Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen

After 14 years of watching anime my this is still my definite #1 anime. Usually OVAs don't offer anything special but in this case the OVA tells an important story from the manga that wasn't in the original anime because of it's early cancellation. I have been interested about history for years now and Japanese culture and history especially have been appealing to me (big surprise). So it's no wonder that the whole rurouni kenshin series was very interesting to me. The main series happens 10 years after the bakumatsu (japanese revolution), but this OVA tells about the series main character Kenshins history when he ... was still a child and how he ended up being Hitokiri Battousai during bakumatsu. Now my biggest problem with the main series was Kenshins vow to never kill again. In Tsuiokuhen there isn't that problem and...ah, Tomoe. There is Tomoe in Tsuiokuhen! I won't go into details if someone hasn't seen this yet. If that's the case, Go watch it! Only 4 episodes ;)

Now why is this 10/10 series? Question should be why wouldn't it be. I can't find anything negative to say about this OVA no matter how hard I try. For me the setting is spot on. When you take into consideration that it was made at the end of 1990s the animation is simply amazing! And it's great even if you don't take it into consideration. They have made it dark intentionally to fit the mood of the OVA. The soundtrack is great too, nothing to complain there either. The characters are well executed and they have clear development during the short time they had in 4 episodes. And the story...well I don't dare to say anything with fear of spoiling it. There is action and great emotions and the series also remembers to ponder about the question how killing affects people. Anyways, WATCH THIS! I watched this OVA before the actual series which might have been the right thing or not, since the plot happens before the main series but in the manga this arc was actually after the Kyoto arc. that was the last actual arc in the main series. But now I've rambled way more than I was supposed to. WATCH THIS! Grading 10/10 since 11/10 isn't possible.

Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal one of the highest artistic peaks within anime. The amazing background art and sound design make this world feel real. Another reason this feels so real is the characters. The characters of this world feel grounded and there intentions make them all relatable. This is most apparent with Kenshin & his tragic past that makes his struggles feel so much potentate. The action of this OVA id near perfect with not need for animation tricks such a action lines. The fact that this can work as a stand alone work and set up this background for the Rurouni Kenshin ... series is perfect. While This definitely is not for every anime viewer, I would still urge anyone who is even slightly interest to try it.

Before taking away a life, one must realize the act that they are about to commit. Only when you have come to the realization that it is a "do or die" situation, and that you will not only affect the victim's life but also your very own is when you are truly able kill. But how does one cope with the consequences and repercussions of murder? Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal is a story that allows you to experience one's descent into the act of murder and the consequences and pain that befalls onto him.

Trust & Betrayal is a story that serves as the ... prequel to the Rurouni Kenshin series. If you are expecting to see the character, Himura Kenshin, in his usual comedic and happy-go-lucky attitude, then you will have a rude awakening. Trust & Betrayal shows you the melancholic and tragic past that Kenshin endured before the main series. Because of the period that the OVA is set in, which is during the Bakumatsu Revolution, Kenshin is introduced as a boy who has lost everything thanks to the act of murder. When his future master, Hiko Seijuro, finds him, he sees that he is a broken shell of a boy who is living in a time of hate and despair. When his master decides to teach him the art of killing, Kenshin then starts his long and lonely journey of cleansing Japan of its evil with the use of a sword, giving birth to the man known as the Hitokiri Battousai.

What truly makes this OVA shine is the message that you gain after viewing it, which is "you reap what you sow". You experience Kenshin throughout the entirety of the OVA suppressing his emotions when killing, causing him to become a master at what is typically revered as a heinous action. However, although Kenshin views killing as something that is righteous if used for justice, he starts to learn how there is a possibility of consequences for one's actions. This revelation allows Trust & Betrayal to ultimately serve as a life lesson, not just towards Kenshin, but also towards the viewers.

