacks the utter magic of its predecessor . I can't fault it though , it is the difference between excellent and perfection , and I am delighted to have experienced both in the same series .
Part of the stories charm is the maturing of not just Kenshin and Kaoru , but many of the supporting cast . Yahiko Myojin , a loyal friend , is a story unto himself , and several villains also make surprising developments . All of this gives the story a compelling multi-dimensionality that is infinitely satifying .
Because Rurouni Kenshin is a historical romance surrounding real events , as well as a story with deep samurai roots , it appeals to a broad audience . In a sense , it stands at the apex of the use of anime as classical Japanese drama . Thus , it is worth seeking out for many reasons , illuminating and uplifting as well as entertaining . Above all , it will become an unforgettable memory .
002 4 One of the most disturbing images in the new Kenshin OVA Reflection , is to see Kenshin failing in the grip of some sort of disease . This illness however , is a reflection of two distinct things : in the story presented here , Kenshin is not afflicted with some earthly disease such as leprosy or turberculosis . Megumi tells Kaoru that Kenshin is only a man , and that all of the fighting he has done will eventually take its toll . Kenshin also talks about having given up his sword and suffering in a different way to continue atoning for his past - and that is what I believe causes his illness . The lesions are an outer reflection of his inner turmoil and guilt , feelings that his once strong body can no longer supress . Kaoru doesn't contract it because it's communicable , but rather because her soul is so bound up in Kenshin's that she shares all of his pain , spiritual as well as physical . She willing shares his burden out of her great love for him .
The story of Reflection takes a beloved character and reflects a flawed understanding of just who Kenshin was and what his story was about . His essential nature has always been that of a deeply scarred man attempting to atone for his past . He has always suffered and felt guilt for the killing he has done , yet he is also the wanderer who has cared for many people . A man who never abandoned his principles such that his very example has helped other unhappy and guilty souls find peace and purpose ( i.e . Megumi , Sano , Saitou , Aoshi , even some of Shishio's Juppengatana ) . To believe that this man would , after all his been through - even after making his peace with Enishi - STILL be wandering around Japan , abandoning Kaoru and their son , is just unbelievable . The whole point of the story as I understand it is that Kenshin finally finds a home with Karoru at the Kamiya dojo since it was a place where he was accepted for both his past and present selves . He has found peace by defeating ( or accepting ) his past demons in the form of Shishio , and ultimately Enishi . Not only did Kenshin find rest from his wandering , but also a chance at happiness . The corruption of Kenshin's body is simply a reflection of how corrupt the story of Reflection ultimately is .
It's hard as a Kenshin fan to accept that this is the latest , and presumeably last , installment in Kenshin's story . I believe that while there are some minor good things - such as seeing Kenji ( his fight with Yahiko was the highpoint of the story ) and finally getting to see Enishi's arc ( if only briefly ) were minor pleasures in what is ultimately a bittersweet ending . I believe that the original name , Year of Frost , was well very chosen . This is the melancholy version of how Kenshin's story might have turned out if things had been different . I personally prefer the story where Kenshin not only finds peace and forgiveness for himself , but happiness too .
003 4 The Reflection DVD is one of the best and saddest OVAs that I've ever seen . Many things , such as Kamiya Kaoru's boldness to share Kenshin's pain of his disease to Kenshin not being able to catch a fish three feet away from Sagara Sanosuke made me feel bad about his condition because it feels so real . The ending ( before the credits ) made me cry for a while . . . because it's sad to see such a wonderful anime end .
Things you need to know before purchase :
- Buy this ONLY if you are a true Kenshin fan and have seen the other parts to the series . I say this because , if you only like this as a series to see a few episodes and skip a bunch and watch some more you will be confused throughout the whole thing .
- The animation is extremly beautiful , but it's unappriciated by a lot of people , and looks completly different from the Rurouni Kenshin anime TV series .
- Most of the DVD is flashbacks to other times during the anime , and has been re-animated to fit that style . ( From the meeting of Kamiya and Himura to the fight with Enishi , all is a flashback . )
004 4 ' Reflection ' is a fitting title to the last chapter of the life of our favorite wandering swordsman , Kenshin Himura .
Ruroni Kenshin is my FAVORITE anime / manga of all and while this OVA is one of the saddest movie I've seen , anime or live-action , I feel it's an appropriate ending to the series .
Gorgeously animated , it's identical in style and spirit to the first OVAs Trust Betrayal . While the first OVAs had dark and somber colors , ' Reflection ' is full of bright and vivid colors that's mesmerizing to watch .
Unlike the TV show first OVAs , this story ( goes beyond the manga ) is told from Kaoru's point of view , from when she first meets Kenshin to their life together 15 - 18 years later . You get to see Yahiko , Sano , Megumi , even Hiko once again and meet Kenji , Kenshin Kaoru's son ( the manga only shows him as a toddler ) .
You will see reenactments of familiar battles in the TV show , but the animation here is far superior , the battle in the moonlight with Jinei and the Jinchuu battle with Enishi are just AWESOME !
The instrumental sountrack is haunting and beautiful , composed by Taku Iwasaki who also did Trust Betrayal .
Buy this if you are true Kenshin fan and have an open heart and mind .
005 4 I bought the Region - 2 DVD of this director's cut before the domestic release of the original version , so this was actually my first exposure to it . I was forewarned by summaries and spoilers about how much of a downer it would be , but boy , is this OVA a downer . Although the animation is as beautiful as the first OVA ( Trust / Betrayal ) , its dramatic structure is imho much weaker due to various factors .
The first half of Reflections is built around fragmentary recaps which can't be fully understood without prior familiarity with the original manga and / or the parallel first two seasons of the tv series . The plot then proceeds through the manga's Jinchuu Arc in a manner that's only slightly less cursory , and similarly requires foreknowledge of either those manga volumes ( not yet translated by Shounen Jump as of the DVD's release date ) or the Trust / Betrayal OVA , or optimally both .
And then there's the whole question of how the OVA depicts Kenshin's behavior after the manga timeframe ; in many fans ' opinion , he completely reverses the direction of character development that was shown throughout the manga , negating the peace he'd supposedly found . So while Reflections is dependent on its context , it simultanously undermines that context's core themes , which is a really irritating paradox .
A mitigating factor in the Director's Cut is that it adds some happy scenes that weren't present in the original version : Kenshin's second wedding ; early scenes from his marriage including the birth and childhood of his son . Kaoru and Saitou also have a brief conversation about , er , something . ( Maybe if I actually understood Japanese I could attempt a summary . ) Nitpickers will be entertained to note that the wedding is grossly anachronistic , as the traditional Shinto ceremony wasn't invented until 1900 .
Still , the animation really is dang beautiful . The recaps of key fights from the manga / anime are full of grace and power ; in more introspective scenes , individal cherry petals or fireflies float weightlessly through the air . The character design is slightly different from either the first OVA or the tv series , but certainly recognizable and vital .
In the long run , while you kinda have to be a diehard RK fan to really appreciate this OVA , most diehard RK fans may end up in a maelstrom of pathos and indignation by the end . Watch at your own risk , and keep some tissues ready - - even if you don't need them for your eyes , other people nearby may need to stuff them into their ears .
006 4 If you like the first OVA , you may well like this OVA . However ! If you are a fan of the TV show , I can't in good conscience recommend it . The problem with this OVA is that it deviates from the manga , in a bad way . The first OVA was faithful to the manga , although overall I think it was darker and more realistic . THIS OVA , however , rewrites important points in the plot of the earlier parts of the manga ( which were animated in the TV series ) so that it can be more depressing and make Kenshin . . . sad ! Also , the end of Kenshin's battle with Enishi is completely , completely different from how it happened in the manga . In a bad way ! This OVA depicts what would happen if Kenshin hadn't undergone any character development in the Kyoto plot arc , and still had the same attitude as in the pirate arc at the end of season one . And it's nothing good . If you like the first OVA but do not like the TV series , go ahead and buy it . If you can't stand to miss something with Kenshin in the title , go ahead , but prepare to be really depressed , and if you are familiar with the manga version of the Enishi plot arc , really annoyed with the OVA-making people . And if you like Kenshin and thus do not want to see him suffer like this , trust me , this does not happen in the manga , and it isn't compatible with events depicted in the TV series ( which is truer to the manga ) ; take solace in that .
007 4 The one-star rating refers specifically to Reflection : Director's Cut . I would rate the original Reflection release - - a two-part OAV - - four stars . It had its content problems , as most Kenshin fans know . But I loved the quality of animation and the strength of the music , and I went with the content . I didn't feel ripped off , as it all seemed a worthy effort ( even if doing a feature of Jinchu Arc would've been energy much better spent . )
The director's cut , however , makes me feel VERY ripped off . Why ? It may provide about 14 minutes of extra footage , and further interviews with the Japanese voice actors ; and for those who like the American track , there is a commentary track by the American voice actors . It also gets rid of the melodramatic dialog over the end credits . HOWEVER , it does an absolutely abysmal overhaul of the soundtrack once you get into the part 2 material , ejecting some of the BEST and most exciting scoring for a rehash of music from Trust and Betrayal . The fight with Enishi is one such instance . In the original Reflection , this fight was electrifying , loaded with tension , the scoring absolutely wonderful . Well , that scoring's gone here . Why ? Who knows . And the fight scene suffers terribly from this change . Other tampering with the music includes blanket tossing the opening theme around , and really ruining Yahiko's fight with Kenji . Such musical revisions all seem so careless , deflating what was previously exciting or touching or thought-provoking . They lack accent for emotion , and when spanning scene shifts , they ignore dramatic enhancement . . . a terrible thing to do an anime that was originally , with respect to its scoring , nearly flawless . It also cheapens the Trust and Betrayal music , which I happen to love when it's used well .
The most I'll do with this DVD is pop it in for the extra 14 minutes when watching my original Reflection . . . if I even do that . To be frank , I wish I had waited and gotten this thing used on the super cheap . The 14 minutes are worth something , I suppose , particularly as Saito shows up in one of those minutes ; but nothing here is worth the full price of the disk . In fact , the sense I got from this was that nobody really cared what in heck they were doing , and that grates .
For those who are interested in either Reflection release but have not seen other Kenshin material ( Trust and Betrayal ; the Rurouni Kenshin series ) , the story here may confuse you and will probably not have much of an emotional impact . I'd recommend starting with the earlier Kenshin stuff . And when you're ready to see Reflection , go for the OLD release . Not this one . If you become a fanatic , you'll still want the director's cut . But seeing the original OAVs will ever be a far more satisfying watch . And by then , you may find lots of these director's cuts for sale used . . . mine may be one of them .
008 4 Okay , now , any Rurouni Kenshin fan should have a very hard time accepting this ending . I have a lot of reasons and here are a few :
1 ) Nobuhiro Watsuki , the creator of Rurouni kenshin , didnt write or appear to have any say in this , it seems as though Sony decided to inflict cruel fates on his characters .
2 ) Anyone who is a fan of either the tv series or the manga knows how Kenshin evolved as character throughout the series , facing his inner demons and repeatedly emphasizing the will to live , in Reflection , Kenshin is presented as though he never lived through any of the experiences in the series , just so they can make him wander again in angst and have a tragic end .
3 ) Everyone in Reflections was out of character by far .
009 4 My first reaction upon watching this was total denial . Then there was anger , ' How could they do that to MY Kenshin ? ! ! ' Then I tried to accept , but that didn't work . So , I Googled for Nobuhiro Watsuki interview found out that the original creator of Rurouni Kenshin didn't have anything to do with it was personally in favor of happy endings - - I was vastly relieved . It's confirmed . It really didn't happen .
For those who're confused , it happened like this :
- First there was a comic series by Nobushiro Watsuki called Rurouni Kenshin - - it eventually came to 28 volumes .
- Then there was an anime based on the comic , also called Rurouni Kenshin ( 96 episodes ) . The first half of the series comes directly from the comic , the second half deviates quite a bit .
- Then there was the first OAV , the US title is Samurai X : Trust Betrayal . This was based on Kenshin's backstory ( ten years before the beginning of the tv series ) as it was told in the comic - - it's just a tad more serious and the art is a little different .
- Finally , there is this monstrosity . It flashes back to past incidents from the TV show / comic - - but retells them all so that they're more depressing . Then it tacks on an original ending that , in my opinion , contradicts the entire point / theme of the previous 96 episodes 28 volumes of story .
Basically , there's very little new story in this movie - - it's mostly just a rehash of what's gone before . The little that was new , I found to be poorly thought out and not in line with the rest of the series .
010 4 This OVA indicates how deeply its producers cared about the character Kenshin . Yes , a happy ending will be somewhat satisfying , but it will not raise the series into the status of unforgettable or legendary .
The production value is very high , the stylized rendering of the characters are very well done , they look different , but recognizable at the same time . Contrary to one of the reviewer's opinion , I don't think Sanosuke is a bum in this OVA : ) I like the adult Yahiko the best , he lived up to Kenshin's expectation to be an honorable samurai . He's an appropriate heir to the Sakabatou because he understood how Kenshin thinks , even taught Kenji about it .
Most of us are aghast when seeing the bittersweet ending , actually we shouldn't . The whole series ( manga / tv ) , although rife with humor and Oro moments , also clearly portrayed the conflicted feelings of a great person who can't help but getting tangled in the intricacies of the ( sometimes sinister ) government politics of a nation in turmoil .
Besides , another side of Kenshin that a lot of us forget is that he is a patriot . Why do you suppose he went against Sishio ? Remember when he's half-conscious fighting Sishio , he said that a new generation of warriors will emerge after him , that he had done his duty protecting Japan . I don't think remorse is the only thing that pulled him to China .
All of us would like for Kenshin to be more respected at the end of his life by the people he has helped so much : the government ( and by extension , the people of Japan ) , but the fact is , Kenshin never cared about such things , at the end , he got what he wanted . . . . Tadaima , Kaoru !
* * Spoiler alert * *
I especially like the ending when Kaoru revealed that the cross-shaped scar has finally . . . completely . . . healed . Seeing that , to me is more satisfying than happily ever after - ending .
Also Kenshin was smiling when he died . Just like Kaoru wishes , that someday he'll smile to me from the bottom of his heart
Another point that I think very profound is that while Tomoe is Kenshin's ' saya ' or sword-sheath , the one who gave him the purpose and strength , it was Kaoru's love that ultimately healed him .
All in all , this OVA is a befitting tribute to a legendary character , fictional he may be , a lot of people's life has been touched by him .
I wish is that they create a new series about Kenji , and who's that girl with him at the end of the film ( after credit ) ? ?
011 4 I have to say , this wasn't what i'd expected . Samurai X : Reflection is a touching and undoubtedly moving peice , but as a person who knows the TV series and the Manga like the back of my hand , I was disappointed , and it's hard to believe that THIS is what the producers had come up with for the conclusion to a legendary and beloved tale .
Kenshin had been seeking atonement for not only the ten years of wandering , but for a lot of the time he'd been in the Kamiya dojo before his marriage to Kaoru . He'd saved so many lives and helped so many people , including putting his life on the line to protect japan from the grips of Makoto Shishio . He'd done so much , and his marraige to kaoru and her devotion to him was supposed to be a symbol of final peace and happiness and forgiveness . I was satisfied with that ending when i read it in the manga . But then this movie comes out , and even after he'd done so much for Japan AND had made peace with Enishi , the biggest part of his guilt , he STILL had to leave his wife and son and wander again ? I was so disappointed at this . Not only did it show a lack of devotion and care for Kaoru and their child , but it contradicts the whole point of the conclusion . The point of this story was meant to be that after living a wanderer , he found real peace with the person who accepted both the hitokiri and the rurouni in him . It just didn't make sense .
