Alternative TitlesEnglish: Samurai X Synonyms: るろうに剣心, Samurai X Japanese: るろうに剣心
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 95
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 10, 1996 to Sep 8, 1998
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.471 (scored by 25224 users)
Ranked: #822
Popularity: #41
Members: 42,311
Favorites: 2,037 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: Tsuiokuhen Side story: Rurouni Kenshin: Ishinshishi e no Requiem, Rurouni Kenshin: Special Techniques Sequel: Rurouni Kenshin: Seisouhen Alternative version: Rurouni Kenshin DVD-BOX Special Ending
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Llama_Guy
140 of 185 people found this review helpful
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45 of 95 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
119 of 160 people found this review helpful
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95 of 95 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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Both take place back in the samurai days.
Both are historical samurai shows with shinsengumi, lots of blood and fighting, and a clumsy, short main character with orange hair. I highly recommend both.
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
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.
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.
same period of japanese history, from different angles
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Himura Kenshin, once feared as the great assassin Hitokiri Battousai, has now become a wandering ronin who seeks to make amends with his past sins in the Meiji Period. Despite the official sword ban implaced by the government, Himura Kenshin still carries a "sakabatou" (reverse blade sword), and plans to achieve his goal by saving as many lives as he can with his sword. He instead stumbles upon the Kamiya Dojo and becomes a boarder there. Both Gintama and Rurouni Kenshin focus on the life of a samurai and how he tries to make his way in the new era after the war.
Gintoki and Kenshin have a great deal in common. Both are former samurai who were among the most feared by their enemies during a great war. Like Gintoki, who uses a wooden sword to avoid killing, Kenshin uses a reversed bladed sword, for the same reasons. There are also many similiarities between supporting characters in the two shows as well.
Gintama's character structure is completely based off of this story, and you will definitely enjoy to learn where the persona of the characters originated.
Overall this is a must watch for anyone that is currently watching gintama.
The heart of the Samurai - for those who are interested in the way of the samurai should like both series ^^
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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 83-95)
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 83-95)
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