This series also proves that music and animation from years ago is still amazing to view and listen to. The art of Trust & Betrayal is breathtakingly somber and colorful, while at the same time merging in a highly unique use of realistic cinematography that beautifully showcases wildlife and other forms of nature that fit into the setting. The soundtrack is also exceptionally amazing. It not only sounds great, but it also causes you to actually feel and create emotions while viewing the story, something that is very challenging to accomplish within films or shows.

Although there are many great aspects of this OVA series, it also suffers from one small flaw, which is the pacing. There are moments within the series where characters are introduced or shown within a blink of an eye, causing you to forget most of their names and how they are important to the story. Certain headlines appear throughout most of the scenes that give you information on Japanese history, yet they are only on screen for a mere few seconds. Ultimately, the pacing is a nuisance, but it shouldn't distract you too much from this series' greatness.

Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal is nothing short of a masterpiece. This is one of the very few series where I felt as though I was experiencing a character's life and actions through his own eyes. Aside from the amazing swordplay, direction, cinematography, music and art, this series acts as an impacting and grandeur commentary on consequences and morality in life and how our past can change our present state in life. If you fully want to experience an emotional impact with this series, I highly recommend that you read a good sum of the volumes of the manga, or watch at least half of the main anime series. Once you have done this, I guarantee that you will look at this OVA series as something that is special and unforgettable.

After watching that OVA im just amazed! Its a heart beaking story which in my opinion iwill make everyone cry.Its really emocional but surely something that everyone should see. I cried through episode 3 and 4 but i dont regret watching it anyways.The action is well presented in 4 episodes.Its not kind of rushed or anything like that.

I dont know why but after seeing the OVA i dont want to watch anime.Maybe because the OVA was so dramatic and i guess i dont want to change my impression of it.Also i think that the characters are better in OVA than in anime.

Why did I give it a 9 out of 10 for overall rating, and all the other categories a 10/10? For two reasons:
A. After you watch all four episodes, of this "4 paneled painting", the work becomes a reference point from which all other anime are compared. This is, in all my years of viewing, the single most polished, elaborate, and well constructed plot thread I have ever seen- and unfortunately a bitter aftertaste for not being able to find a production of the same caliber along mainstream anime. Although there are many good anime out there, none come as close in continuity and consistency ... in quality, as wel las harmony of all its separate elements-sound/art/story/ etc
B. To fully appreciate the ova, the character development, references and appereances, one should have seen the series. Black and White contrast in terms of theme and tone. The ova should not in all intents and purposes be seen as a stand alone, the viewer just misses out on too much. Part of the its appeal relies on the space created between the series and the ova.

Brilliant use of (a)chronology, backflashes, dreams and foreshadowing.
The scene segways are extremely subtle and absolutely enlightening when you catch them. And something which is very often omitted- the voice acting is definetely noteworthy and deserves a standing ovation. The japanese voice acting helped carry a lot of the weight for the characters and really added depth and exposure to each one´s particular reaction to the scenes. The use of negative space and time to enhance emotion and suspense.
Plausibility, Cohesion, and Dedication, one can´t fail to see the care and time that was put into making this perhaps the greatest work in anime.
NOTE:
There are two subbed versions as far as I know. The oldest one which I was lucky enough to watch when it first came out was far more accurate in terms of translation and really captured the essence of the train of thought of the characters in thel dialogues- if you can, watch that one!

As far as it goes, this is my first review. I hope that everyone finds it helpful.

Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen is my absolute favorite anime piece. In all time. Honestly, there's no amount of words that could ever aptly cover how beautiful, moving, and incredible this piece of work is.

The story is tragic, yet moving. It's totally worth the 10/10 score. It takes very little time for the story to pick up speed. You immediately get inside the head of the main characters and understand the emotions that they are going through. You feel pity for their losses, you feel joy for their successes. Nothing ... can ever compare to the totally unexpected and sad ending. I don't want to leave spoilers, but it's fantastic and if you have emotions, you will cry. I know I did.