If that isn't enough , the movie missed a lot of the romantic and epic moments between Kenshin and Kaoru . It was those moments that made the story worth watching and reading . This movie lacked the magic that should have come with the true love that existed between them , moments like those in the jinchuu arc , when Kenshin ran off to Rakuninmura after he thought Kaoru was dead and the moment after the fight with Enishi when he fell exhaustedly into her arms . Not only that , but when she asked him if he was mad at her for following him to the mountain , all he said was somewhat . He didn't say what he said in the series , which was : Half of me is . The other half . . . is relieved . They made him seem just angry , and didn't show even a hint of the gladness and relief he showed in the series .
Those moments , as well as so many more , would have made this movie so much more moving and heartbreaking to watch . If they had to make him leave Kaoru and Kenji , they could have at least given us this much , to show that he really and truly did love her . Otherwise , there was really not much romance .
The love scene in this movie , which i will not say much about because it would ruin it for everyone , could have been better . The weight of Kaoru's words should have affected kenshin so much more than they made it look . This is a rare type of love and a rare type of devotion which people barely ever see . They could have made it more emotional and they could have shown better how amazing Kaoru's love for Kenshin really is . They could have made Kenshin more aware of her , instead of just holding her head and staring into space , like he wasn't really paying attention to her and what she'd just done for him . This was something special . It deserves to look as special , too .
I bought reflections expecting Kenshin to be head over heels for Kaoru , devoted and happily in love with her , with no regrets . The movie in its current state , even with the added scenes of their marriage and Kenji's birth , as well as the love scene , still made kenshin seem negligent , as if he didn't really love her . We need to see it and hear it . Otherwise it might as well not be there . Overall , from the way they made Kenshin react to her , they made Kaoru seem so much less important to him than she really was .
This conclusion could have been so much better .
012 4 Here's a few good points I'll give this . Animation is good , somewhat short and sweet , and . . . . yeah , that's all .
I won't go too deeply into this , but I mainly feel what many other Rurouni Kenshin fans feel about this Seisouhen OVA , Reflection . First of all , let me say that I'm a hardcore fan of the series , and the first four OVA's were true masterpieces . Every aspect of it was given great attention , from the cold emotions of certain characters , to the well-paced story , all the way down to the balance between blood / gore and yet giving it a meaning . Reflection as it is called here in the U.S . is definitely a dissapointment in a follow up to such a high standard OVA . I wasn't exactly crazy about the character redesigns ( not bad , but not great ) , the story of the Revenge Arc involving Enishi from the manga is sliced , diced , and minced into a few small pieces of sour onion that is compressed in a timefame of maybe twenty minutes , and the ending was just . . . . . blech . Even the creator of Kenshin wasn't really fond about this , preferring happy endings to this melancholy , meaningless , almost uncaring ending . I'm no stickler for the happy ending , otherwise I would look for a Disney film instead of anime . However , this left the story of Kenshin off in a way that I felt was clashing with how the manga led it all .
I personally don't even acknowledge this OVA to be related to the story at all , or even part of the franchise . If you want something worth your time , better read the manga ending .
013 4 I know there have been lots of reviews on this title and it doesn't matter if you read mine or not . The conclusion to a legendary tale . . . indeed , fans of the oav and the series will be confronted with the saddest but restful ending to the much loved kenshin character . In the beginning of this version which was edited to remove the pauses between parts was done perfectly to let the viewer see the movie with all its glory .
On this oav you will feel much of kauro's longing for kenshin and his unending quest of forgiveness for all the men he killed . His overwhelming guilt was so much that most of the time even during his marriage with kauro was spent wandering japan seeking atonement for his sins . Kauro being very supportive and loving wife asked that Kenshin share his pains and told him that he doesn't have to live his life solely for seeking atonement of his sins but to live also for his love for Kauro . Kenshin understood well Kauro's feelings and he reciprocated by marrying her . During their marriage and subsequent pregnancy of Kaoru , their life was full of happiness . More happiness came when Kenji was born . Kenji got his father's looks and strengths while his candid behaviour was from Kauro . But despite that happiness , Kenshin was still not contented . The ghost of the past still haunted him .
On his last journey this time outside Japan , his sword-bearing days took its toll although he didn't fought as Battousai . I will no longer elaborate the last portion of the oav as this will spoil it but one thing I can share you is you will not be disappointed in purchasing this dvd .
Hey I forgot to mention , if you watched the movie using english as audio the next day you should watch it using japanese audio , there are lots of contents here . Lastly on the third day , watch it using the commentary , here you will be enlightened on the crucial motivations of the oav and even laugh at their comments . The commentary is somewhat a shock-absorber for the feature .
014 4 If you are reading this and havent seen a single rurouni kenshin episode , click right off and start buying the boxsets then come back to this movie , because you pretty much need to be a hard core rk fan to fully appreciate it ( enough to cry )
For those of us who are rk addticts , this is the final installment to the rk series .
It is set about 15 - 18 years after the series ends . Kenshin and Kaoru are married , but not as happily as hoped . Kenshin has given up his sword ( gave it to yahiko ) but he still feels like his people are suffering and he must help out ( remember thats why he chose the life of chaos and became an assasin , to help the weak ) So he frequently makes trips to far away lands to help out the people who suffer . Due to a mysteros illness he has fallen ill , but the ultimate price he had to pay was that he missed so many years of his marrige to kaoru and thier son kenji . Kenji resents this and even goes master hiko in an attempt to connect with his father's true strenghth . Karou also waits for kenshin's return and is also very sick , but will kenshins poor health prevent him from comming back to his true love ? Will Kenji finally connect with his daddy ? What about yahiko , megumi , and sanoske ?
15 years later , they are all back , but you have to buy the movie to check up on them !
The movie itself is one big flashback ( notice the disclaimer i wrtoe ) making it difficult to understand the history behind kenshins story .
The artwork and the music is superb ! Taku Iwasaki has done it again with the background music ! The picture is absolutely breathtaking !
Even though as a fan i love / hate relationship the ending , I love the story line . . . .
Go get this movie , it is really great and I garentee that you will be fighting back tears ( and not succeeding )
015 4 Before you decide to buy or watch this DVD I suggest seeing Samurai X : Trust and Betrayal first , you'll have a better understanding of the second part of this DVD . . . there are two parts to this movie . Warning : This review contains spoilers .
Being the ending to the whole Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X series , the first part consists of what is basically a clip show , showing important events that happened in the TV show . They have been changed a bit , where there is violence , it is more graphic , but this makes it more realistic . You should probably check out the Rurouni Kenshin TV series if you already havn't , before watching this .
The second part is the actual movie . If you saw Samurai X : Trust and Betrayal you will have an understanding of what happened before , and why Enishi came back to kidnap Kaoru . Enishi want revenge , and he wants to kill Kaoru right in front of Kenshin to get it . When Kenshin comes , Enishi and Kenshin have a fight , and in the end Kenshin is willing to sacrifice himself , if it will truely make Enishi happy . Enishi can't bring himself to do it , and they never see him again . The rest will make you ball your eyes out if you are a hardcore Kenshin fan . Kenshin developes a disease , leperacy I believe , and is slowly dieing , losing all strength and skill . Kaoru cannot live with out him , so she chooses to get the disease too . In the end Kenshin dies with his head in Kaorus's lap , as Kaoru thinks of future cherry blossom parties they'll have . . . inviting everyone . . . then she sees that he has died , she takes his head in her hands , and cries .
There are a couple more surprises , you'll learn what happened to Yahiko , Sano , and Megumi . . . . . and Kaoru and Kenshin's only son , Kenji . This is definatly a movie worth buying if you are a Kenshin fan . But be prepared to have your emotions shaken , it has an ending you'll never forget .
Parental Concern : This movie is rated suggested 17 + , there is violence and blood , and one scene where Kaoru and Kenshin are laying down nude , kissing , you can't see anything , since the screen ends at about the neckline .
016 4 This review is from :
Samurai X - Reflection ( Rurouni Kenshin ) ( DVD )
If you've read the Jinchuu arc of the Rurouni Kenshin manga , or Cherry Blossoms in the Spring ( the _ real _ final story in the Kenshin Kaden book ) , you'll know that creator Nobuhiro Watsuki's vision of the ending was considerably sunnier than what we are presented with here . But the style employed in the OAV series is better suited for tragedy than triumph , and so we are given an ending where all of Kenshin's struggles and achievements result in disease , dysfunction , and death . Yuck .
The problems with Seisouhen lie squarely with the OAV style , which is emotionally muted , arty , and poorly-suited for action sequences . While this style worked for the Tsuiokuhen episodes ( collected in this country as Trust and Betrayal ) which told the most tragic chapter in Himura Kenshin's life , it is a major shortcoming here . Indeed , the best sequence is a recreation of the climactic Jinchuu battle between Kenshin and Enishi , where director Kazuhiro Furuhashi all but abandons the OAV look for a style much closer to the original TV series ( and the manga ) .
Then there's the question of the material itself . The Kenshin / Enishi fight is fine , as are several other moments ( Kaoru's visions of the past as a series of rooms , the brief flashback appearance of Saito ) , but why squander all these resources on a re-animation of the Jinei fight from the first TV series ( which in no way improves on the original ) ? And why the ridiculous subplot with Kenji's hatred of his father , all of which comes from a throwaway joke at the end of the manga ?
Still , it's not as bad as the Kenshin feature film !
017 4 If you've read the Jinchuu arc of the Rurouni Kenshin manga , or Cherry Blossoms in the Spring ( the _ real _ final story in the Kenshin Kaden book ) , you'll know that creator Nobuhiro Watsuki's vision of the ending was considerably sunnier than what we are presented with here . But the style employed in the OAV series is better suited for tragedy than triumph , and so we are given an ending where all of Kenshin's struggles and achievements result in disease , dysfunction , and death . Yuck .
The problems with Seisouhen lie squarely with the OAV style , which is emotionally muted , arty , and poorly-suited for action sequences . While this style worked for the Tsuiokuhen episodes ( collected in this country as Trust and Betrayal ) which told the most tragic chapter in Himura Kenshin's life , it is a major shortcoming here . Indeed , the best sequence is a recreation of the climactic Jinchuu battle between Kenshin and Enishi , where director Kazuhiro Furuhashi all but abandons the OAV look for a style much closer to the original TV series ( and the manga ) .
Then there's the question of the material itself . The Kenshin / Enishi fight is fine , as are several other moments ( Kaoru's visions of the past as a series of rooms , the brief flashback appearance of Saito ) , but why squander all these resources on a re-animation of the Jinei fight from the first TV series ( which in no way improves on the original ) ? And why the ridiculous subplot with Kenji's hatred of his father , all of which comes from a throwaway joke at the end of the manga ?
Still , it's not as bad as the Kenshin feature film !
019 4 I'm a very open-minded person . When it comes to Anime , I pretty much look at everything from an objective point of view , without ties into what I wanted it to be . . . but with Kenshin it's a little different .
Anime Style : well obviously by the title and the cover art it's in the style same as Trust and Betrayal .
Gore level : well it is Kenshin . . . the gore level is lower than Trust and Betrayal , as there is far less killing and more focus on the story , not that the killing in Kenshin was ever gratuitous
Suitablity for Children : well some of the concepts probably won't interest children at all , like most anime . It does have some scenes that are adult in that it would children probably won't understand what's going on and something that parents won't want to explain .
Alright , with that said and done you have to first recognize that this is a continuation from the other OVA , Trust and Betrayal . It's 15 years later , Kenshin has gone to China to help with the wars and hasn't come back yet . He married Kaoru and has a son Kenji ( i believe ) who has never really seen his father , Kenshin , and therefore doesn't necessarily have the same respect for him as everyone else does .
So this entire movie is basically spent reflecting upon the past . Kaoru reflects back on events involving Kenshin , reasons why she loves him and reasons why he would love her . There is a new scene she reflects upon that we haven't seen yet . Remeber Tomoe's brother ? Well he's seeking revenge and captures Kaoru in the process .
The heavy nature of this anime makes it very dramatical , in the idea that most of it involves the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru . Many surprises come up and Kaoru learns more about Kenshin than she previously knew .
Some of the scenes you'll notice are taken from parts of the TV series . . . but not entirely . Some are written a little differently . . . but nothing too drastic . Battle in the Moonlight's Kurogasa scene is written a little differently , removing Kurogasa's supposed powers . Hints at several other battles , such as Shishio and Sojiro . You get to see the TV series characters in the different anime style , such as Yahiko and Sanosuke . It is really worth the watch , and yes it does end the Kenshin series . It's the final atonement , as the backside would show . If you get it for any other reason , get it for its finality in the Kenshin Series . Yes we all hate it when our favorite series come to an end , but it's gotta happen . . . and this way it a good one .
Now if you were a Kenshin fan due to the intense action ( like a DBZ fan is ) or becuase of the comedy then this might not fit your tastes . It is crafted after Trust and Betrayal , and if you've seen those and liked them , then this is up your alley . If you didn't like Trust and Betrayal then you might want to be hesitant about this one first . Maybe give it a rent or see if you can find some trailers on it , check to see if it really for you . There is hardly a moment to laugh in these two episodes , most moments make you wonder how Kaoru could possibly love Kenshin , and then what the heck is going through that swordsman's head . It is everything i expected , everything i could have asked for . That's me , your opinion of it will be different . This was mine .
020 4 ( . . . )
The first half is quite confusing and very unexplainable , and weird . All of the tension is built up for the second half .
The second half . Apparently the producers felt they didn't need to animate the Jinchuu arc , why instead condense it to 10 minutes ( maybe ) and butcher the hell out of it . All the readers who either can read japanese ( which i am sadly not one of them , getting there though ) or found dedicated fans who translated them and scanned them all , will see how wrong and incorrect the entire ' mini jinchuu ' is . And the thing about Kenshin ignoring his family to help people ? ( I can see how people would get that the written jinchuu arc ( which should be animated ) , but in the animated series it never happened ! So why ruin Kenshin ? ! ) Kenshin would NEVER neglate Kaoru and Kenji , what universe is this from ? I just can't say enough of how bad it truly is .
And the end ? I mean come on , ( alright i will give in to the disease , as it was hinted at throughout the series ) but how could you end the famous Kenshin series , how could you honestly believe in such a sad , ending to such a great character ? That is what put tears in my eyes , what they let happen to him , not the actually plot , fake ' reality ' they tried to pull . In conclusion , i totally deny the existence of such horrible ending ( Sano and Megumi didn't end together ? What's w / that ? ! ) .
I think the collective group of Kenshin fans should protest and get those lazy producers off ( . . . ) and animated the Jinchuu , a trully fitting end to the great Kenshin series . If you are a die-hard kenshin , you probably have to see this , put take it with a grain of salt and join the few who totally deny its existence and the probablity that it could actually happen . Long live the Jinchuu Arc ! !
021 4 Beautifully done and very moving . I even cried at certain parts . The music is wonderful , the action and the animation is good .
HOWEVER , a very big but for me is the fact that I find Kenshin and Kaoru in this OVA very out of character . I think the makers wanted to create in Reflections something akin to Trust and Betrayal but it just doesn't work for me . I find it extremely hard to believe that the Rurouni in Watsuki's manga ( especially after the Revenge Arc which was never animated ) and in the anime series would do anything he did in this OVA . And that wasn't Kaoru either , she seemed more like Tomoe to me . I know real life can be depressing . I don't really mind a sad ending especially if it is nicely done . But this OVA is just so out of character I prefer to think of it as part of Kaoru's dream in episode 95 of the anime series .
