Alternative TitlesEnglish: Samurai X Synonyms: Rurouni Kenshin Japanese: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 94
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 10, 1996 to Sep 8, 1998
Duration:
25 min. per episode Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.471 (scored by 62077 users)
Ranked: #1062
Popularity: #76
Members: 108,510
Favorites: 4,454 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
action adventure comedy historical romance samurai |
SynopsisHimura Kenshin is a vagabond with a dark past and sunny disposition. Not a ronin but a rurouni, he was never a samurai, but an assassin of utmost skill in the Meiji restoration, who in the turning point of the war simply walked away. His travels lead him to Tokyo in the 11th year of the Meiji era, where he befriends a female Kendo master, a former thief, a brawler and a doctor all with their own secrets. Together they fight off the enemies surfacing from the dark past that Kenshin cannot escape.
(Source: ANN) |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Rurouni Kenshin
Prequel: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuiokuhen
Side story: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Ishinshishi he no Requiem, Rurouni Kenshin: Special Techniques, Rurouni Kenshin: Review Special, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Shin Kyoto Hen, Rurouni Kenshin Special
Sequel: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Seisou Hen
Alternative version: Rurouni Kenshin DVD-BOX Special Ending
Summary: Rurouni Kenshin Recap
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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TheLlama
320 of 407 people found this review helpful
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45 of 94 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Rurouni Kenshin is one of the more well-known 90s anime series out there, and I'd heard lots of great things about it. On that premise, I decided to begin watching it.
RK can be divided into three major parts. The first part, the first 30 or so episodes, is basically an introduction-type of thing, where we get to know the characters and learn about them. It's not any continuous story here, just a new event every episode, or maybe small 2-3-episode arcs. Every time, Kenshin and/or Sanosuke ends up saving the day, or Yahiko manages to prove himself just a little bit more. It's not extraordinary in this part, but it's still very good - I'd give it a 9.
The second part, which is from episode 28 to 62, is where the story finally begins to develop. Now it's a continuous story, much like what most shonen anime series does. It is in this part that Rurouni Kenshin shows its best side, and there's a lot of pasts to look on, tons of emotions and resolves to change, and great action. Te pacing is just right too; it's not too fast, nor too slow. Everything about this part is perfect story-wise, if you ask me. This part also has an ending (since the remainder of the show is filler), which you may or may not like. Everyone, including the bad guys, get their story wrapped up, and for me, that's fine, but not everyone may share my opinion. All in all, I'd give this part a 10, and the story ends on a 10.
The remaining 32 episodes are filler as far as I've heard, and I haven't watched them yet. I don't think I will, since I thought the story ended so nicely; it'd kinda ruin the end if I watched more.
The animation is very good - considering the time it was made, that is. The coloring is a bit dull, and drawing style of the eyes and hairs of the characters is a style I don't really like a lot. However, aside that it's really good - the environments are lovely, and at times the animation is really smooth, even when comparing to anime of today. Lighting effects are good too, but I noticed one or two failed attempts in that department. One more thing - during sword fights, I got a bit let down every now and then. They don't always show when the sword hits someone. Instead, a a blue beam of light is shown and the character who's been hit is flying from the impact. It may create a "final blow" effect, but I didn't like it that much, really. All in all, I'm settling on a 8 score for the animation.
Character-wise, Rurouni Kenshin is a real masterpiece. The characters - even some of the bad ones, have pasts which have deeply affected how they act in the present. These pasts which serves as a motivation for their present actions adds depth to the characters, and it's easier to sympathize with them - even the bad ones. In addition to that, there's tons of character development; Yahiko evolving as a swordsman, Sanosuke turning from a fighter-for-hire into a person for fights more for his friends, bad guys questioning their being bad, and not to mention, Kenshin fighting against his past as a manslayer. I'm pretty much tied between 9 and 10, so I'll leave it at 9.
The soundtrack is, in my opinion, awesome. The background music is moody, fits right in with the setting of RK, and the songs are awesome. However, this is highly subjective, so you'll have to experience it for yourself. Unfortunately, the fansubs I watched didn't have the OP and ED themes included, so I just had to listen to them on Youtube. None of them really appealed to me, but you might think otherwise. Again, it's subjective, so you'll have to listen for yourself. Sound effects are good; from explosions to swords clashing against each others to cicada chirping. The voice acting is very good too, and I really enjoyed Kenshin's voice and his "gozaru". Due to not liking the OPs and EDs, I'll settle on a 9 (I've only heard them once, so for me it wasn't a big problem).