The art is beauty in animation. The blood and gore effects are realistic, and not completely exaggerated like today's animes. The flowers falling from the trees are beautiful and lifelike. The only reason this gets a 9/10 is for the live action. Though it's well placed, it's cheesy and awkward. You find yourself chuckling at it because it really doesn't fit in.

The sound is pretty solid, too. The sounds of feudal japan are accurately brought into reality in this work of art. Nothing life changing, but incredible nonetheless.

The characters, oh lord, how they move you. The main characters, as I've previously stated, make you feel their emotions. You understand the feelings that they go through, you feel the stinging pain that they go through. Nothing can ever accurately tell you just how I felt when the twist ending occurred. It was seriously as if I was that character, going through what they went through.

In conclusion, straight 10/10, easy. My favorite anime OVA, and favorite anime ANYTHING in general. This 4 episode OVA was nothing short of life-changing, and you should stop reading this and go watch it right now.

Bringing back memories of Himura Kenshin as Hitokiri Battousai. Along with the dark side of his journey that surrounded him. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku-Hen. The story was pulled back to complete piece by piece of history which exist in the main anime Rurouni Kenshin. It made seriously and very complex plot to follow. Tensions and Intensity of the mess could be felt straightly started from the first episode.

In this prequel. The story carried out seriously, involving bloodshed and cruelty at that period. Fighting scenes was made without jutsus but using pure sword skills that in my opinion supported a horrific situation in every part of its ... episodes. Scratches wound, Sword Puncture, incison were made not too exaggerating therefore we could imagine it in real life.

The art and designs of the characters looked very different from the main anime. This made me a little bit surprised, because in just 1 year, the quality of the animation have been upgraded. The details of the environment made as realistic as possible, The expressions made stiffer then usual, that’s why rarely we could see a happy expression expressed by the characters.

The Sounds and Sfx was also made with dominant tense and sad situation. If it represented as colors, I believe it will made the situation in this anime looked gray.

I think that’s all I can tell you about. The Production Team of Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku-Hen made a good job in just 1 year interval, they were made it seriously considering they were made it just 4 episodes. I thought that was a good decision to make, thet could brought all the intense situation, sad and conflicts at that time felt very realistic to me. Respect!

I will try to make this simple and concise, this collection of chapters about Kenshin's past is a masterpiece. As you heard, I had never felt so moved and moved with OVA's as I did with it, to the point that I began to consider the work as an incredible movie that arrives suddenly at the heart of the viewer, as impeccable and fascinating as it is depressing. and hard, a very hard and cutting story that teaches us multiple ideas and philosophies about the world, gives us the harsh reality that no matter how much we try, there will always be evil in the ... world, but even if the story becomes dark and full of sketches with tears and melancholy, this work is a work of respect that takes all the awards for the simple fact that it is created in such a perfect and emotional way, so incredible, direct and brutal. Everything here is done to the letter, by the hands of sublime artists who were able to make us feel the emotions of the characters, is one of the best anime I've seen, has every right to be on the best lists of the story, it deserves it.

The Tsuyoku-hen OVA of Rurouni Kenshin is a good choice for you if you're looking for a movie, as it has the length of one, about how an ideologue has been lead to become a serial murderer under the premise of the betterment of mankind, as well as to how he matures and due to whom. Note that this OVA doesn't require knowledge of its main series, as I review independently of that, without any knowledge about the main series.

There's two factors that have mainly driven me to consider this OVA very good: The first is how it manages to show how the ideals of ... a person can lead them to do things that are counterproductive to their own values, despite the fact that's why they do what they do in the first place. And the second is how the romance in this OVA was handled, as it never really felt like a melodramatic pairing of two people with no chemistry or that would have no purpose being together.