The creator of Kenshin came out with some chapters in the Kenshin Kaden , ' Cherry Blossoms in Spring ' and ' Yahiko's Sakabatou ' . They tell the REAL ending to Kenshin's story . And it's definitely not Reflections .
Of course , if you're a RuroKen fanatic , the DVD is still worth buying . If not , stay away from it ! Buy Tsuiokuhen instead ( Trust and Betrayal OVA ) , it's a must see . Or read volumes 17 and up of the manga , that's the Jinchuu arc ( revenge arc ) , it tells an equally dramatic but a much better story of how Kenshin managed to atone .
Reflections ( Seisohen ) was well-done but is simply not canon ! ! !
022 4 The anime about Kenshin's redemption and his final rest is
outlined in this story ; beautifully told . While my first reaction
upon seeing the portrayal of Kaoru as a devoted wife waiting for
Kenshin in Tokyo annoyed me ( after all , she is a swordswoman
herself , so why did she not accompany him ? ) , the explanation
the voice actors give in the extras for this DVD explain that as
a period piece this act of Kaoru is faithful to the ideal of
a good wife of that era . However , I agree with another reviewer
that the message that Shinta ( Kenshin ) could obtain peace only
at death is contrary to the message of the RK manga and the
TV series . Also , from a Buddhist point of view this is a depressing story as even in death , the kind and gentle Kenshin
did not achieve peace and release from karma from the point of
this story . One consolation is that , as one of the voice actors
explained , this is only one possible ending to the RK storyline !
Worth buying if you keep this in mind ; the animation is spectacular !
023 4 I am a HUGE fan of the Kenshin OVA and television series , but I just can't give this a 5 star rating . By itself , it is actually very good . It's very emotional , Kenshin and Kaour's relationship was fully explored and explained , and the animation is on par with the OVAs . The problem I have is with its ending , which should not have turned out the way it did , at least in my humble opinion . To me , Kenshin is a legendary warrior and the ending should have shown that , instead we get a rather pathetic and broken man . I never ever wanted to see him that way and found it disheartening . Also , I am not Japanese and do not fully understand its culture so I found Kaoru's decision to be unrealistic and incomprehensible . Of course I can't ruin the story and tell you what she did . I would also like to have seen more new footage instead of a re-telling of the TV series . Once again I have to say this is a very good piece of work , but I would rather detach it from any association with the OVAs , which were wonderful to say the least . All in all , I felt this was a very sad and disappointing ending for such a great series . Shinta deserved more .
024 4 A nice anime overall , but most definately NOT Rurouni Kenshin . It was depressing to the point it made the previous OVAs look like care bears , and was mostly a recap of previous things . Truthfully , the main reason I liked it was because it revealed Kenshin and Kaoru got married . Even if Kenshin was dying of a disease ? and fought in another war ? I think ?
025 4 I have seen all but the final 12 or so episodes of the Kenshin TV series , the movie , and all the OVAs . I thought the OVAs were gorgeous and would have been a wonderful mini-series , if it wasn't Kenshin . I have watched Kenshin since about 1997 and grew to love these characters immensely . I do see the beauty of the OVAs , but I am not without bias . Unfortunately , I didn't feel the OVAs truly portrayed the essence of what Kenshin was about . Yes , the ending for Reflection was poignant and realistic . But , Kenshin was always about redemption through life , not death . To have a character finally redeemed through his death undermines all the things he had done through his life . It would be hypocrytical to tell Aoshi ( During the Kyoto Arc of the TV series ) to stop miring in his own self-pity , only to wind up doing it himself . The constant struggle to redeem himself I could understand . Not finding any contentment with what Kenshin had in a family and in life made me feel that all the things he told everyone he fought as empty and flawed . Everyone who thinks that the ending for Reflection was appropriate may want to look at the TV series again to see how every battle ended . I always saw a value of human life and the fight to persevere . I didn't enjoy the fact Kenshin could only find peace in death when throughout the who series he would advocate life , even his own . The series had it's deep moments , but there was always an underlying sense that things would get better , or a least a sense of temporary joy . What I found in the OVAs was a constant sense of dispair and futility , though it was handsome in the presentation . Some people will love Reflection , and some will hate it . If , all you've seen are the OVAs , I would recommend it . But , if you're a fan of the series , watch with caution .
026 4 There's too many problems with this OVA , if you are not a Rurouni Kenshin fan I recommend you only rent this . To clearly understand the story you must have seen at least up to the end of the Kyoto Arc in the TV series and also the first OVAS ( Trust , and also Betrayal ) . Its is also strongly recommended you read the entire last arc from the manga the Revenge Arc ( 2000 pages ) . You'll see many incredible events that were not told in this OVA which foolishly tried to condense the Arc in 15 minutes . As for the new stuff not based on the manga , yahiko's and kenji's relationship seems acceptable but not the fact kenji is training with Hiko . As for ending it is a pathetic attempt to copy the sorrow of the first OVAs , the director took too many liberties with the story . He should have tried to explain the events of the beautiful Revenge Arc instead . . .
027 4 As many have commented , this movie does not feel like Ruroni Kenshin . The tone is bleak and hopeless and lacks the magical elements of the series . When one watches a Star Wars episode , you know it's Star Wars . Here though except for the cross-marked scar and red hair , I would not have known it to be Ruroni Kenshin .
The basic plot is that Kenshin wanders across China helping the sick while Kaoru waits for his return . He is for the most part uninspiring and unlovable as he speaks in bland tones over and over about his guilt . This may have been acceptable at the very beginning of the series but here at the end , it completely disregards his development and all the humanity ( his humanity ) for which he fought . Please note as well that we're never shown any of the work that Kenshin does or the aid he offers to people ; all we're shown is him feeling guilty or looking over the sea .
Kaoru's plight is even more pathetic ; basically she spends every day going to the harbour and then going back home and everyone asks her Kenshin didn't come back ? She then spends a fair amount of time being sick and receiving care from everyone else . How is this supposed to be heroic ?
The story is also told through flashbacks featuring some fo the best animation sequences I've seen , but again these snips are poorly sewn together . In none of these sequences do I see anything to explain Kaoru's dedication or love ; nor do I see Kenshin's peace or happiness at home . The flashbacks are by the way the only part of the movie that contains fighting / action scenes .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOILER ALERT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The ending is not necessarily a bad one if it had been built up correctly . Basically Kenshin walks back home ; falls into Kaoru's arms and dies in peace . However , having been bored and alienated by self-pity drivel in the first 98% of the movie , this wasn't as strong or potent . I felt sad because this was the end of the character of Kenshin who I have watched and read ; and thought he deserved a better send-off .
A better example of a noble ending is in the Lone Wolf & Cub Manga .
I suppose I should be added to the list of people who want to pretend this never happened . I think it may have been Shinta ( Kenshin's birth name ) who died but not the legend Kenshin . I hope they do release another Kenshi movie and say this was just a bad dream , the kind you have after drinking sour milk .
028 4 After watching Samurai X : The Motion Picture ( Rurôni Kenshin : Ishin shishi e no Requiem ) , where suddenly the Samurai X figure of the prequel Betrayal and Trust was back to the present , so to speak , and the Kenshin Himura of the anime series , I was wary of what I would find in Samurai X : Reflection ( Rurôni Kenshin : Sei。ô hen ) . Fortunately , what we have for the conclusion of the Rurôni Kenshin saga is a hybrid between the two that , for the most part , works to provides an interesting ending for fans , especially in light of how the original series concluded . NOTE : Be sure to watch the end credits after episode 2 for an epilogue .
Many years have passed since the battles of the Meiji Restoration during which Kenshin made his name as the Hitokiri Battousai . Now , in the year 1893 , Kenshin's second wife , the loving and devoted Kaoru , is pining away waiting looking out over the harbor for the return of her husband from the continent where he has gone to continue his quest to atone for his many sins of murder , including that of his first wife , Tomoe . For all this time he has used his reverse blade sword only to protect those who need his protection , yet the peace and redemption Kenshin seeks have been denied him . Kaoru mourns not only the absence of her husband , but that of their son , Kenji , as well . Meanwhile , Kenshin has been washed overboard during a storm as he crosses the sea back to Japan , and wonders if this is how his life is fated to end .
The animation continues to reflect the higher standards of the Samurai X efforts and we are presented with more mature versions of the characters from the anime series . The fact that the characters are fifteen years older and drawn in a more adult style , for lack of a better term , are appropriate but somewhat problematic because sometimes you cannot tell who the characters are , especially with the time jumps in the narrative . Plus there is the larger concern in that I think most fans of the series are not going to want to believe that the story is heading in the direction it ends up going ( and one that was apparently not endorsed by the manga's creator Nobuhiro Watsuki ) as we end on a much sadder note than you would have expected .
On the one hand the finale is poignant , even more so with the epilogue , but on the other the point director Kazuhiro Furuhashi is making can be seen as running counter to the overall spirit of Rurôni Kenshin . There is no middle ground here because Reflection cannot stand on its own and devoted fans of the anime will either cherish it or despise it .
029 4 Who you are can sometimes determine whether or not you enjoy something . Samurai X Reflection is without a doubt a very beautifully animated feature . It has the deep emotion and realistic swordfighting that can make any viewer feel something . I know that I did . I am a true Rurouni Kenshin fan , but I must admit , I was disappointed with this future that was created for Kenshin . As a person who has a strong connection with the character of Kenshin , I believe that his life should have ended happily . Atoning for past sins and living to serve others is a life of joy , happiness , and growth , I know that from experience . A happy ending , I believe , is what was intended for Kenshin . So , I believe that's how it should have been animated . That is my opinion . Because I am a person deeply connected to Kenshin's character , and because I know what I know through experience , I didn't enjoy Samurai X Reflection like I expected I would . I still watch it though , and I respect this interpretation of how Kenshin's life could have continued after the TV series . It is not the ending I would have created at all . However , I understand completely that every person is different with different experiences , so I understand why most fans love this DVD . I like it too , but I just believe that it should have turned out differently , more like the manga . I believe happiness is the destiny for a strong character like Kenshin .
031 4 There is absolutely nothing redeeming about this trainwreck of an OVA . Everyone is out of character in it . Kenshin , leaving his wife and small child behind to wander and save the world ? Kaoru , allowing Kenshin to leave her and Kenji behind , moping around the dojo for seven years and then allowing Kenshin to infect her with a communicable disease ? Where are the real Kenshin and Kaoru ? ! Who are these imposters ?
As a Kenshin fan who knows the story insideout and backwards and who is now reading the manga's Jinchuu Arc , I can tell you that Reflections is innaccurate . I won't post spoilers for those who haven't read the manga , but I can tell you it does NOT end the way it does in Reflections .
Reflections is merely a glorified filler episode , no better than the third season of the Rurouni Kenshin anime series , which many fans despise . All I can say is , as a loyal RuroKen purist , this is one DVD that will not be going in my collection .
032 4 I grew up with Kenshin as my hero . I remember loving the small heartfelt filler of the first season , then being brought to tears as my ten year old mind fought with its own morality in the climax of the second . No matter how hilarious and light the series got there was always the backdrop of something much more complex , and that's what gave the series weight and validity . The series had a heart to it which few anime have ever achieved . It never over simplified the problem , it acknowledged the true ambiguity of the matters it displayed , and then the thing that pushed it over the edge was that the main characters pushed forward against what was wrong amidst all of the ambiguity . There was a line at the end of the second season where Kenshin admits that while Shishio and his ideology were definitely evil , Shishio though it was the right thing to do , and all we can do is follow what we think is right .
This heart was wielded carelessly and without regard for just how beautiful it was often in the series , but it was still there in a subtle capacity . The series always second guessed it just enough to make you wonder whether it was still there . And then they would always give you a glimpse in the climax . Reflections indulges in openly displaying only the heart of the series , and wielding the full weight and connotations of the characters we've come to love . It faces the moral problems openly , and shows that Kenshin's life was not a righteous one . That peace for someone such as him is impossible , he knew that as long as he was alive he could probably save a life somewhere , that his only hope of ever dying a respectful death would be if every second was spent towards others , he had the responsibility of every life in the world on his shoulders . It was the thing that made the character interesting , he could never rest . And that ultimately there was nothing morally right about this self imposed burden , it was the kind of affliction described as insanity . And reflection takes the time to articulate this , and then watch him fall , continually . And that only in dying could he ever be freed of this burden . Reflections articulates this perfectly , if you have seen the series for what it is , you will be tearful by the end .
033 4 I see that the reviews on this DVD are divided into two groups : ones who love it , ones who hate it . So , maybe my review would be helpful to the new reader . Kenshin series has two faces to it . The first one , which is mostly reflected in the TV series is the legend of a Samurai , with utmost skill and best of intentions . The atmosphere is gay and uplifting and it's a great series for both kids and adults . The second face - or the deeper layer of the story - is the legend of the struggle of a man's soul in the journey of life , the story of repent , immense sorrow and indefinite pain . This side of the story is transparent in the TV series and only reveals itself in the trilogy of Trust , Betrayal and Samurai X Reflection . Unlike the TV series , and in harmony with the content , these DVDs are extremely dark and gloomy , definitely not suitable for children .
So , it's perfectly fine to just go after the TV series and never get to these three . However , if you can handle a bitter story but are looking for true depth then proceed .
I also saw comments on an over-romantic organization of Samurai X reflection . I don't say it's not true . However , I recommend taking it a little more symbolically than by its face value . It's the story of Kenshin's soul striving to overcome the pain , and the devotion of people who care about him . It's difficult to portray that , so the creator uses personification of love , compassion and pain in a mundane form , which , I believe , could look a little too base to some people . But get over the surface and you'll see the beauty .
034 4 I am a Rurouni Kenshin fan and it is a really good series . I am actually trying to get the whole series on DVD includin da Jinchuu arc which is only on the Manga on Shonen Jump . This Movie Reflection is a bit confusing at first but then gets even more confusing as the story goes on . WHY ? Because the story takes place about 10 years after the fight with Shishio . The whole feeling has also changed where everyone of the series has changed even Kenshin . Kenshin has becomed very weak and confused when he was forced to fight the war in Shanghai , China and has come back to Japan pretty much helpless . Kaoru is the same way she is pathetic in the final hours of her life , she lost the whole willin to be strong when she gets a desease from Kenshin and even on the verge of dying . Yahiko has become much older and much stronger and is tryin to find Kennji ( Kenshin and Kaorus son ) Yahiko became the exact opposite attitude of the one in the series . Sanosuke has left Tokyo and is a free spirit is willin to help Kenshin in his tough time , Sanosuke was only in 9% of the movie so it was kind of dissapointing . When Kenshin left everything changes but also is a little stupid if you think about it . All in all its not great but it is good and worth the money .
Rurouni Kenshin Series in order .
Samurai X ( OVA ) Trust & Betrayel
Rurouni Kenshin ( Series ) Wandering Samurai
Rurouni Kenshin ( Series ) Legend of Kyoto
Rurouni Kenshin ( Alternate ) Tales of the Meiji
Samurai X The Movie ( Movie / Alternate )
Rurouni Kenshin ( Manga ) Shonen Jump volumes 18 - 2 ?