All in all, I really enjoyed RK, and take my word: If you like shonen, RK is a must-see for you. Which means, most of the anime fans out there should see RK.
To 'Not Helpful' voters (and you 'Helpful' voters too): Feedback greatly appreciated =) read more
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vindemon64
176 of 230 people found this review helpful
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95 of 94 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Rurouni Kenshin - an amazing anime taking place during the Japan Revolution - is an amazing story first written by Nobuhiro Watsuki in 1994 and first aired as an anime in 1996. If you're one of the older anime fans, chances are that you probably have seen this anime already and give it the respect that it deserves. If you are one of the younger anime fans out there and haven't heard too much about Rurouni Kenshin (also known as Samurai X in other countries outside of the United States), I urge to immediately to get your hands on a copy of the anime somehow and start watching it, you won't be disappointed if you are into samurai.
The story is deep, intricate, emotional, and touching. Everything from romance, action, suspense, and even some thriller in included in Rurouni Kenshin. There are a total of 95 episodes to Rurouni Kenshin, however, only the first 62 (the first two seasons) are only worth watching because the third season is all fillers. The first two seaons depict the story of Himura Kenshin, also known as Hitokiri Battousai, and his motley bunch of friends in Sagara Sonouske, Myojin Yahiko, and Kamiya Kaoru. Without giving too much away, the first season is based on his stay with Kaoru Kamiya and how he keeps his vow of not to kill. The second season is where the plot develops and we are introduced to a little bit of Kenshin's past.
To some of the younger fans out there, the animation may seem a bit older and not as new as some of our recent anime like Death Note and Full Metal Alchemist, it still is drawn with very exceptional quality and after the first few episodes, you find that the style perfectly suits the time frame in which the story takes place.
Taku Iwasaki has done a beautiful job with the soundtrack to Rurouni Kenshin as during each and every part, there is the perfect song that fits the scene. This is especially the case during the second season as Iwasaki unveils a multitude of amazing pieces of music that you will undoubtedly look to download.
You will either hate the characters or love them. The character development during the anime is portrayed very well. An example of this is the development of Yahiko from an innocent child to an exceptional swordsman throughout the show. The only qualm people may have is the lack of romance between Kenshin and Kaoru. Though its hinted at very slightly during the first two seasons, there is not much between them. All of Kenshin's rivals also have unique personalities and Nobuhiro Watsuki has done an excellent job with them.
The only reason I advise you to avoid the episodes 63-95 is that they are pointless fillers. By the time the second arc had ended, the Kyoto arc, the anime had caught up to the manga. So as with all animes, they stopped animating the manga and aired fillers so the manga could develop. However, by the time the manga finished, the fillers were so terribly bad that Rurouni Kenshin had to be cancelled.
That is why after episode 62, I urge you to find the manga and start reading it from Volume 18 to enjoy the amazing story of Enishi and the Revenge Arc. It is there where the true story of Kenshin is continued and completed, and not with the later episodes.
Overall,
I rate episodes 1-62 a 10/10 because they follow the manga very well..
I rate episodes 63-95 a 6/10 because even though they are pointless, some of the fillers do have good back stories and battle scenes..
A final overall rating of a 9/10 is due to the anime, Rurouni Kenshin (the manga I would give a 10 ^_^). There is no doubt in my mind that if you are looking for an anime with a little bit of everything and looking for an anime that involves mystic sword styles, amazing battles and an "oro-ing red-headed samurai," look no further. read more
Recommendations
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Although one anime (Trigun) has a Wild West Cowboy feel, and another (Rurouni Kenshin) has Samurai, they both have a simalar story to tell. Both have a main character who dosen't kill no matter the situation, and both main charaters are skilled badasses. If you enjoyed Trigun then you'll probably enjoy Kenshin just the same, and vicea versa.
Both feature a similar main character who is strong, but does not seem strong.
Godly Swordsman/Gunman wanders around in bright-colored clothes determined not to kill anyone and uses his amazing skills to save people leaving everyone around in awe.
The main character in both animes seems like he is totally oblivious and clumsy, but he's really a major badass. That's about the only similarity, besides the fact that they both rock =)
Both protagonists have a dark past, are immensely skilled fighters, and are being hunted for some reason. Both also appear unthreatening and vulnerable until forced to defend themselves and other, are clumsy outside of combat, and serve as their own comic relief.