You see, one of the most frequent ways the japanese are seen by westerners is as people who cling to their own traditions and ideals, cherishing even the most outdated ideas that bring no benefits to anyone, not even to the people that believe in them. As a result of this, there's some things that criticize ideals and traditions quite well from japanese media, as surely, the harshest critics of an ideal or a structure, are those that have adopted those ideals and lived according to that structure. In this case, Tsuyoku-hen criticizes killing due to someone's orders to improve the world, with only superficial regard to human life, and choosing to improve the world based on how someone else thinks they would. This used to happen a lot in different eras of the past, as one of the core driving forces of sending people to war was villifying your enemies and maintaining how they are evil and you are just, with young men and women seeing the people that fight in wars as noble people strictly because they fight on their side.

Kenshin is one of those young men who wants to use his aptitudes in swordsmanship to try and improve the world, so he goes and joins his fight for justice under the leadership of Katsura Kogorou. After joining in and killing over 100 people, he realizes that all the killing he has done has not helped any, and has only made him a really skilled murderer. This caused him to be very apathetic and really introverted, as a way to shut himself out from something that he has realized is wrong. The OVA explores how he views himself and how he changes afterwards from this view. The way this is done is through introducing a romantic interest for him, who is similarly apathetic to him, for different reasons. As to avoid spoilers, I will only explore Kenshin's side of the relationship only, up until a point. The girl he saves starts showing interest in who Kenshin is, and through her we explore his character, how he views himself, how he views what he does, and how he is capable of doing what he is doing. Due to her, Kenshin begins to change as a person fundamentally because he ends up opening up more and more to her, as he couldn't keep everything he's done all to himself, and eventually he grows attached to her, due to the fact that he had someone to confide in that wouldn't simply reply "because it is our duty" or "we're doing this for the greater good".

She managed to tackle with his inner turmoil with whom nobody would because they're all doing what is expected of them, and she attempted to understand him. Because of the fact she is a woman, she could offer a different perspective, due to the fact women had a different role in society at that time, so a romantic relationship is actually a great choice to fully display what type of person the main character is, as well as a good influence to turn him into a different person. I typically hate romantic entaglements that lead to nothing besides a few people being like "they are so cute together", but when there's actually a purpose to it, I can't help but actually appreciate the relationship.

There are some weak points, like the villain faction not standing out in any way, or any of the characters, since they are quite unmemorable but that is because it is based slightly off actual japanese history, so they might hold a lot more value in that culture and on people far more aware than me about Japan's history. However, the two characters that it chose to focus on, are solid. Despite its age, the action looks solid, with the movements of the characters feeling fluid and well detailed, but the action is not an overwhelming part of the OVA's length time, so I wouldn't recommend it based on it being action themed, since it's not strictly an action movie.

To conclude, this is an OVA about how someone that wanted to contribute to the world and defend those that suffer due to certain circumstances fails to do so because he simply becomes part of the system that causes such things to happen. Realizing his efforts were in vain and he became nothing but a glorified murderer, he will slowly start longing for a different life. In other words, it is a story about how someone matures from their naivity. This is the strict focus of this movie, and if you want something a lot more action packed, or simply don't care about such a theme, you could skip this movie. However, I believe the movie could be quite interesting for people interested in how historical systems based on war and armed conflicts won't lead you to a fruitful life, even if you simply try to convince yourself that you are contributing. If you think you're helping, but don't understand how, then you're simply helpless.