Samurai X ( OVA ) Reflection
035 4 ( ps , i'm not really under 13 , i just didn't want to have my email up , because i don't want any people to bother me with emails in the line of work ) Truthfully , this is a great movie . Why ? Well , I must say I do enjoy watching Trust / Betrayal much more , and it is also more interesting . In this movie , there is not a lot of action . Yet , there are quite a few flahsbacks which are artfully put into the movie . Yet , the reason why this movie was so great was becasue it resolved everyone's conflict . Yahiko gets stronger ( i just want to be stronger ! ! ! ) , Kaoru gets Kenshin , Kenshin finally repents ( also some great symbolism in this ) , Sano isn't thought of as second and more importantly can finally lend help to Kenshin . But , in the end all character conflict is resolved . Plus , for those who say was weak becasue of death , i completely disagree . Not only was it romantic becasue of death , but it also was the perfect resolution .
036 4 Rouroni Kenshin has moved me beyond explanation , it sounds so weird being a thought , a figment of someone's imagination , however , that's just what it is . It is the deep emotion of the creator that inspires us all - - and inspired I am .
Kenshin was always shown as the strongest character , and not just physically , but also emotionally . No matter how much fans desperately wanted to see some more warmth between him and Kaoru , there never was anything to really satisfy what we were looking for . As years have passed along , however , and we learn that Kenshin , no matter how you look at him , is only human , we can see a little of his vulnerable side for the first time . For a character such as his , one that is so fascinating for so many people , it could go either way . You could , like I did , enjoy watching Kenshin come to terms with the strange and brutal truth of his life , or you could be angry that he did not go out in a blaze of glory .
The animation itself is gorgeous . There was so much thought and detail added to the characters , they could almost jump out of the television and touch you . In my eyes , everything was perfect , the atmosphere , the music , the dialogue . Everything was as it should be , and though I admit to crying . . . yes , crying , I was also a bit happy to see a story that I have loved for so long finally come to a close . Kenshin and Kaoru deserved it ^ ^
037 4 I truly love this OVA evan know it is very good i cant exscape the fact that these characters do not seem to be the same.Karou was not herself in reflection i know her love was deep for kenshin but she seemed unreal , her love was deep for him in the series but she was still the funny , joyful , loud swordswoman she always was but with more love in her heart because of kenshin.The same with yahiko megumi and sanoske.It felt like Karou turned into tomo kenshins first wife , a soft spokened loving caring wife who would never leave kenshins side.Im very sure karou would become something like tomo but in her own way.Plus after what happend in the series with yahiko taking kenshins sword to fight gohei hiruma the crazed ediot who would stop at nothing to kill kenshin for breaking his thumb it looked as if kenshin would never let yahiko touch the reverse blade sword again . To end this it's hard to believe that all of the characters hardcore rurounie kenshin fans have come to love could change so much . In a way i dont know these people but overall reflection is a good story sad but good and the big change is it's only downfall . I agree with other reviewers because the animation is just unbelievable and i wish they used it for the series .
038 4 Ok , here's how things are for this DVD :
It is really good animated , and the graphics are amazing .
the quality of the sound is pretty good , although the english translation is not as good as the japanese vocals .
The main plot is somewhat a little bit known , as the first episode drives you through the meeting and the realation of Kenshin and Kaoru , to the comeback from the battle with shishio ( with some new - good - details ) .
The second episode , is mostly about what happens to our heros ' lifes after the jinchu incident .
Some may say it is sad . But i think it is a very nice way to end a long-time series like Rurouni Kenshin .
It is overall a very nice DVD addition to every anime collector's collection , as well as everyone else who liked RK as a tv series or in mangas ( everyone would like to know what happens after the TV series actually ) .
039 4 this was a very sad movie it was a dvd that brung you to the reality of it all . i felt so sorry for karou and also the things everyone went though . it shows how life really can be .
040 4 Here's the low down . . . Does this follow the Manga to the ' T ' ? No . Is it still good ? Yes . It does touch upon the Jin Chuu arc a little , but not much . This is just as the title suggests , it is a ' Reflection ' back on the life of Karou and Kenshin mostly . You do get to see where the other characters ended up a little also . It's sometimes hard to remember that Rourni Kenshin was a light hearted series , but underneath it all was the wish for Kenshin to atone for all his sins from his youth . His happiness always came second to the pain of others . This takes us into the future , where his wish for atonement has ended with a ultimate sacrafice . ( No swordsmanship invovled . It does explain why . ) It's basically the love story between Karou and Kenshin all in all , they're journey . Trying to put it in the same catagory as Rurouni Kenshin just won't work , trust me . ( My only complaint is that it makes Karou seem a little more weak backboned than in the series . ) If you want a love story , this is it . It's beautiful . And in the end , like I said have your tissues ready . . .
041 4 I'm a huge Kenshin fan , but this movie was boring and sad . I felt depressed after watching it . It shows Kenshin as a sick elderly man . The only parts I enjoyed were the brief flashbacks to when he was young . Also , as a warning , the artwork is very different from Samuri X and the television series , not bad , but just a different style . I think die-hard fans will enjoy the movie so I won't discourage anyone from watching it , but just know what to expect before hand .
042 4 I'm a long time Kenshin fan so I was really worried that I would hate this OVA because I had heard that he dies at the end . Even though he did die , it was not the horribly depressing tearjerker that I expected it to be .
It's the story of Kaoru , who is also sick , reminiscing on her life with Kenshin . The artwork is the best that I have ever seen in an anime film . There are several flashbacks to things that took place in the series . They also do a flashback to the incident with Enishi . I thought that this was a great scene , beautifully drawn and good dialog . Enishi was a much better villain than Shishio because he wasn't completely bad , he had a deep hurt and sadness in his soul over the death of his sister and it helped to humanize him . He wasn't just a blood-thirsty monster like Shishio .
There are also some really nice scenes between Kenshin and Kaoru where you really get to see them express their feelings for each other . Unlike the series , where you were constantly waiting to see some spark of love or romantic attraction , something beyond just friendship . Finally you see them share some really sweet and tender moments .
This film was not only beautifully animated but also done with great respect to the story line and characters . The great thing about the Kenshin series is that it ( for the most part ) was very realistic compared to the typical anime . With the exception of parts of the last season , there were never any monsters or science fiction elements . It was about real life and in real life people eventually die . I think that Kenshin's death was fitting for his character . He did not die in a sword battle like a warrior , because in his heart he wasn't a warrior . He was a gentle caring man that died peacefully in the arms of the woman he loved , the woman that loved him more than she loved her own life . I can't think of a better way to pass from this life to the next . I did shed a tear at the end of this film , not out of sadness but happiness that Kenshin's atonement was finally over and his soul was finally at peace . It's truly a remarkable piece of anime that every Kenshin fan must see and even a non-fan could enjoy .
* * * * Also , be sure to watch through the credits of part 2 . Afterwards there is a really sweet and uplifting epilogue that you don't want to miss !
044 4 First of all , I'd like to start out by saying that the animation and the sound is excellent , hence two starts instead of one .
However , the story on this one is just kind of bad . The first two OAVs were great , but I just couldn't quite stomach this one .
I was willing to accept , albiet with some difficulty , Kaoru's personality in this one . She isn't the same strong boistrous woman who ran a kendo dojo by herself we saw in the anime and the manga , but maybe motherhood changed her .
I was willing to accept , this time with a lot of effort , the idea of Kenshin neglecting his family like that . That one took a lot of effort , but I managed to swallow it .
But by the time Sanosuke showed up , I really couldn't take it any more . My first thought was Where on earth has this guy been during all this ? But what really got me was when Sano left Kenshin on the ship .
A little background for those who are unfamiliar with the anime or manga . Sanosuke is probably Kenshin's best friend , he's willing to fight a tiger for the man . So he just leaves Kenshin with a friend ( whom we never see and doesn't really help Kenshin that much ) because he has bussiness elsewhere .
What on earth could be so pressing as to make him leave his best friend , who is both suffering from amnesia and is so weak he can barely walk , practically alone ? Really , I'm curious , I'd like to know . Because anything that would make Sano leave Kenshin like that should not be brushed aside lightly as business elsewhere .
In conclusion , great animation , great music , but the plot is a bit too angsty / romantic for my tastes , and requires too much character butchering .
045 4 Yet another quality product from the people who brought you Trust and Betrayal . Fans of the previous OVA will love this DVD . Fans of the TV show will have to put up with even more sappy stuff , but the OVA makes up for it with its awesome quality and good fight scenes . Plus , this is the only chance to see Enishi and Kenji in glorious animation , and we get to see Yahiko and Sano's evolution .
But this does have flaws , first of all we need more Enishi , this guy is to awesome to get such limited scrren time in this series ; second , the characters aren't very believable . After watching how some of the flashbacks actually happened in the TV series , the viewer feels like the characters are just acting in a play , instead of being themselves . The series has much better character development , since the OVA characters are just too dramatic . I was actually laughing on some of the so called flashbacks because some characters reacted totally different in most situations than how they did in the series . Maybe Kaoru just suffers from bad memory .
This is still a must have title for Kenshin fans , fans of the OVA will love this sappy story , and TV fans get to see their loved characters in a less relaxed environment , but with better graphics and fighting .
046 4 This is the best Japanese Animation series I have ever seen . A fictional story about a young swordsman who grows up to be the best swordsman of his time . This whole series chronicles his life from being a child to his death . Very passionate and not without its well done sword fights . I've never seen such a good series .
047 4 This movie does not introduce a new ark or saga , but instead it recalls Kenshin's past conflicts . In the beginning of the movie we learn that Kenshin has gone away from the Kamija Dojo and Kenji ( Kenshin's son ) went to train with Kenshin's master . Kaoru feels worried since she has no news of Kenshin's health and of Kenji's ground . While Kaoru faints she remembers all of Kenshin's past conflicts , and the last saga or ark is about Enishi's revenge on Kenshin because Enishi's sister died for Kenshin and her death left Enishi alone in the world . Enishi's saga is the original last saga and Tales of the Meiji is only a saga of filler episodes because the original author of the series , Nobuhiro Watsuki , did not write it . Around the end of the series we learn that Kenshin has a disease that always turns out fatal and Kaoru gets it because she asks Kenshin to transmit it to her through a passionate night because she wants to carry some of the suffering he is caring .
At the end Sanosuke finds Kenshin and helps him travel back to Japan before he dies so he can see Kaoru again , and when he meets Kaoru he dies in her laps .
048 4 I must say , this movie made me cry to a point that I started to weep for Kenshin as if he were an actual person i had lost . Terribly sad and joyous simultaneously , this movie is a must see for anyone who wants to know what real anime is . The characters are so well developed , that you feel you are connected to them and their adventures throughout the rurouni kenshin series . The music will take your breath away . The musical score is unlike anything I've heard before . This series is truly paramount , a must see for anyone . The beautiful swordfights throughout this series are the best fights ever to grace a TV screen . There are no words to describe how beautiful and life-like everything seems in this series , it's as if Nobuhiro Watsuki had transported us back to the blood-soaked times of the Bakumatsu Revolution . This series throws all other anime to the curb . There is not one word to sum up this entire series , you just have to see it to believe it .
049 4 Everyone's right ; this does change many things from the manga , including parts of the Jinchuu arc ( what happened to all the other people ! ) , and most people believe that Kenshin deserves peace in this movie , which he does , but can you honestly see our Rurouni happy when he knows others are suffering ? Probably not . This is a different take on Kenshin's future , since Watsuki never said anything about it , and it is NOT the happy-ever-after ending we all imagined . I personally liked it , because it gives you a new aspect to Kenshin ; you will even watch the TV series in a different light . It has a very romantic storyline , and you come to truly appreciate Kaoru , and her role in Kenshin's life ; the first time I watched the movie , I cried through the ENTIRE thing , but it's one of those movies where you're happy in the end , because at least Kenshin , who probably never had peace , is finally happy . You want to glomp all the characters , laugh and cry with them , and lose yourself in the last chapter of Kenshin's life .
There are also some VERY nice battle scenes you must not miss ; Kenshin vs . Enishi ; and then Yahiko vs . Kenji ( which was never written in the manga ) . If you're a stickler to the manga , don't bother , because you'll be fretting about the differences ; if you just want to enjoy Kenshin , and flow with it , I recommend it whole-heartedly !
050 4 This final OVA is great . It's from Kaoru's view but it makes a flash back of the greatest events of the TV series . I'm a hardcore fan of the series and it was great to see the evolution of the characters after the ending .
After Kenshin accidentally murder's his wife Tomoe , Kenshin takes a vow not to kill again . Kenshin takes Kaoru for his wife , but never forgets about Tomoe and the bloodshed he has make in the revolution . Kaoru fight's to get's Kenshins love and she was successful after a long time of fighting , but in the end sadness fill's the tv screen with a sad but unforgettable ending .
051 4 I can watch this movie over and over again and no matter what I still cry .
The sense and the strory behind it is one of the deepest heartbreaking stories ever .
There are a lot of things to explain , but even if you don't know the whole story , is worth it .
If you are interested you should start with the first 3 OVAs , the series , the movie and to close this magnificent OVA .
2 Thumbs up !
052 4 Thisis a must have for Samurai X ( Rurouni Kenshin ) fans . This is part 2 to Samurai X Trust and Betreyal . Amazing Movie !
053 4 in Samurai X : Relfection , Kenshin and Kaoru's story comes to a close . altough it's mostly a flashback of what happens since Kenshin first meets Kaoru , it still is good . there isn't much fighting for all of us who like the swordplay . i don't really want to give much away so . . . thats it .
054 4 As u know samurai x ( rurouni kenshin ) is about a man who was once a killer trying to atone his past.If you watch samurai x trust and betrayel you will learn more about kenshin as an assain . Unlike the series Reflection is more like the OVA's.This DVD shows more of kenshin and kaoru's love for each other they even had a son together KENJI.Well i am not going to ruin it for you GO BUY IT ! ! ! ! ! !
055 4 when I first saw this I thought it was really cool.The sowrd play is the beat that i have seen so far in an anime movie . the story is told for Karous point of veiw . She tells about her life whith kenshin.kenshin dies in his loves arms after he gets back from - - - im not going to tell you that much but i will say if you are a true rk fan than you need to add this dvd to your colection ! you will love it ! i loved it so much it brought tears to my eyes ! !
056 4 By itself this was a very good episode . The animation and music soundtrack was very well done and I liked seeing what became of all the other characters . The story was very emotional and even made me cry . However , the thought of Kenshin dying from something like leprosy seems a little off . He was an invincible warrior and a very strong man . If he had to die , I would have liked him to have a more noble death .
057 4 The DVD was sad and you could fell the love and emotions that Kaoru and Kenshin shared . The fight senes were great . I would recomed this to any Kenshin fan out there . I'v read the manga verson and have some of the cartoon's ones and I have trust and betray on dvd . I cried at the end . The ending semed right . Kenshin died in the arms of the one he loved and he was finaly happy . If you love Kenshin then you must rent of buy this and you will see for yourself how Kenshin and Karou loved each other and how Karou wanted to share his pain .
058 4 Now for all the people who said you have to buy it only if you've seen the series or any of RK , let me tell you I have never seen any of RK until now and I have to say it is awesome ! ! The story is deeply moving and sad . The battle between Enishi and Kenshim is so AWESOME ! ! ! So this dvd is great . ( . . . ) .
059 4 And when I say saddest I mean I was crying my eyes out for 20 minutes afterwards .