Both shows feature a highly-skilled warrior with a troubled past, wandering throughout the world on a mission of peace. Yet, despite their efforts, trouble follows them around, constantly challenging their main principle to not take a life.
Of course, this is all done in a hilarious manner, but while in Kenshin the last 20 or so episodes are just funny filler, Trigun turns more serious the closer it gets to the end.
Both protagonists have a troubling past that haunts them and both tries to bring peace to the land without killing. They are both very skilled in combat and both characters can be goofy at times. The only difference is that one has a Western, cowboy setting and the other has a Japanese, samurai setting
both the protagonists have a troubled past that made them swear never to kill again. they also share several other traits plot and character wise
They both involve a mass murderer that somehow suddenly wants peace and vows never to kill anyone and both are awesome
Both have seemingly innocent protagonists that despite how clumsy and carefree they seem, they are actually skilled god-like fighters who want nothing more than to save lives and preserve the peace.
While completely different in setting, Rurouni Kenshin and Trigun share a main character who is trying to escape a violent past through a life of pacifism. They are helped along the way by an often pugnacious female and a really cool second male lead. Trigun is thematically like Kenshin, but has action more akin to Cowboy Bebop.
If you like Tirgun you will LOVE Rurouni Kenshin....it's basically Trigun with Swords....the main character also acts like a dumbs like cash did...but he's actually the best swordsman just like cash was the best gunman....soooo cool
These two anime are SO much alike and I think a list will best describe the similarities:
*Both have main characters, who are masters at killing, but are instead pacifists.
*The main struggle of each is that the MC is trying to escape his past, but each must ultimately confront.
*Both are action heavy, but have a very goofy side.
*MC have scars!!!!
PACIFISTS UNITE!!!! Well I think Kenshin may have been a source of inspiration for Vash to be honest but the series takes a different approach with being set in a reaslitic setting but that doesn't stop it from being awesome. Kenshin will definitely be a favorite among shonen heroes for he's repenting the mistakes he has caused in war & quite honestly may even give Kamina lessons in motivation speaking. The anime sadly is incomplete and needs an accurate reboot but the show is still recommendable (mainly season 2). The manga needs to be read by vol 17/18 or so to finish the last arc and be sure to watch the older ovas trust and betrayal.
Goofy protagonists that can mow down anyone in their way without taking a life, but struggle with their pacifistic ideals as their series continue and their enemies become more dangerous and ruthless.
Both of the main characters make the vow to not kill.
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Two samurai shows set approximatively in same time period, with some overlapping characters, and red-head main characters!!!
Comedy and action mix perfectly in both, however Kenshin is more interesting and gripping. If you liked Peacemaker you'll LOVE Kenshin
Historical samurai & action theme
Both take place back in the samurai days.
Both animes are Historical and about Samurais.
PMK is all about Shinsengumi, with Saitou, Okita and others, that "appear" or are mentioned in RK.
Even though the titles aren´t alike, it is almost as seeing the two sides of a coin.
samurai themed and both go back in time. they both contain the shinsengumi (in peacemaker, he is part of the shinsengumi and in kenshin the tall guy,forgot his name, came from there). the main characters both fight, but dont kill. i would recommend both to anyone.
same period of japanese history, from different angles
Both are historical anime based around approximately the same time period of Japan's history. Both series feature samurai and shinsengumi; in PeaceMaker Tetsunosuke (main character) wants to join the shinsengumi but in Rurouni Kenshin shinsengumi are one of Kenshin's (main character) enemies of the past.
Both series start out pretty light-hearted but get serious and quite dramatic later on. Also both have great funny moments! Also, both main characters have red hair.
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Opening Theme#1: "Sobakasu" by Judy & Mary (eps 1-38)
#2: "½" by Makoto Kawamoto (eps 39-82)
#3: "Kimi ni Fureru Dake de" by Curio (eps 83-94)
Ending Theme#1: "Tactics" by The Yellow Monkey (eps 1-12)
#2: "Namida wa Shitte iru" by Mayo Suzukaze (eps 13-27)
#3: "Heart of Sword - Yoake Mae" by T.M. Revolution (eps 28-38,43-49)
#4: "Fourth Avenue Cafe" by L'Arc~En~Ciel (eps 39-42)
#5: "It's Gonna Rain!" by Bonnie Pink (eps 50-66)
#6: "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou (1/3 pure heart emotion)" by Siam Shade (eps 67-82)
#7: "Dame" by You Izumi (eps 83-94)
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Heijin [Heijin] (Brazilian Portuguese)
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