I believe the word that best describes Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku-hen is simply flawless. Tsuioku-hen grabbed me within the first minute of screen time and didn't let go until the credits rolled. Reasons why Kenshin is an assassin are not dwelt upon for excessive amounts of time, and the series primarily focuses on Kenshin's character as he develops during the time of the war. I would be remiss not to mention the uniquely gorgeous art style and the delightfully detailed animation that fits the extremely lived-in world of 19th century Japan. A hauntingly beautiful soundtrack accompanies these visuals. The sheer emotion that is felt during parts ... of this series is unparalleled. The pure tragedy portrayed was moving, but never felt forced. The action sequences are fast paced and exhilarating. Each sword swing and each blow feel deadly which in turn creates tension, a concept which countless action anime fail in executing. The fluidity and detail of the animation made me feel each strike and had me on the edge of my seat. Do not be misconstrued however, much of the beauty in this series come with the more tranquil and peaceful moments. Many of these scenes are mesmerising; with the flawless use of the soundtrack, the art and masterful directing and dialogue entrancing the viewer. All of this and I haven't even gone into detail on the story or characters. Kenshin makes for a perfect protagonist, with the viewer witnessing his countless inner and outer conflicts, sometimes understanding these conflicts through visuals alone. The main female is both mysterious and wonderful to watch, with each scene with her and Kenshin giving us insight into both of their personalities and mindsets while never feeling unrealistic or forced in how these conversations play out. By the end of the series you will have become completely attached to these characters, a feat which is outstanding given how short it is. At first, the two may seem cold and emotionless. But as we delve deeper into why these characters behave as they do, we can see how they both truly wish to lead normal lives. The story, without going into much detail, is masterful in its execution and is indeed a perfect tale of trust and betrayal.
This series drew me in and truly showed me the wonders of animation. It truly is the magnum opus of anime and should be witnessed by all. A series which is beautiful, tragic, moving, exhilarating, revolutionary and is executed perfectly. If Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku-hen isn't a 10 out of 10, then God dammit I don't know what is.

For all intents and purposes, Samurai X will be called "T&B" for the remainder of the post)

If you have ever seen or read the Ruroni Kenshin manga/anime, you were probably wondering about Himura Kenshin's past, and incredibly bummed that no real explanation was ever discussed/given...

Well, no more will you have to sit in wonder of how the legendary Battōsai came to be...

Set before the events of the Ruroni Kenhin anime and manga, "T&B" chronicles the events of Himura from young boy to adult and everything in between.
From his early training days, to how he becomes a stone cold killer, to the decisions that led him ... to create his infamous, sakabatō (reverse-blade sword).

With beautiful animation and absolutely amazing characters and a stunning story that is rather cliche but still told well, "T&B" is an absolutely breathtaking tale that any anime fan should include in their library.
Even if you have never seen/heard of this series, I guarantee you will want to watch the anime from start to finish shortly after watching this OVA.

An instant own for any anime fan/collector!!

This is the anime that really got me hooked on animes and introduced me into watching other masterpieces like neon genesis evangelion and others. Therefore it will always have a perennial place on top of the list of my favorite animes.

It had so much depth and such a gripping story line that I was totally absorped right from the beginning. The idealist struggle of Kenshin and the unravelling japanese history around him is really astounding and influencial. Especially Kenshin's dialogues with his master Hiko Seijuro are really insightful. Although it has a bit predictable progression, story allows you to empathize with Kenshin which increases ... the impact of the OVA.

Scores accompanying the OVA are also genuinely impressive, especially "war of the last wolves" is unbelievably moving.

I recommend this anime to everyone who would like to enjoy a masterpiece, a title which this anime justly claims.

I found this movie to be extremely depressing. I got quite bored throughout the movie as there was a lot of talking scenes where there was no action.

A few things that really annoyed me was that the art was completely different to the one in the anime series, as was the voices of the characters.

If you're a big fan of the series, I suggest you watch it as you get to know heaps about Kenshin's past, and how he got the scar on his cheek.

:)

Any prior knowledge of Rurouni Kenshin series is not needed to watch and appreciate this one.

Story (8/10):
Will given the premise of the story, one could just assume it’s a character development OVA’s or made simply to please the fans/mill the franchise , in reality this 2 hour long show accomplished way more than that. It’s a work of art in it’s own regard that can be watch and fully enjoy be people who haven’t seen the original. Simplistic yet beautiful and even poetic writing has bless this little gem and made it shine more than most familiar with original series would expect. In a nut ... shell it’s a dramatic story of impossible love, filled with well choreographed action scenes and a little historical twist. On the other hand it could be look at as a life story that has way more to it, a story that made a man what he is.