This movie was beautifully done . The simple image of a cup with white plums , Kaoru asking Tomoe to let Kenshin be hers , and everything else seemed real .
To me , one of the saddest things was Ken-chan not being able to catch the fish Sano threw to him . Tons of other little things , too made me start crying . Don't watch this if you're feeling very depressed , or if you're brand new to the series . ^ . ^
060 4 If you haven't read any of the Rurouni Kenshin manga nor seen enough episodes of the TV series ( even the OVA DVD volumes Trust and Betrayal ) then you will be very lost and there wouldn't be a point to watch this DVD straight away . Reading most of the Manga would explain more things to the newcomer . This DVD takes place a few years after the Manga and summarises the key events of Kenshin's life - - from the first time Kamiya Kaoru met the Rurouni known as Himura Kenshin to the day he left her to wander around the world , as well as the most important and well-remembered fights of his life . As you will see , Kenshin and Kaoru are parents of a son known as Kenji , who is now fifteen and learning to use the sword under the tutoring of Kenshin's former teacher Hiko Seijuro . In actual fact everyone has changed . Myojin Yahiko has matured over the years , becoming a strong swordsman , Kaoru has grown ill after contrapting Kenshin's sickness and Sanosuke has gone abroad ( that was how he departed in the Manga ) and is very much in need of a haircut and shave . As you will see in the movie , Kenshin has become weaker and is close to death but his will power still keeps him going as a Rurouni who saves the innocent . This is why he insists on wandering again but this time Kaoru is certainly ready to wait for him when he returns .
While the TV series did a lot of filler episodes from episode 60 onwards , which did reduce the number of viewers in Japan , this dvd does generously explain some bits of the final arc in the RK Manga since this story wasn't put into animation . This arc is called the Jinchuu arc and if you know who Tomoe is then you will see a family member of hers make his appearance and become Kenshin's most lethal opponent ever .
Anyway despite the mention of the Jinchuu arc , as a whole this film was very sad in many places . Why ? Because it implies one huge notion at the end . If you are an emotional person then I suggest you get your tissues ready . The music will make you move and seeing the characters cry or show sadness is only going to make you lose your cool from suppressing emotions . I was able to watch this film through once and that was it . The animation is similar to the first four OVA episodes , which might explain why the film was more than just very sad and serious .
062 4 I enjoyed the Kenshin series , so naturally I picked this one up . Like Trust and Betrayal , the series has a darker mood . I didnt mind the OAV character designs or the music , both were actually nicely done .
I do feel this should have been a longer OAV , focusing more on original content and the background of the characters . I don't the flashbacks supply enough about the respevtive character's development . While I felt the ending was well done and liked it , I'm hoping more it figurative then literal .
063 4 Any fan of Rurouni Kenshin will enjoy this , If only to have closure to this awesome series . Some of the characters end up like you expect ( Yahiko , Megumi , Sanosuke , Tsubame and Hiko ) , but Kenshin and Kaoru's situation isn't like it should be .
It's worth the purchase , mostly because of the interview of the japanese cast .
It's worth the buy , if for that reason alone , but I'm sure any fan of Rurouni Kenshin will enjoy this .
064 4 This review is from :
Samurai X - Reflection ( Rurouni Kenshin ) ( DVD )
As the title would foreshadow , this is a story about what Kaoru remebers since she first met Kenshin . There are a few future references and a couple of characters which don't look to be in their best shape . Strongheaded Kenji makes and appearence and the dialogue follows more closely to the japanese version ( not the censored american version ) . I would reccomend this mainly to people who have seen the whole series ( I hadn't ) because it might be a bit confusing if you hadn't . As usual , if you want Battousai check out Trust Betrayal . Kenshin is just a wanderer now . And up until the day he dies he will never forgive himself , even if everyone else does !
065 4 As the title would foreshadow , this is a story about what Kaoru remebers since she first met Kenshin . There are a few future references and a couple of characters which don't look to be in their best shape . Strongheaded Kenji makes and appearence and the dialogue follows more closely to the japanese version ( not the censored american version ) . I would reccomend this mainly to people who have seen the whole series ( I hadn't ) because it might be a bit confusing if you hadn't . As usual , if you want Battousai check out Trust Betrayal . Kenshin is just a wanderer now . And up until the day he dies he will never forgive himself , even if everyone else does !
066 4 This movie tells the storyline in a broader way than the actual series . It has a couple of different ways than the series does . But that doesn't take away from the greatness that is Ruroni Kenshin . I gave this movie 5 stars because it really does tell of actual events in the series . And it has a better ending than the origional series that is closer to the Magna . this is truly an awsome movie to ad to your colection of Ruroni Kenshin movies .
067 4 Let me start by saying I love the Rurouni Kenshin series . Without a doubt my favorite anime series . So let me start with the good bits . I liked the bits with Kenshin's son . He seems to refuse to listen to everyone else and , without intervention , seems poised to repeat his father's mistakes . Also , the animation , while much different than anything related to it , is quite good , once you get used to the switch .
Now , the bad . The voices for the characters seemed particularly poorly chosen , and the dubbing at times went from bad to awful . Worst of all , though , is that this movie is , by my estimation , 70% flashback and 30% new story . When I rented this movie , it wasn't to watch cherished scenes from my favorite series made into an embarrassing mockery .
068 4 This OVA happens to take place in the future after Kaoru and Kenshin are married and have a son named Kenji , . . . but this OVA is also tied together with clips of Kenshin's bloody past ! It actually makes a nice twist , and is somewhat fun to compare the characters and animation to Rurouni Kenshin ! The animation to Samurai X is so much more realistic and is somewhat similar to Ghost in the Shell animation , where as Rurouni Kenshin's animation is more anime like , and more humerous ! Overall this OVA isn't bad , and is worth purchasing if your interested !
069 4 Reflection is a wonderful piece of art . The plain beauty of it really does match well with the other OAVs Trust / Betrayal .
There is a poetic soul in the three OAVs , and it set the mood for the ending .
I won't tell you what happens , but i will tell you that i shouted at my screen while blowing my nose and trying to make out the characters through teared over eyes . . .
i used half a box of tissue .
definatly worth the cash , even if you only watch it once and resell it .
sound quality could be better , but was good . The coloring on Kenshin seems really odd , since in the first OAVs his hair is darker . Its really cool to see how Yahiko turns out .
its just really great . . .
buy it , watch it , and be prepared to cry until your head aches . ^ _ ^
070 4 A very depressing ending , the Reflection story nevertheless , touches the heart . The graphics are beautiful and although my only real gripe is that the Enishi arc was changed a bit and also perhaps more could have been done with it . But I think the ending was more than appropriate .
I've been reading many people saying how it's stupid that Kenshin becomes weak and dies of an illness . Last I checked Kenshin is human . He bleeds and he breaks . And , he ages .
Regardless of how skilled or legendary you are in your prime , age will catch up with you . It's real and it's what I loved about the Kenshin series . Many of his conflicts , feelings and emotions though not always his fighting seemed real , almost as though he existed . In some ways , I think he did .
Thus as a person gets older , they succumb to natural causes . Sure , Kenshin suffered broken bones and blood loss , but that doesn't compare to the toll that a neurological disease like leprosy can take over long periods of time . SARS , the new found super pneumonia , can take any healthy person and put him or her on a respirator in 5 days . Resting a broken bone allows you body to recover and mend . Fighting a disease never allows your body to rest . And you can only fight so long .
I would rather see Kenshin pass away from natural causes than be killed in a battle , and ruin his legacy . I don't think Kenshin was ever meant to be the immortal swordsman . As Kenshin's own master said , you're not a God and you're not a demon . Just a man .
In a way , even though the ending hints at Kenshin's death , it can be interpreted in a happy way . Kenshin , after many years , finally resolves his conflicts . Atonement for the deaths he has caused . The death of his wife . His answer to her . Finding a new life and love , and in the end even in his weakend state , he finds peace within himself .
The ending brings a closure and peace to a life full of hardship for an extrodinary character . The legacy of Kenshin and finally Shinta , will live on .
071 4 Some people may be right in the point that this dvd is something else , I had been a otaku since 1994 and this is the first anime that make me fell this way . On this dvd Kenshin is a more mature man , in a way , yes if you are looking for action from the start to the end well you have the wrong dvd . This OVA has two episodes . the first is base more in the tv series , I can say it is somethig slow , because you are waiting for maga Kenshin action . the last episode is the real deal . You must need to see what happen not only to Kaoru , but well as Kenshi , Kenji , and friends . if you are have a soul mate this is a perfect movie to see on a raining day .
072 4 For almost two years , I've been following the Rurouni Kenshin series , and one of my favorite parts has been the first OVA series , Remembrance / Trust Betrayal . As a result , I was immediately interested in seeing the second OVA series once I knew it was being brought overseas . And even though before I had heard many times that Reflection was , to put it simply , depressing , I still wanted to see for myself as to whether or not that was the case . I'm very glad I did so , for even though it's easy to call Reflection depressing , there is a story there that is too moving for me to not regard it in a positive way .
I know that there are many RK fans who have considered either the end of the Kyoto Arc or the end of the Revenge Arc ( which only appears in the manga , and I highly recommend those who are planning to buy this DVD to read more into the Revenge Arc , as Reflection takes place a number of years after the Revenge Arc , and makes several references to it ) to be the true ending of Rurouni Kenshin . But even though I count myself among the former group , I still have a healthy respect for the Revenge Arc , because I consider it a very likely possibility of what could happen after Kenshin and the others return from Kyoto . The same goes for Reflection , in that I consider it a possibility . Even some of the Japanese voice actors who worked on Reflection ( many of whom are the original voice actors from the TV series ) think of this as only one of many possible endings , as they say in their interviews ( one of the extras on this DVD . ) However , don't let that deter you from watching this DVD for yourself , for it is a truly moving experience .
For those of you who have been waiting for a story detailing the depth and strength of Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship , your wait is over . The second OVA series primarily focuses on the bond between them - a burdened protector who does all that he can to help others , but secretly yearns for a time when he can rest and live quietly ; and a woman who has been through so many trials by herself , but wants nothing more than to create a home with the man she loves . In addition , the strength they draw from each other also affects the lives of those around them , even those who don't quite understand it yet , as in the case of their son , Kenji .
Visually , Reflection easily meets the standards set by the first OVA series , from the vivid use of color and motion to the inclusion of live footage blended wonderfully into the animation , it all comes together to create a very lifelike and vibrant ambience . And as with Remembrance / Trust Betrayal , the music composed by Taku Iwasaki is an almost tangible force that continues to convey the emotion of the story .
All in all , if you're the RK fan that either liked or disliked the first OVA series , or believe that Rurouni Kenshin was either finished too soon or not soon enough , there is definitely something for all to appreciate here , and I highly recommend this DVD to all RK fans .
073 4 This is the final chapter of the Samurai X / Rurouni Kenshin saga . Marketed in Japan as Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen , the story takes place approx . ten to twenty years after the show ended . The art and music is the same as that of the first OVAs . It starts of with a grieving and lonely Kaoru , hoping for Kenshin's return from China . As she begins to slip from this world , she begins to recall all of their memories and times together . One will see familar fights from the TV show , only they have been re-mastered and are more realistic . The only problem with this movie is one must read the manga first . The manga consisted of four parts , of which only two were animated . The third season of the Rurouni Kenshin TV series was made up on the spot for the TV show . Without reading the third and fourth arcs of Rurouni Kenshin , the movie will seem a little obscure to viewers , though it is not terribly hard to follow . Otherwise it shows the same class , emotion , and beauty that the first OAVs showed . If you love Kenshin , and the rest of the Kenshin-gumi , this is a must have .
074 4 Technically , the OVA is beautiful , so no complaints about that . However , the story was not in line with what I feel Kenshin to be all about . The movie is ridiculously sad and lacks the charm , wit , and humour of the series and the characters are so far-removed from their original selves , I found it hard to believe that these events could really happen , that Kaoru and Kenshin would really react that way . Their decisions negate the realizations they made in the original story . I realize the OVA represents one view of what could happen , but honestly , I cannot even accept it as a possible choice .
075 4 I've seen the import version of this and after i saw it I wondered why i watched it in the first place . This ova made it a point to change things that happned in the series and make it seem that Kenshin didn't undergo the character changes in the Kyoto arc . Plus the first DVD is a recap of the series and they changed many of the scenes to make Kenshin seem more sad . Also unlike the manga this is mos certainly NOT a happy ending . I loved kenshin and liked how it was light hearted and this is not a suitable ending , why change the ending from what it was in the manga when the series pretty much follows it ?
076 4 Its finally here . The REAL ending to the Rurouni Kenshin series . The way it was meant to be . Not some horrible filler episodes , but an OVA based off of the last manga arc of the Rurouni Kenshin series . The main part takes place years after the last manga , when Kenshin and Kaoru have a son , Kenji . Kenshin is on his way back from a trip to China . His ship gets caught in a storm and in his efforts to save a man from being thrown overboard , he himself is thrown overboard .
Kaoru is sick , and after coming back from the port to look for Kenshin , collapses in the dojo . What happens next is a large flashback to all the important events that had to do with Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship , the biggest ones being Jin-eh kidnapping her ( See the second Rurouni Kenshin DVD , Battle in the Moonlight ) and of course , the most exciting of all , Kenshin vs Enishi Yukishirou ( This is taken from the Jinchuu arc , the final part of the kenshin manga that was not animated ) . You may remember Enishi from the first RK / Samurai X OVA , Betrayal and Trust , he was Tomoe's ( Kenshin's first lover ) little brother .
After the flashback comes the final conclusion to the RK saga . I wont describe any part of it in the review since its probably a better idea to let you see it for yourself . .
If you love Rurouni Kenshin , then you MUST NOT miss out on this DVD . If you loved the first OVA then I also recommend this one to you aswell .
077 4 I found that this movie was realy good but sad in the same ! the movie shows kenshin and caroo as they have a chiled ( even tho they don't show them haveing a baby ) And if you have seen the first movies Trust / Betrayal Who would see how kenshin met Tomo . But this movie also shows how kenshin as he git's older and when he come's home for the last time from being away how sick he looks and caroo goes to the docks to see if he's comeing home that day ( And she was sick aswell ) And realy if you love the kenshin movies this is a heat breaker . . you see kenshin and caroo standind looking at each other and there like ooo im so glad to see you kenshin and caroo fun over to see each other and kenshin just falls into caroos arms and she is crying because she is so glad to see him again and the only thing kenshin can say ( because he is so sick is ) I'v come home caroo . . I'v come home . . . Caroo starts to talk to kenshin about how beutiful the day is and when she looks down to kenshin she call's to him but he stays still . . . The next thing you see is caroo crying and i never could fig if henshin died ( But i realy think he did ) And well the only ting i did was cry . . WWaaaaaaaa . But i thought it was a must have movie . it brings together all the kenshin movies !
078 4 I put off buying this video because of some of the earlier reviews . I'm glad that in the end I decided to get it . And I want to begin this review by saying that I have watched both movies and the TV series as well .
If the writer had had Himura Kenshin born at the beginning of the Tokugawa and not its end , this would have been a happier series . Then Kenshin could have gone around the country righting wrongs , probably wearing a regular sword , and taking comfort in the belief that even though there had been lots of bloodshed , he had helped create peace after the civil wars of the 16th century .
But here is Kenshin , a noted swordsman , born as the era of swordsmen was coming to a close . He is a man out of place in his time . Not only that , the blood he shed has helped create a new government that does not live up to his ideals . You can tell this from the TV series as well as the movies .
