Reviews

This 4 episode prequel reveals a weighty depth in Kenshin's past that was never achieved through the long and blithe 94 episode main series. It is only in the the darkest ravine where light can shine with its brightest color and beauty. In the same way, this story about Kenshin lusters as a masterpiece because it accentuates the brilliance of romance and life in the darkness of bitterness and death.

The stability of Meiji era seen in the mellow main series of Ruroni Kenshin was founded only after a warring period of political strife and economic crisis: civilians were impoverished, bloodshed was commonplace, and assassins were abundant. Himura Kenshin, as one of the trained assassins, embarks on his journey to become a human cutting legend (Hittokiri) during the dark and bloody Bakumatsu of edo Bakufu. An iconic piece I would recommend to anyone who wants to understand the history that Kenshin often hides through his carefree attitude in the main series.

Story
This is a character-based story revolving around the past of Himura Kenshin. Themes of emotional purity entangled with strength and humanness are often metaphorically alluded to throughout the plot. Every time he cuts through flesh an unconscious emotional toll takes place, slowly chipping away his awareness. The glint in his eyes becomes dull as he plunges away from humanness and becomes more of a killing machine, only to be rekindled by the passion of love. But the highest emotional jumps can also lead to the greatest falls.

Art
The fluid artwork is masterfully montaged into beautiful scenes that consist of exciting battles and exquisite choices in color representing the mood of every shot. The older style art doesn’t detract from the work but enhances it as a timeless piece that is fitting for the series. Quality has not been spared in this work where every aspect of color, shadow, and framing has been used to create mis-en-scene symbolic to the story and character development of Kenshin.

Sound
Great realistic sounds. All episodes employ a good use of silence and the sound of nature at appropriate moments, mixing it up with non-intrusive music that adds to the tension and mood of every scene.

Character
You won't find any major characters that don't have background stories. And you won't find any annoying characters (like Kaoru) - all the important characters are well rounded with realistic and interesting personalities.

Enjoyment
I enjoy dark and bloody stories :D

Overall 10/10