Characters (8/10):
While despite our two main characters cast is pretty generic and others are there just to be there, to move the plot, to do their work, but not to be interesting or dynamical, this doesn’t take much from the show. It has a running time of a movie and it’s well aware that you can’t make to many strong characters and give them screen time whit that, so the focus is put only on the main two, and while in many cases it could be a bad thing, it’s not the way it’s this time. Chemistry between Kenshin and Tomoe is just amazingly beautiful, every interaction between them is seems quite a silent one, but at the same time so poetic, simplistic, emotional and colorful.

Visuals (9/10):
Studio deen is not always a consistent one, but when they want to make things look amazing they can, and this is one of those cases. Art style is well detailed and realistic, it made to set an atmospheric feeling of Japan revolution, there is not much one could take a way from it, it should be purely because it’s not what one prefers pretty much. The only part that makes this a 9 instead of 10 is animation, while most of the time fluent at what it does, fights even though well choreographed have some still frames here and there.

Sound (10/10):
Soundtrack is there do it’s job, which is to help build already well made atmosphere to new heights, and it manages to accomplish this whit ease. Japanese voice actor also did their job well, which is quite a usual case which Japanese voicing, there is no English dub, which is quite a shame as this show could make his way to the west pretty easily.

Enjoyment (9/10):
I would think it should be quite hard to find someone that would have nothing enjoyable for him in this little gem, it’s a short watch so imho every one should give it a try, you will probably be surprised from the start. As for personal Enjoyment, I did enjoy every part of it to at least some extend, there is really not a dull moment in this show, not a single boring or unimportant fight scene, even dialogues are written whit the same consistent touch of poetry and subtle color from a huge palette.

Okay first off, This OVA is pretty damn good. After having watched this after reading the manga and watching the TV show, the change of the way the whole anime is done, and the change in Kenshin's character is pretty jarring.

Story:
The Story is basically Kenshin's day as a hitokiri and his relationship with Yukishiro Tomoe. That's all I can really say about it without going to spoiler area. I will say this though, Brace your self for it's kinda sad.
Art:
It's pretty different compared to the manga and the anime, but I welcomed the change for the show had a very serious and slightly depressing ... tone to it, So I think the more realistic art adds to the whole experience. It's also got a lot more in it. No it's not a gorefest, but there is certainly more blood and graphic violence.
Music/Voice Acting:
The music is solid. It consists of full orchestrations which is lovely to hear.
The voice acting, is also pretty damn good you can't really go wrong with this dub, aside from the occasional pronunciation error. As for the sub, I can't say much for it, cause I didn't watch the sub, and when it comes to Rurouni Kenshin I'm always with the English dub, because it's good, Thus I don't feel I have to watch it subbed. If the dub is good, why not just watch the dub? Eh, that's just my opinion though.
Characters:
As I said before, the change in Kenshin's character is pretty jarring. The Characters are pretty damn interesting and some of there actions later on the OVA will be a surprise.
Enjoyment:
I really enjoyed watching this, like really enjoyed it. It is just very well done.
It did leave me pretty depressed after watching it though, but it kind of added to the whole experience.
Overall, I give this a 10. If your already a fan of Rurouni Kenshin, you owe it to yourself to watch this, And even if you aren't It is still a pretty damn good watch.

Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen this anime (OVA) is pretty much about the past of tha main character from the series Rurouni Kenshin.

The story has a perfect scenario about a boy that is most likely the "weak's" avenger.The half of the scenario is already given cause it's based on the Japan's history, but let's get to the main part of the story about a swordsman who hates wickedness and is being some kind of an assasin, Kenshin(main character) is the one who kills without hesitation and feel nothing except hatred for every one that he is supposed to kill. This story will even explain the way that ... Kenshin took that scar on his left cheek, and it'lll be unfolded any farther when Kenshin meets the other main character and so up to then his heart start to kinda soften.