Now I suppose this could have had a happy ending , Hollywood-style , in which he dies happily at the age of 90 or so surrounded by his loving family and loaded down with honors from the government . To achieve this , however , Kenshin would have had to live through the 1920s and 1930s and suffer even greater disappointment . After all , the promise of the Meiji period , which was far from perfect , was not realized in the early 20th century . So when I first began watching the TV series , I never imagined a perfectly happy ending , unlike some of the other reviewers of this film .
So here's a guy who helped create a new government by killing its opponents . Then the new government turns out to be imperfect . What to do ? Defend the weak against oppression , I guess we can say , and that is what he does in the TV series , wearing a reverse-bladed sword so that he need not kill again . The TV series also makes it clear that Kenshin feels great remorse for the killing that he has done in the past . How can there be a happy ending unless that remorse is lifted from his spirit ?
In Reflection , he is 15 years older . Unlike some earlier reviewers , I don't want to put a lot of the plot into this review . The only drawback I find is that there are too many flashbacks .
I do want to talk about the ending - that is , the ending before the credits , the ending for Kenshin and Kaoru , as there is another ending for the minor characters after the credits . Yes , it is sad . But I think that it is a magnificent ending : a sign appears ( or rather disappears ) that indicates that Kenshin has achieved the redemption that he had sought for so long . I do not believe that any ending could have been more powerful than this one .
079 4 This , the animated ending of Rurouni Kenshin , affected me for days . It is beautiful and extremely tragic . The animation is done not in the style of the series , but of the first OAVs , which seemed fitting to me because of the serious tone of the storyline . I could really feel all of Kenshin and Kaoru's emotions in this DVD , not to mention Kenji's anger . It does a nice job of summarizing the Jinchuu Arc , which was * VERY UNFORTUNATELY * never animated outside of the manga . That is my only complaint . It would have been so wonderful to have that story animated fully instead of being squeezed into this DVD . It is too short . Overall , however , if you love Rurouni Kenshin it is only fitting to watch it through to the end . If you love a tear-jerker , I strongly recommend this one .
080 4 The artwork was very different , but that doesn't take away from the story at all . In Reflection you get more of a flesh blood sense of the characters , and Kaoru's point of veiw as far as her loyalty to Kenshin and the others . My only complaint was that the flash-backs were a bit different from how the manga and anime went . Hardly something to complain about . I'd suggest watching Trust Betrayal first , due to the flash-back of the fight againt Enishi . ( which seemed to be one of the main events stressed ) As a loyal Kenshin fan it was painful to watch the real ending , him dying sick and tired and still guilty . This is one of the rare anime's that doesn't have a completely happy ending . One the other hand , we get to see Kenji for the first time , and Yahiko and Tsubame as adults . One thing to look forward to . All and all this was an enjoyable but very depressing OVA of RK , it's worth watching and I highly reccomend for the RK and period movie fans .
081 4 I hadn't seen any of the TV animes , so a lot of the flashback sequences were a big question mark for me , but I was with someone who had seen a lot of those episodes and they were able to fill me in . I had seen and loved the first 2 OVAs so this was perfectly familiar and fitting in tone . I am now totally in love with the Kenshin character and will probably watch all the TV anime episodes now because I want to learn more . I'm not a fan of the typical cutesy anime style , but since I love this character so much I want to see everything !
A lot of diehard Kenshin fans were disturbed by how this ended , but it didn't bother me as much , maybe because I didn't have a preconceived notion of how it was supposed to end . I thought the whole thing was very beautifully done and now it's made me a Kenshin fan , and I think anyone who sees this who's unfamiliar w / RK will become a fan too . Our beautiful Kenshin will always live on in our hearts !
082 4 Star ratings don't really cover it - you either love this or you hate it .
The animation is excellent . The re-worked character designs aren't quite to my taste , but they grew on me , and the fights are beautifully done . It's an excellent sequel to the first OVA sequence , Trust Betrayal . It's just that it's not such an excellent sequel to the manga .
Those who claim this is true to the manga must not be very familiar with it . As soon as the flashbacks start you'll notice scenes that are staged differently from the version seen in the manga , and the differences just get more obvious as they get further into the story . The supporting cast played a much larger role in the manga version ; it's entirely up to the viewer which version is preferable , but just be aware that they're different .
It's no doubt becoming clear which version I prefer . I got attached to these characters . I thought the manga ending was both perfect and appropriate . I liked the manga characterization as well , and in this , both Kenshin and ( especially ) Kaoru behave much differently than they had in the past . I like my drama leavened with humor and my characters possessed of some ability to move on and let go of the past .
If you liked the manga or the anime series , and have never thought while watching them this would be great if it had more angst , you probably want to stay away from this . If you preferred the previous OVA , go for this - you'll love it . It's a beautifully-done and genuninely tragic story . It's just not one I wanted to see . FOR ME , the story ended with the manga .
083 4 Out of all the Samurai X OAVs , Reflections has to be the best . It has the most heart , and is the most moving one of the saga . I don't have to say much . See it ! You won't regret it . A fitting ending for our favorite rurouni .
086 4 I just finished watching this one , and I have to say it's just SO sad . . .
Yes , this is closure to the series , but , like it's been said , this is more of a follow-up for the first OAV than the TV show . It's mostly taken from Karou's point of view , so the storyline seems more skewed , since we don't get to see development from Kenshin's side , like in the TV show . Also , it plays with the storyline , not being QUITE accurate , but not completely deviating . . . at least , not until the end .
Still , you get to see Karou fall in love with Kenshin in a fairly intimate way . Although we get to see that in the TV show , there's something in this OAV that makes you understand why she just stuck with him the whole time .
Hmmm . . . besides you get to see Tomoe's brother , Enishi , Sanosuke , a grown-up Yahiko ( he's COOL ! ! ) , Kenshin and Karou's son , Kenji , Megumi , and Hiko-sama . For this alone , I think this was worth it . . . although . . . um . . . tough call . THE END WAS DEPRESSING ! !
Let's see . . . the animation is as good as in the first OAV , the music is equally sad and haunting , and the voice actors did a wonderful job .
Frankly , I think if you really need to finish off the story , watch it , but be prepared for the fact this is NOT the TV show or the manga . There's no joy in it , just like the first OAV , but there's a lot of quiet moments . . .
087 4 Samurai X ( Rurouni Kenshin ) is about a person named Kenshin who has stopped being an assasin and wandered Japan for ten years until he winds up with Kaoru a person that cares deeply for Kenshin but won't admit it . Reflection is set 15 years after the Kyoto arc , Kenshin is fighting a war Sanosuke is self training himself Yahiko is also training and Kaoru is waiting for Kenshins return . This movie is very sad because Kenshin dies in the very end and also it is hard to see such a good anime to end . I can't help wandering if they are going to make the infamous Jinchuu arc which is based on Kenshins brother in law . ou have got to see this you won't be dissapointed .
088 4 This is the final installment of the Rurouni Kenshin saga , taking place 15 years after the anime . Both Kenshin and Kaoru have fallen ill , Kenshin was in China fighting a war while Kaoru stayed at home . While Kaoru dips in and out of conciousness , she reflects on all the important moments between her and Kenshin . It is Kaoru ' s point of view . The theme most definatley is love . You see Kenji , their son , Yahiko , Tsubame , Megumi , and Sanosuke and many other characters through out this 60 or more minute movie . 2 / 3rds of it is flash backs , so be aware of that . It leaves you with a heavy feeling on your chest , but not once do you really find yourself regretting it is the end . Best of all , they animated some of the Jinchuu arc . A must see !
089 4 This is simply beautiful . It's Kaoru's story , mostly , and let me say . . . nothing on tv has ever made me cry the way this did .
First thing's first . If you don't absolutely love Kenshin , you probably won't get what's behind all of this . If you aren't a die hard fan , it won't touch you . You have to know the characters and the show before it to really understand it .
Second : A tissue box . Lots of them . Trust me , you'll need them .
Third : Someone to share your grief with .
Fourth : Kenshin marathon - from beginning to end . From trust all the way to reflection .
090 4 Now I absolutly love Rurouni Kenshin , and after seeing all of the series and the last two Samurai X movies , I had to see this one . But man , this movie has the mood of the first OVA , only 10 times more depressing . Nonetheless , I thought it was really good , and I also loved how the big fight scenes from the series were remade . I thought that they looked alot better . This movie is just about Kaoru's life after she met Kenshin . It shows how it was for her while Kenshin was off somewhere when a person wanted to fight him . What I thought was the saddest part was when Kenshin wanted to go off and try to help people . What made this so sad is he left Kaoru for like 15 years . Then when you see him again , you feel the beginning of the saddest endings I have ever seen in a movie , regardless that this was a cartoon . I am not ashamed that I cried at the end , because I doubt that anyone out there would be able to hold back the tears once you see this great , but sad movie .
091 4 I have to tell you this is a really good , i mean really GOOD movie .
The first half of the movie , it just reflects back to most of the T.V . series but they only show the relationship between Kaouru and Kenshin.They changed a few parts from the series , they made it more realistic and serious.Although I havent watched all of the episode in the T.V . series , there was a big spoiler for me when i watched this movie but it's okay.The first half was pretty fast , I thought Woah ! thirty minutes already ?
The second half , it still reflects a little bit more.Then I started realizing how much Kaoru really loved Kenshin .
How devoted she was.She was willing to suffer the same way that Kenshin suffered . * although i watched this movie with immature kids , they thought it was nasty * Then towards the end I felt my eyes get all watery.then 5 minutes after that it get sadder and sadder until I was blubbering I couldn't control my tears .
Im telling you this is a really sad movie it would make you keep thinking about it when you finish it .
092 4 The second OVA is haunting and depressing , an unexpected end to the whole series . There are very dark tones , and they take the hint from the end of the manga that Kenji hates his father . But the plot is realistic . Kenshin , no matter what , would still go on to try and protect Japan , even to the extent of leaving his family . Bautiful brotherly moments between Sano and Kenshin , as he persuades him to go back to Japan for Kaoru's sake .
The animation is of the same calibre as the first OVA , and the Background music as good . I recommend this if you want a good cry . But beware - You must watch this at the very end of the whole series .
P.S : Did anyone realise that the girl with Kenji that was seen at the end of the series , is the same girl that appeared in Volue one manga of Rurouni Kenshin ? At the end of that volume , there is a little bonus story . Her name and design is unchanged - Chitsuru . Lol , I wonder why they re-used that character .
093 4 In a previous review by Matthew Goodman , he said something along the lines of this dvd will ruin the entire series for you . He's right to a certain extent . The truth is , you should watch the TV series before any of the Samurai X volumes . Why ? First of all , the TV series builds up the mystery of Kenshin's past , the wandering samurai . They play with this theme causing the viewer to really want to know what happened in Kenshin's past and it almost becomes mystical . Then the Samurai X volumes , starting with Trust and Betrayal , give you the whole palooza on Kenshin's past and indeed they do it masterfully . That being said , I reiterate that you should watch the TV series first ( at least episodes 1 - 62 ) then watch Samurai X - Trust then Samurai X - Betrayal , then if you can read the Manga , then watch Reflection . Samurai X - Reflection , I'm sure , will dissapoint a few people but many will be able to truly appreciate it for what it's worth . . .
094 4 After reading the reviews ( some spoiled the ending ) , I decided to see for myself what the commotion was all about .
True , you'll find it difficult to watch our favourite hero , the legendary swordsman Kenshin Himura , become weak and dying . But his life is a reminder to us all that even heroes suffer like any other mortal human being .
But what sets him apart from us is his will to live ; to atone for the lives taken by protecting the weak and the oppressed . Despite being fictional , I look up and admire his character and beliefs . I'm not saying that we should all become swordsmen / women but that we all have something to atone for and in many ways , whether its protecting or saving lives .
Heh , and after all that , he still smiles and believes in that idealistic nonsense . But that's what we all like about him .
I actually think the english dub is more expressive than the japanese dub . Plus I find that reading subtitles is irritating and strays the eyes away from the animation . Animation of fight scenes are so detailed , its awesome to watch ( between Kenshin vs . Jinei , Kenshin vs . Enishi and Yahiko vs . Kenji ) .
Please watch this with an open mind and try to see the big picture here . If you can do that , you'll enjoy it . Plus you'll love the music score that goes well with this movie .
095 4 I bought the import version a ways back , the animation was great the story was O.K . , it just seemed to drag on . I love the first OVA the Trust and Betrayal ( Samurai X ) series that is the real OVA to get . This serves as an ending to the whole Kenshin saga , feels more like a favor to the fans than an actual triumph .
096 4 Reflection is a great OAV for the Kenshin series , but don't just buy this because your friend told you you'd like Kenshin . This movie assumes heavy acquaintance with the TV series , and at least a passing understanding of what happens in the first OAV series , Trust and Betrayal ( 2 sep . DVDs ) .
The DVD is made up of two episodes , which I have found take about 80 minutes to watch . The first ep . is shorter , and consists mostly of flashbacks , HOWEVER , the title was likely changed from Seisou Hen ( lit . The Year of Frost ) to Reflection because most of these events are shown from Kaoru's perspective , not Kenshin's . The fight with Jinei ( Jin'e in this sub ) is especially good , as the entire fight is animated , as opposed to the usual slash of light series fans are used to .
The second episode occurs almost entirely after the end of the Shishio or Kyoto Arc , with a nod to the Jinchuu Arc from the manga . This episode does NOT follow the manga ending according to other sources . The Enishi fight is good , but Kenshin is not the hero he used to be , so be prepared for an older and frailer Kenshin in the second half of this episode .
A point is that if you like Kenshin for Saito , Shishio , Sojiro , or Misao , you will not find them in Reflection . Saito makes only a token appearance in Ep . 1 as Kaoru goes through a flashback , and the Sojiro and Shishio fights are shown for purposes of information / review , not in their entirety . On the other hand , if you love the group of good guys who live at the dojo , they can certainly be seen .
Dub / Sub : I believe the sub is largely accurate , with noticeable diff . from the TV series , i.e . hitokiri = murderer , not manslayer , and bakumatsu = end of the Tokugawa era , not Revolution . The dub uses the same voice actors as the TV series . I don't care for it , but when compared against the subtitle the dub is only somewhat script accurate .
I thought the animation and image quality on the DVD were superb . This OAV has beautiful artwork , but it is much more realistic , in the vein of Trust and Betrayal , although using colors somewhat more in line with the TV series .
The soundtrack is simply amazing and fits the moods perfectly .
Reflection is a very well done film , with my favorite part being largely Ep . 2 , since it has the Enishi fight as well as featuring a grown-up Yahiko , as well as an extra fight it would be a shame to spoil . Be prepared for a sad movie , especially if you are more than a passing fan of Rurouni Kenshin .
097 4 This review is from :
Samurai X - Reflection ( Rurouni Kenshin ) ( DVD )
First , I would like to thank Nobuhiro Watsuki for creating such a wonderful and endearing character as Kenshin Himura . Second I would like to thank Kazuhiro Furuhashi , along with all the writers and artists , for developing him so beautifully . Kenshin is the embodiment of every man's darkest perception of himself , the part that cringes in memory of that which we can't change about our pasts . I believe that's why one identifies so strongly with him . We see our own failings . But how we respond to our past lessons defines who we are .
That said , I can't help but feel the writers inserted a little too much pain and sorrow for Kenshin and Kaoru . A life's worth has been cramed into this short film . But that's what it's about , the hardships we endure and how they affect us . Life doesn't always turn out the way we want it . In the end Kenshin's and Kaoru's choices make sense .