The art is SOOO awesome and it takes more credits cause this anime came out in 1999 20th century yet pretty damn good, not even one detail slipped not even one mistake made in the animation. (The sound is satisfying)

Sure it was enjoyable. This OVA doesn't have any comedy or parody so if anyone does not like the Drama type he/she most likely shouldn't start it. Drama, not mind games pure brutalism and massacre in some points between men in an era just before the bakumatsu started are some of the main things that describe this anime, only the detail that the era of the samurai had yet to end shows that this anime has a whole lot of slaughter, but what i enjoyed the most was the drama the whole soundtrack thing that makes you want to cry even if the anime doesn't show any sad moment and then the fights, protection and self secrifice are one of the most important things that this anime teaches.

The characters are so well orginized and attached to each other, the gloomy faces the struggling the tears are all so well done and suit to each character

10/10 a masterpiece an outstanding anime

Riveting. Positively *riveting.*

There is no way I could even begin to review this masterpiece, so I won't even try. I'm sure others have tried their best to put into words what simply cannot be described.

Read a top-rated review and then simply WATCH IT. It's indescribable.

Arguably the most well-known element of Japanese culture and history is the samurai. Wielding a katana while maintaining allegiance to the honor code of bushido, they are known for their honor skill and skill at fighting. As such, many manga and anime have references to these swordsmen, whether it be for comedic purposes or to serve as a piece of historical fiction. With how many of these samurai stories are out there, what makes one stand out from the rest? What are the elements to make a successful samurai story? Trust and Betrayal answer those questions with ease, making for an enjoyable OVA series that ... aims to tell a story of romance and violence in under 2 hours.

The year is 1864 and rebellion has bubbled against the military government of the Tokugawa shogunate. In the midst of this action is the protagonist Shinta, renamed as Kenshin Himura, who is an excellent assassin who’s wish is to protect the innocent. Despite his brutality against his targets, Kenshin is a soft-spoken man whose cold exterior hides a rather caring individual. The OVA oversees his development by having him interact with characters that serve as guiding forces. Seijuurou Hiko and Kogoro Katsura are leaders to Kenshin, recognizing his strength as a swordsman through training or missions but worry about his ferocity. Tomoe Yukishiro serves to balance out this very nature, as her role is eloquently described as being the “sheath to his sword”. Other characters introduced in the series serve as a way of providing more strength to Tomoe and Kenshin. These minor characters are successful as their behaviors and reasons are believable, tying in directly with the central plot without interfering with the story’s focus. All of this encapsulates a drama that flourishes, a story that tells of the prices paid for good ideals.

The story itself, despite the ominous title, is rather standard. Tales such as this have been told in older manga such as Lone Wolf and Cub. Though the “trust and betrayal” is the key element in the tale, it is not as explicit as one may believe. This is because the series is more inclined to show rather than tell. Dialogue blocks are still present, but they play a subservient role to the atmosphere the show develops. It is this silence that often speaks more than the characters themselves. Yet despite this atmosphere, the show never feels swallowed by lethargy. The pacing of the show is perfectly matched to all the key scenes, making the action build the viewer’s adrenaline and allowing the sensual portions to burn slowly yet gracefully. The OVA plays out like a string arrangement, adjusting tempo to draw out the emotions of the piece.

Speaking of music, the score for the OVA is superb. Though it is sparse, they are all wonderful instrumentals that serve the animation well. Perhaps the moodiest of these is “Quiet Life” by Taku Iwasaki, a beautiful string piece that only adds to the wistful feeling of the series. The seiyuus (save for one I’ll mention later) all adhere to the emotional qualities of the show very well. Sound director Shouji Hata should be very proud of his work on this OVA. The studio behind it is Studio DEEN, one that has a bit of infamy behind their production quality. Despite this, the OVA’s animation is well done. I adore the look of cel animation and it’s done very well here. The desaturated colors and painted backgrounds are wonderful and add to the serious tone of the show. Though the animation is well done, the overall visual appeal stems from the various editing tricks that DEEN have done. Rotoscoped imagery and filtered images are present at times in the show. This allows DEEN to avoid having to animate these scenes while avoiding a stylistic clash. Sometimes DEEN’s editing tricks don’t always work, like when a strobe effect is used to emulate quick action, but for the most part they are successful.

There are a few minor problems I have with the show. As focused on pacing and presentation as the show is, I can’t help but feel some cuts were a bit erratic in the first half of the show. Scenes could often be interrupted by other moments that were occurring or by flashbacks without much lead in. It is to be expected, as the series wishes to promote a more subtle narrative while keeping good pacing. Still, it can lead to some confusion early on when organizing characters and events within time. The second problem I have is another contradictory issue – the voice acting of Kenshin. Kenshin’s design and character (at least, in this OVA) is designed to be soft-spoken and rather cold. As a result, the seiyuu Mayo Suzukaze plays this role to a tee. However, these limits to Kenshin’s range hinders the character during more critical moments, taking myself away from proper immersion into how the character feels. Again, this is more minor, as for the most part the acting is fine. The visual qualities of the character more than make up for this, so Kenshin’s current state of mind is expressed even if the voice doesn’t seem to match.

Overall, I give this show a 7/10. I must admit that I was more indifferent starting out, but over time the series’ qualities began to enthrall me. If you’re a fan of samurai stories or historical shows in general, I recommend this title. I also recommend this show if you are looking for something a bit more atmospheric. This is a series that had a lot of love put into it, wanting to show the artistic integrity of the Rurouni Kenshin to its fullest. I can definitively say DEEN succeeded with their mission.

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Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

This is one of my favorite anime. When you watch first episode you may think that this anime isn't so good but I recommend you to watch all 4 episodes and then to tell your opinion. I think that whole story is perfect and that is in fact very different from other anime shows. You'll feel little bit different after you watch all episodes which is another great this about Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen. Only bad thing is art or the way that characters look. They very look alike and that gives very bed first impression of this anime.

It is not often that anime fans are privy to a main characters origin and we are usually left with only fragments that require us to piece them together so I was filled with excitement when I learned about Samurai X Trust and Betrayal a precursor to the Rurouni Kenshin TV series.

From the onset of the film, the contrasts are startling. Samurai X is not the light hearted semi comedic showing that the TV show provided. This OVA goes all the way dark and it had my attention from the start.

The art design is without question a giant leap from the tv series and ... the animation with its astute attention to detail totally satisfies in the same vein. The only issue I really had with the film is the fact that I just wanted to see more but I understand there was a story to tell and I can respect its focused but not so great with the transitions direction.

The story line did manage to put me in a trance just as much as the artistic direction itself as the plot successfully hit me on an emotional level. Kenshin Himura becomes an assassin for the Choshu clan hoping that by lending his sword, guided by the teaching of his master who is air to the legendary Hiten Mitsurugi style, he will be able to make a change and fulfill a promise to those who saved his own life.

His strong convictions lead him to become the legendary Hitokiri Battōsai an elite killer who many fear coming into contact with...for obvious reasons. After surviving an assassination attempt, he encounters a mysterious young women named Tomoe who becomes close with Himura and the plot unfolds from there.

The growth of Himura's character development, while a bit over done in certain instances, certainly manages to flood you with the weight of his decisions. I was aware that the killing was taking its toll and you could certainly see the cold blooded mask start to fade as the story continued. I greatly appreciated this as often times the act of killing in most films never seem to bare any reflection but the relationship between Himura and Tomoe manages to bring this to the surface in a way I could not help but appreciate.

The main theme of the soundtrack, recycled a great deal throughout, definitely managed to add gravity to the OVA and I appreciated what it brought to the film finding it hard to complain about.

Samurai Trust and Betrayal is definitely a very dark telling about Kenshin's past life and it is something that I feel bares mentioning especially if you are coming from the TV series. I feel like the OVA managed to tell an amazing story and the origin of Kenshin's crossed shaped scar was definitely the piece de la resistance that brought it all together to make this title a stand out presentation.