Good evolution of supporting characters ! Yahiko , Hiko , Sanosuke and especially Kenji are wonderful . Kenji appears just as I had pictured him and represents a ray of hope for the future . He has the potential to become the man Kenshin would have been had circumstances allowed . I think the ability for one to see these characters beyond their role , defines its quality
My only complaint is that it is too short .
098 4 First , I would like to thank Nobuhiro Watsuki for creating such a wonderful and endearing character as Kenshin Himura . Second I would like to thank Kazuhiro Furuhashi , along with all the writers and artists , for developing him so beautifully . Kenshin is the embodiment of every man's darkest perception of himself , the part that cringes in memory of that which we can't change about our pasts . I believe that's why one identifies so strongly with him . We see our own failings . But how we respond to our past lessons defines who we are .
That said , I can't help but feel the writers inserted a little too much pain and sorrow for Kenshin and Kaoru . A life's worth has been cramed into this short film . But that's what it's about , the hardships we endure and how they affect us . Life doesn't always turn out the way we want it . In the end Kenshin's and Kaoru's choices make sense .
Good evolution of supporting characters ! Yahiko , Hiko , Sanosuke and especially Kenji are wonderful . Kenji appears just as I had pictured him and represents a ray of hope for the future . He has the potential to become the man Kenshin would have been had circumstances allowed . I think the ability for one to see these characters beyond their role , defines its quality
My only complaint is that it is too short .
099 4 When I first saw this DVD , I was shocked ! ! As ending of Rurouni Kenshin , it's more realistic than the original Manga . It can be really sad in a way . Kenshin could've lived a quiet happy life with his wife Kaoru , his son Kenji and his friends .
However , he always suffers from what he's done in the past . When he worked as Hitokiri-Battousai during Bakumatsu , the young assassin believed that what he was doing was right . But the loss of his first wife Tomoe has made him realize that the people he killed also had had their family , lovers and friends and the people who lost their family , lovers and friends suffered from the loss just like he did when she died . And the fact that he used to be Hitokiri Battousai makes him try to find a way for taking responsibility for the dead .
There would be some other possible endings for Rurouni Kenshin , and some other answers he could find for what he's done . But at the same time , the answer he's found for it in this story is also possible . Personally I like this ending and I don't think it's depressing , because Kenshin and Kaoru have no regret in the end .
I really love the beautiful animation and the music , and of course the content of this story is really strong . I wanted to give 5 stars , but I really don't understand the fact he went to China ( He was sent there by the Japanese government to support the Japanese army to fight the war . But why was he still helping killing more people after he'd been aware of the mistake he'd made ? ? ? ) and the other thing is that if you haven't seen the TV show ( until Koyto saga ) and the previous Samurai X DVDs , the story line can be pretty difficult to follow . Maybe 60 minutes is little bit too short to explain everything .
If you like Rurouni Kenshin , this is a must-see ( you might find this little sad though ) . It really makes you think . It's different from the ending of the original Manga . The original Manga of Rurouni Kenshin is a kind of Shonen Manga , which basically is for kids . They always focus on action like Dragon Ball . I recommend this DVD to adult-audiences because it is more about Kenshin as a person and about his personality , not about Kenshin as an action star .
100 4 This is the saddest thing I had ever seen . This was actually the first movie that made me cry . Just Kenshin's subborness to carry the weight on his shoulders made me so sad for him . The scenes of the weak state's he was in and the final scene of Kenshin and Kaoru finally reuniting made me cry and feel depressed for the rest of the day , and most of next . However , I would not have it any other way . Kenshin dying is the best possible ending , because he was finally able to find peace .
101 4 There doesn't seam to be any middle ground on this one . Basically almost the entire film is a ( very ) edited repeat of what happened in the books . ( Yes the books , not TV series . Other people have stated that only the beginning is a repeat and then there's another story . NO - it's the story of the book ) Which isn't very good , if we didn't know the plot already it's really hard to follow on top of which it might be closer then the TV-series but they still changed a few things . Also the ending is completely made up .
But let's review it for what it is ' Another Kenshin Movie ' . The animation is on the same standard as before and the soundtrack it ok . For those that have been waiting for a kiss between Kenshin and Kaoru this is a must , since it's the only time it will ever happen .
Other then the repeating of the story there isn't a lot of plot to this . Kenshin is married to Kaoru ( with a son - who goes to train with Kenshin's old master ) and leaves her on various journeys . he becomes very ill ( so does Kaoru because she wants to share his pain ? ! ) and Kaoru constantly awaits his return . . .
If you like Kenshin and know the story and go ahead and by it . But if this is your first introduction to Kenshin ( even if you have seen Trust and Betrayal ) then I would advise against it . All in all it is a disappointing conclusion .
102 4 It was . . . . well . . . . ok . . . I just dont like to see endings like that in a very good show .
I gave it three stars because of the quallity and that the story line wasn't messed up .
but , they dont talk the same and the drawing styl isnt even like the original .
Its one of these movies where you go
buying - watching - being dissapointed - learning to accept it - throwing it in the Trash
103 4 Forget Dragonball , Samurai X ( Rurouni Kenshin ) has got to be THEE best anime series ever from start to finish . Kenshin has got it all from action , history , and a love story that is enjoyable to all anime watchers male or female .
This is the final chapter in the Kenshin series and the saddest . If you think it couldn't get any sadder than Trust Betrayal then you haven't been following the series . Just looking at the back cover into Kaoru's eyes makes you want to cry . This takes place approx . 15 years after the TV series leaves off . Kenshin and Kaoru are married with a young boy Kenji while the rest of the gang have moved on . However , there is trouble in Asia and Kenshin must leave her once more . Days pass and Kaoru slowly fades away waiting for his return . Will Kenshin return to Kaoru before it is too late ?
If you haven't at least watched Trust Betrayal do NOT watch this . Reflections does look back on the whole series , however it is worth while watching at least the 1st 2 Samurai X movies . Indeed , this IS a powerful tale unlike any other anime series made .
104 4 This movie was soo sad I found myself crying at work after wathcing it . I know that sounds cerazy because it's a cartoon but . . . I can't even watch teh show now because I know how Kenshin dies . Weak and with almost no memory of his past life . He forgot all his friends , all the battles he was in , and he forgot what a great man he was . He can hardly even talk . It's hard to think of him being this way and being the last part of the story thats how I will allways remember him . .
105 4 Well , I just bought this DVD the other day , being a newcomer to the series . I thought the animation was beautiful , and the somber tone quite different from the tv series , which could be at times too lighthearted . I only have two gripes : a ) Kaoru's character - although she did have that level of devotion to Kenshin - seems less fiery than her manga / tv counterpart . I realize that she's aged , too , but she seems a little too . . fawning , maybe ; b ) the Jinchuu arc . What I would've liked to see included in there was the part where Kenshin is tricked into believing Kaoru is dead . The manga seemed too emotionless when he learned she was truly alive , and I'd hoped Reflection would take care of that . Apparently not . I think it would've given more of a feel for the depth of Kenshin's love for Kaoru , and sort of evened it out more , rather than making it mainly about her devotion to him .
All in all , though , it's worth every penny and every tear you will shed at the ending . I was a little miffed that he died , but then how else could the series end ? Just like Cowboy Bebop and the Real Folk Blues ending . Couldn't have done it any other way without compromising the feeling of the series . And this is coming from a sap who hates poignant endings . ^ _ ^
So , now . . . how ' bout a new series ? Featuring Yahiko or Kenji ? Please ! ! ! lol ^ _ ^
106 4 For almost two years , I've been following the Rurouni Kenshin series , and one of my favorite parts has been the first OVA series , Remembrance / Trust Betrayal . As a result , I was immediately interested in seeing the second OVA series once I knew it was being brought overseas . And even though before I had heard many times that Reflection was , to put it simply , depressing , I still wanted to see for myself as to whether or not that was the case . I'm very glad I did so , for even though it's easy to call Reflection depressing , there is a story there that is too moving for me to not regard it in a positive way .
I know that there are many RK fans who have considered either the end of the Kyoto Arc or the end of the Revenge Arc ( which only appears in the manga , and I highly recommend those who are planning to buy this DVD to read more into the Revenge Arc , as Reflection takes place a number of years after the Revenge Arc , and makes several references to it ) to be the true ending of Rurouni Kenshin . But even though I count myself among the former group , I still have a healthy respect for the Revenge Arc , because I consider it a very likely possibility of what could happen after Kenshin and the others return from Kyoto . The same goes for Reflection , in that I consider it a possibility . Even some of the Japanese voice actors who worked on Reflection ( many of whom are the original voice actors from the TV series ) think of this as only one of many possible endings , as they say in their interviews ( one of the extras on this DVD . ) However , don't let that deter you from watching this DVD for yourself , for it is a truly moving experience .
For those of you who have been waiting for a story detailing the depth and strength of Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship , your wait is over . The second OVA series primarily focuses on the bond between them - a burdened protector who does all that he can to help others , but secretly years for a time when he can rest and live quietly ; and a woman who has been through so many trials by herself , but wants nothing more than to create a home with the man she loves . In addition , the strength they draw from each other also affects the lives of those around them , even those who don't quite understand it yet , as in the case of their son , Kenji .
Visually , Reflection easily meets the standards set by the first OVA series , from the vivid use of color and motion to the inclusion of life footage blended wonderfully into the animation , it all comes together to create a very lifelike and vibrant ambience . And as with Remembrance / Trust Betrayal , the music composed by Taku Iwasaki is an almost tangible force that continues to convey the emotion of the story .
All in all , if you're the RK fan that either liked or disliked the first OVA series , or believe that Rurouni Kenshin was either finished too soon or not soon enough , there is definitely something for all to appreciate here , and I highly recommend this DVD to all RK fans .
108 4 Ok , I know that not everyone is going to agree with me but here it goes . I don't beleive that many true fans of Kenshin will like this movie . I know that I was truely disappointed . Not only was the story line not well written but the ending totally ruined it for me . I am not opposed to sad endings but it just didn't seen appropriate for this character . I know that some have arged that the ending is realistic and in real life everyone dies but remember this is not true life . This is a cartoon . Besides not everything in real life has a sad ending . Anyways I thing that they should have stuck more along the lines of the magna , which is the show the true development of the story . I know others may say that the the TV series and first OVA may have differed from the magna too but it was only slight , nothing that completely changed the original story , at least not from what I have read so far . I haven't read all the volumes yet but I have read the summaries and plan on buying more of the magna , which show the true end , with Kenshin finally living in peace with his family . We can just imagine the rest if we so choose . THis movie completely alters and important element of the story , which Nobuhrio Watsuki , the creator of Kenshin felt was important , a happy ending . I think they made this movie just to make people stoping asking for more Kenshin by killing him off . Personally , I see this movie more as an animated form of fanfaction that Watsuki , doesn't even support . Why does movie creators always have to ruin the stories of our favorite heros ? I hope that Watsuki , pushes for someone to animated the Jinchuu Arc to give the conclusion to the Kenshin story that true fans support . I watched this movie a few times and hated more everytime . They didn't even keep in line with the personalities of the characters . However , I do feel the animation style was nice . I highly recomend that people not buy this film or at least take it with a grain of salt . However I highly recomend that instead you purchase the first OVA Trust and Betrayal and the TV series , they are excellent . Even though much of the last season is not based on the magna , it the episodes I have seen are quite enteraining . More importantly , unlike reflection they don't hurt or butcher the original story . Also I'd like to mention that I strongly advise you not to show any of the OVAs to the younger fans of the Kenshin series . There is much more graphic gore ( 1st OVA ) and sexual scenes , although not in any real detail or anything you can really see but it strongly implies things that parents probably will not want to be explaining to younger audiences . All in all , I'd like to forget ever watching this movie and tell others to just stick with the other movies , TV episodes , and magna to the series . You will end up much mopre satisfied with the story .
109 4 I am a big fan of the first 3 Samurai X DVD's and was completely disappointed at this one . I don't even want to watch the series anymore because of this . The plot was horrible and boring and the ending is just not satisfying to true fans of Kenshin . He wound up all weak and stupid . Totally disappointing and I do not recommend buying it as it'll ruin the entire series for you .
110 4 Kenshin ( Shinta )
When I first decided to see this movie I was excited to see some kenshin action , but it fell short of Kenshin action because it was so enamoured in the boring Love story . I dont mind a Love story but a redundant and depressing one just doesnt do it for me . Yes , he's sorrowful for the things he's done in his past but the dramatic music and the never ceasing depressed look to the movie makes ya wanna puke ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! The art was very good and the only action in the movie was good becuase the artist is a good one . The art is reminscent of Pat labor 3 ( a Great Movie ) which uses crisp and clear anime cells , although great art doesnt have to make a good story . Once you see the movie all the way to the end you've decided that this is not a fitting end to the Kenshin story , and seeking retribution for such an end is now incumbent to all kenshin fans that agree with me . If you're a guy and find yourself crying or shedding a tear , then you're not losing your manhood but realizing that depression is a symptom for everyone . This movie will show you this .
111 4 This is a really great movie . It's second to Trust and Betrayel . This shows the ending of the series . I was really sad at the end . I was sad to see the perfect series end , but it was a fitting ending . This DVD will make you hurt inside . After it , you'll feel sort of a hollow , cold ache . Watch it only after every other Kenshin DVD . It is the end , after all .
112 4 I'm a truly fan of RK , I have all the DVD collection and the other two OVAS . I just got this DVD today ; I opened as soon as the mail man gave it to me . I watched and I regret the time that mail man hand it to me . I'm not disappointed because it really shows watch happens with rest of his friends . Is not like the ending other great animes have ( Ranma ) .
The ending is really sad , but let face the reality of life . Not because he was a great swordsman he was a god . Like I previously said , The ending is really sad , but is worth buying if you are truly a fan of the anime .
113 4 The feature runs about an hour long , and some of it is even rehashed stuff from the Kenshin TV series . The action sequences are very short , and lacking the fury of Trust / Betrayal . Thankfully , the same animation team worked on this production . Save this for the very end , it concludes the story of Rurouni Kenshin , much more effectively than episode 95 of the TV show . Overall , it was a bit on the boring side , but necessary , as this story needs to be told . Some very dramatic moments though , when Kenshin confronts Enishi .
ADV is known for very poor DVD extras . Their idea of extras are previews of other DVDs they put out . With Seisouhen , they did a decent job : the original Japanese voice actor interviews are fairly interesting , and help to put a face on the work .
114 4 If you are new to Kenshin ( or Samurai X , whatever ) , do NOT watch this . This DVD contains what is essentially the END of the whole Kenshin storyline , and it contains a LOT of flashbacks to previous events . If you are new to Kenshin , you should start by watching the Rurouni Kenshin TV series or the Trust Betrayal ( aka Tsuiokuhen ) OVA series .
For those of you familiar with Kenshin , this DVD contains a 2 - part Reflection OVA ( aka Seisouhen ) which takes place 15 years after the TV series . Almost all of the 1st episode and about the half of the 2nd episode are recaps of everything that has happened in Kenshin previously , told somewhat through Kaoru's viewpoint . The rest of the 2nd episode gives a nice , sentimental ending to the whole Kenshin saga . In fact , the whole OVA is filled with nostalgic , sentimental atmosphere ( fittingly , I suppose , since it IS mostly flashback ) , and although the action sequences are well-animated , you would not call this OVA action-packed .
This OVA is obviously intended to give a sense of closure to the Kenshin saga , and it should be taken as such . Now , some Kenshin fans may not be happy with the kind of closure this OVA gives , but I'll leave that up to you to decide .
115 4 This was an excellent ending to the Kenshin series . I don't know why people would bash it for being sad . I guess if you can't handle a dramatic ending , you should stay away from it . If you want something realistic , this is it . The thing I didn't like is the length . One episode was almost entirely stuff from the tv series . I did like seeing some of Kenshin's opponents in OAV style animation , but that leaves only one episode for new stuff . It all should've been at least 4 episodes . Nevertheless , if you're a fan of Kenshin and realize not everything can end happily , you must get this .
116 4 While not to recap what all has been said , Seisohen or as ADV retitled it , Reflection , is the latest of the Kenshin animation , but by no means can you count it the last . The nature of the anime industry is to keep everything viable , even if viewers might think otherwise .
That said , I imported this last year and just yesterday finished watching the ADV version . ( subtitled ) I couldn't truly recall any major differences in how the two flowed against each other , so while I'm a novice in Japanese , I did feel the translation worked . The animation itself , of course , was a little bit cleaner , being the offical domestic release and all .
One thing not mentioned or I didn't catch , was that the character design is somewhat different than in the last Kenshin OVA . With the introduction of characters of the series , it seems that there was a pull back on the design from more realistic to less . The result is mostly larger eyes and color schemes which refer to the manga and to the tv series . While , nice , I felt the realism of the first OVA made it even more striking . Kenshin has fully orange / red hair in this one and even purple eyes to boot , while his son Kenji , ironically , reminds us more of the character design of the first OVA .
So in essence , Seisohen is less of a venture away from the tv series in character design , than was the OVA that preceded it . The storyline does recap events from the tv series , but its well worth it simply for the slightly different re-interpetations and just to revisit those moments with the much higher quality animation . ( The recaps are not related at all to series footage , everything has been re-animated in a different manner ) . You also get a glimpse of the Jinchu ( Revenge ) Arc of the manga , which never made it to the tv series .
And yes , this OVA flies left on a tangent from the manga and the tv series , but then again , the tv series did the same with the manga . The underlying themes of all the above , however , remain true and which is why Seisohen is still a great piece of Kenshin animation . The music is also along similar themes , but fails to really capture the moment as it did in the prior OVA . By no means is it a lackdown , just not on the exact same level .
I truly hope that with Kenshin now playing on the Cartoon network , even with its english dub , that the series ' popularity will climb higher . Even to the extent that ADV might use its growing clout to attempt to at least offer money for further Kenshin animation . ( Long as there's no drop in quality ! )
On a pure technical annoying note , the English dubbing of this OVA is done in 5.1 Dolby , while the Japanese is merely 2.0 . When will those darn companies think of us folks with home theaters ? !
( Gotta love Jin-Roh for that )
Otherwise , buy it , keep it , love it .
117 4 The newest release from the Kenshin Money Tree features the de-evolution of Kenshin and a fine display of dry , mechanical tragedy . The sappy attempt to draw the sympathy from the audience is pathetic . The movie crams your mouth open like that tool from the dentist's office and force feeds you mass produced industry sized amounts of emotional drivel . No thank you , if I want to cry I'll do it for free and pound my head against the wall .
This is not the ending of Kenshin , those of you wishing to see the ending of Kenshin will have to read translations of the masterful manga . This movie spends 45 minutes reviewing the manga plot , and spends the remaining 15 or so minutes extending the plotline to reveal terrible things that happen afterwards .
For those of you who love Kenshin , I hope that there is someway to convince you that the beloved series is over , the complete work is a work of art , and it's time to move on and not blindly seek this out as a way to get more Kenshin .
For those of us who have already seen it , I hope that there is someway to convince ourselves that this never happened .
118 4 I was one of those fortunate people that imported this DVD . Being a fan of the first rouruni kenshin OVA , and the animated series , I was looking forward too seeing the conclusion . It was absoloutly beautiful . Sweet , sad , dramatic , heartfelt storytelling that never ever slipped into cheesiness like some unmentionable films ( Titanic . Gladiator . ) With wonderfully animated and intense action scenes . It Was a love letter too all the fans of the kenshin series . A way too say goodbye too kenshin , Kaoru , Sanosuke , Yahiko , Megumi , Tsubami , Hiko Seijuro , and a few others . The Fates of all of these are revealed in this film . There are some very sly jokes , like Hiko's continuous love of alcohol and stern refusal not too age . It drew a tear as the credits roled , for it was just so heartfelt , beautiful , and touching .
Yet I still have nightmares about what ADV did too the last OVA , having seen a imported subtitled version of The first Kenshin OVA ; I was appaled at what ADV divided into two disks and called ; trust and Betrayal . Tomoe was rewritten into a Vamp , enishi into an arrogant young man , and Seito was okinas master , plot inconsistancies were abundant . Changes too the plot were everywhere , and nothing was changed for the better . As any fan that understands japanese , or saw the imported subtitle , Trust and betrayal will tell you , The ADV version was watered down in complexity and depth . I shudder too think that ADV will repeat such a tradgedy with this release . They have already changed the title from Seisouhen ( year of frost ) too Reflection . So perhaps my misgivings are correct .
Nonetheless , I am quite happy with my import . those unwilling or unable to do so , feel free too pick up this domestic release . Its better then nothing . And I am hoping that ADV for once only changed the title of the DVD and nothing else . Unfortunately they do have a bad reputation for watering down perfectly good anime , but I will keep my fingers crossed .
119 4 As a die-hard fan of Rurouni Kenshin , I must say this is an abomination . All of the characters are definately NOT understood by the director . I think the director should no a little about Kenshin and what he stood for when writing this piece of garbage . This is not how the manga finished AND it is not written by the original author . In short is is 0 stars .
120 4 I've seen Samurai X-Reflection on the net and i gotta say , it is pathetic as the title says . Imma big Ruruoni kenshin fan and i can't believe the OVA strayed away from the Anime . . Wut happened to Kenshin ? ? all of a sudden he looks weak and lacking of confidence . . he's not the same Kenshin Himura i used to know . . i prefer the original anime designs from the series , i liked it better . . . i hated the ending , kenshin dying . . no way . . i was pissseddd off cuz of dat . . . the ending in the anime series was 100x better than this . . . i encourage everyone who hasn't seen it to forget about it and not to recognize it as part fo the Kenshin saga . . . i officially denounce it and will pretend dat it was never made . . .
121 4 If you haven't seen the TV series this is very confusing or at least not coherent . Even when you have watched the TV series this is a waste of time - The other OVA is far better - stick to that instead .
122 4 This is the real ending for Rurouni Kenshin . Compared to the T.V series ending I completly recomend this one because I really think this was how it realy was supposed to go but a different person made a different ending on purpose . Well anyway this Dvd started with a little confusing scene with Kenshin saving a persons life on a boat and kenshin thinking about death , and then later Kaoru is really ill and start having memories about the first time Kenshin ever met her . There are two episodes in this , the first one is just a flashback the second episode is the real one u are supposed to watch . I won't spoil it but Kenshin dies in the end it was really really sad to me . To think someone that is invincable such as Kenshin could die just like that . I hope you buy it .
P.S If u get confused in the first episode I suggest u watch the T.V series first .
123 4 The real ending of the best anime series . I know that this movie was sad , but it has to be . It takes a good movie to make you cry . The entire flim was great . The story , fight scenes , and music were terific ! A true ending to a timeless anime I will never forget .
124 4 Yes I agree to those people who don't like it . But I disagree to those who told that if you are kenshin tv fan then don't watch this dvd . If you are kenshin's tv series , you will find that at end episode ( episode 95 ) the story is kinda not finish . You will wonder what happen to the relationship of kaouru and kenshin . This dvd does not give you fighting show or duel like before . But more explanation about their future . They finnally got married and have a son . And in this dvd , kenshin died due to his illness . However the story is sad , but show you the true love from kaouru . Maybe from some people , that kind of love devotion is stupid . But for me , well that's the true love . This highly recommended if you still wonder about what's the end of ruroni kenshin both movies and tv series .
125 4 When I first seriously started getting into anime and not those starter shows people suggest like Evangelion or Dragon Ball Z , I started to get into more obscure ones or just popular ones among anime fans and not the general public . Look at how Yu-Gi-Oh , Pokemon or Airbender are known even to people who don't even bother with anime . One of the initial series was Rurouni Kenshin except I probably watched the amazing Truth / Betrayal OVA's first ( which I absolutely reccommend ) . Reflection , on the other hand , just seems so wrong on so many counts that it's hard to figure out if it was just simply bad ideas or just a genuine lack of care .
Essentially , this is the story of Kenshin's later life , burdened by the amount of people he's killed but also the lives that had to live on without their loved ones / friends . Showing re-animated clips of stuff we've already seen in a kind of flashback fashion , we see Kenshin unable to deal with his life , even though he has Kaoru . But Kenshin's fighting isn't over as Enishi , the kid seen in the Trust / Betrayal OVA's is older and he wants revenge .
The main problem with this is that it just doesn't feel like a Kenshin story . In Psychology class , we were told a story of a guy with a brain defect that made him unable to recognize his own mother and father , believing them to be imposters . Essentially , I wouldn't go as far with Reflection but not only the spirit is lost , character designs are a bit different but the whole thing just feels off , especially since characters don't act like their series counterparts . This would all be fine if the story was at least decently told . Nope , it mixes so much scenes from the series that it's hard to tell if you're watching a flashback from the series , something they made up or something new . In fact , there were times where I would've been lost had it not been for certain story elements .
Is the story about Enishi's revenge or Kenshin's later life ? In a way , it's basically him unable to deal with things right in front of him . Even when he says he's happy with Kaoru and their new son , Kenji , he just buggers off and disappears . What happened to fun loving oro ? speaking Kenshin ? Not to mention there's Enishi . He was a whiny brat when we first saw him and even though he talks more intelligently he's still a brat . You felt like you wanted to slap him and say smarten up . Trust / Betrayal was nicely animated with lots of memorable images ( Tomoe hugging Kenshin from behind is my all-time favorite ) but while the character designs are immensely off but backgrounds are pretty well done , especially cherry blossom trees and Kenshin's fight with Enishi is great too .
Should you bother with this ? Don't know . My dad was a big movie collector and he once remarked that even though a certain actor's movie sucked , he had to have it to complete his whoever collection . Same thing here . You might hate it , might love it but whether you want to have it for your collection is entirely up to you .
126 4 The fighting scenes were extremely detailed and realistic . I really enjoyed those especially those with Enishi and Jineh , but . . . . .
The script was a little off , Kaoru's personality was very different , Kenshin too pathetic , it makes you want to vomit , and the overall movie just . . depressing ! Even though the action scenes kept me entertained , it broke my heart to see Kenshin die at the end - that part gets me every time with tears .
Kenshin appeared to be a weakling in this OVA . I mean , seriously , the man needed some prozac . He was always cowering over all depressed and sad . The movie lacked completely in the hilarious department , which made me sigh . It's really dramatic , and low key . Heck , if I had a lover like Kaoru who cared so much about me , I'd forget about Tomoe and move on , but Kenshin probably was still struggling with the serious chemical imbalance in his brain .
If you like the series , and the funny faces , etc . I wouldn't recommend it for you - it's just too depressing . I try to think that KEnshin didn't die the way he did - It was really pathetic - I disease ? Gimme a break ! This man is the hitokiri battosai who survived all those scars and broken bones , yet he dies from a friggin disease .
127 4 Okay , to begin with , i haven't purchased this part yet . But i've read enough to know how bad this is . i've seen the OVAs and the series . Nobuhiro Watsuki , i hope you see this . You're an awesome guy , but why did you let some goof take over the series and end this wonderful story just like that ? The OVAs were good , no complaints . The motion picture was quite a bit boring , but it's ok . But the stuff after the Kyoto Arc in the series , sheesh ! ! They're awful ! ! Things don't connect . It's like a whole new story . A crappy one ! I even taped the DVDs of the episodes after the Kyoto Arc to the casing and wrote Do not view . Now this ? Kenshin dying of some stupid disease ? He deserves more than that . Watsuki should've taken care of that part and left us an open ending . Please think of this Watsuki , are you there ? ! ? ! ? If at all possible , pull the stuff after the Kyoto Arc and the Reflection movie out of the market and remake them . Please !
128 4 through out this whole movie i thought it was good but when i bought it and came home and watch it , it wasnt that good of all the whole movie was like a sop opera all it talks about is how karou is wait for kenshin to come back but the whole story is from karou past and like what happen and so on i thought that this was goin to be like Samurai X trust and betrayel but its totally differnt
129 4 I loved it . You should see at the first two sessions in the Kenshin tv series and the Oav's . If you didn't it was great anyways . The emotions in this anime was very powerful . If you are a long time fan of kenshin , you'll nearly cry watching this .
133 4 How could they have shown his death so patetic . Now that I know his death I feel sad and now my Kenshinmania is over
131 4 This DVD could have been great if not for the absolutly piontless and stupid ending . . . Please if you are a die hard fan DO NOT buy this the ending makes absloutly NO sense what so ever it left me feeling empty and angry . The betrayal of Kaoru was pathetic and weak , and Kenshin seemed almost senile , as if his family friends and son we no existant or didn't matter . Megumi , Sanosuke , and Yahiko were the only normal characters meaning only they stuck to their real nature . The best thing this has to offer is all the episodes leading up to the end so if you really must see the movie then please PLEASE skip the ending ! All this movie really is is the reflection of what happend to Tomoe , kenshin fighting with her brother , and then the screwed over ending where kenshin and kaoru end up together .
030 4 let me start by saying if you are light of heart . . . DO NOT BUY THIS VIDEO ! ! ! I love Rouroni Kenshin it is one of my favorites . In this movie . . . they portray Kaoru and Kenshin ( shinta ) to be weak characters . The story in itself is kaoru reflecting on how she feel in love with kenshin and what they had gone through . I think the series should not end like this . . . but that it should have been one of a happy ending . Kenshin finds himself lost in repentence . I wont tell what exactly happens in the movie . . . . but there will definately not be any dry eyes . Please watch the other kenshin videos before buying this one . . . because it will truly ruin the whole experience .
061 4 this movie was pretty sad and pretty cool . I think that most of you real great kenshin fan's should have a tissue box ready in the last half and be ready to cry for a while . After you watch this movie you feel empty and sad but it is amazing to watch it .
MAJOR SPOILER : DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO RUIN SOMETHING SMALL .
Kenshin dies at the end . That's really it . I think it should have ended with the etire kenshin gumi and hiko and everybody waving and a scene with grassy hills and a bright sun , but reflection is just different . . . If you aren't strict to having kenshin always being da best , then watch it . I just cried for a long time .
SPOILER OVER
If this movie didn't have the great fight with Enishi , i'd givie it negative stars for depressing and disturbingly touching . I also think that Kenji is a little too picky and should give his dad some credit . I like Evil Bottosai-mode kenshin better , though .
085 4 Whats next ? Donald Duck gets AIDS , Batman gets Alzhimers . . . . . . If you love the TV show PLEASE avoid this horrible swan song .
130 4 i have actually not watch the OVA yet , What i actually wanted to know is that , does this OVA have a Director's Cut version ? as i would much prefer to watch the Director's Cut version rather then the normal one . Well , If any One knows please do e-mail me at SHARONTKT101 @ HOTMAIL.COM
Thankx a Million ~ !
