The Metaphors of Rurouni Kenshin | Video Essay 

Correction: It's "Boshin" War. (thanks to commenter Teolaj) ----------- Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. Many of us already know who Nobuhiro Watsuki is. And if you don't know, you should probably look into his controversy before heading into the Kenshin series. *Let me get this out first: No, he's not a good person.* The biggest problem I have with him, is how easy he got away with it. As such, I can understand why many of you would like to avoid financially supporting him, directly or indirectly. For those who choose to follow this route, you have my respect. For someone who studies movies for a living, however, separating the art from the artist is almost a necessity. It's rather impractical to avoid artists with bad deeds. Otherwise I would have to avoid talking about Harry Potter because of J.K. Rowling, X-Men because of Bryan Singer, The Godfathers because of Marlon Brando, Chinatown because of Roman Polanski, or Baby Driver because of Kevin Spacey. There is no doubt that many of these creators and artists have done some stuff from questionable to down right criminal. So the best I can do, is acknowledge the good and detest the bad. My one saving grace is that film production is a collective art. At least while I'm talking about the film, a whole team of artists are being appreciated. Again, I do not condone what Watsuki has done. But hopefully, this clarifies on why I feel this film series still deserve some recognition. It's a sticky situation, for sure. If you can think of a better method in approaching films created by controversial artists, please let me know.

one thing of sure: Rurouni Kenshin's fandom is a rare, lucky fandom because the live action of their series is actually good

One of the only Live Action Anime Adaptation that doesn't fail to deliver quality viewing experience.

I also love Kaoru's character in this story, not for her personality, but for what she stands for. She's the perfect opposite of Kenshin. Kenshin grew only as a swordsman. That's what his life summed up to be after the massacre of his village. He gets renamed as a swordsman. Swords lead his life, and he only sees them in one way: a tool of death, and that's how he uses it. As for Kaoru's dojo, they believe the sword to be something that brings life. It's the same tool Kenshin used, but in such a different way. When the abandoned samurais invaded her dojo and Kenshin showed up to defend it, he confesses that he doesn't believe in what her dojo stands by. He says something on the lines of "She's wrong, a sword will never bring life, but I prefer to believe in that, even if it's wrong". That was saying a lot. In his head, after all those years, he still sees a sword as death. Even when his sword doesn't kill anymore, even when he abandoned his killer sword. The sakkabatou still weights of death. As the series go by, we see him admiring the motto of her dojo a lot, and I believe that by the end, he believed in it. If you're comparing swords to Japan's military power, that is saying a lot. It's healing the thought that weapons only serve to bring death and power. It is believing that Japan's military power will find a better purpose in defending their own people, in bringing life to them, instead of looking for wars outside. Romantic or not, Kaoru's character was the perfect character to Kenshin's, because she is the one to teach him about swords, she changes him and heals him and his ideologies. I love how they complete each other.

I love how you said “The world loves Japan how it is but the world also know what Japan has done”.

I think, even bigger symbolism for Kenshin are the women he loves. Tomoe represents the man he once was, and is the embodiment of the unrest, inner turmoil, and slaughter happening in Japan. She is the catalyst that pushes Kenshin forward. Her death is symbolic of Battosai’s death. Kaoru represents the man he is now, and is the embodiment of a bright, unsullied, peaceful future for Japan that Kenshin hoped for. Her life is symbolic of his faith in the importance of peace. She is his desire to truly live.

I think that the sakabato still having a sharp edge is also Kenshin acknowledging that he can still kill people if he wanted to. His oath would be easier to keep if he just walked around with a wooden sword. Every time he battles with his enemies he's also battling himself and his old ways.

"It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war."

Title: The metaphors of Rurouni Kenshin. Me: Now that is a name i haven't heard in a long long time.

i grew up with this series and only now do i realize how little i really reflected on its themes

Many people : Alita Battle Angel is the best anime adaptation. Me : Rurouni Kenshin movies are the best anime adaptations.

There's no anime that means more to me than Kenshin. I started watching it at age 11 and I still periodically watch the full series, it's what got me into chanbara films, which led me to watch more Japanese Cinema, than into reading Japanese history, kenshin is a very precious piece of art for me. the live action films are also very fantastic and probably the best anime to live action adoption to ever be made. And I can't wait for the trust& betrayal/reflection/enishi arc films next year!

To be honest, this film alone has more dope swordfights than Star Wars films combined

3:22 well actually... Kenshin wants to travel without a sword. But Arai Shakku, being skeptical about the new era and seeing Kenshin wants to travel defenceless gave him the sakabatou. He also told Kenshin not to simply run away after the many lifes he took during the war. He wants to see how far Kenshin ideals of not to kill again would bring him, and told Kenshin to only comes back when the swords broken.

I was born in Japan, live in Japan and study in Japan now. I'm amazed by the profound view in this video. Sadly however, Japanese people seem to lose 'Sakabato' spirit. Few Japanese people appreciate it that Self-Defense Force is not military. Actually, many people regard it as a mere rhetoric. I learned in school a comment of a politician: "Self-Defense Force is not military capability (戦力) but arms capabilty (実力) (PM Tanaka in 1972). Most of Japanese prefer to call it Japanese Military. Not that they usually do. And Japanese people aren't pacifists at all. My history teacher is very nationalistic, justifying Japan Emperor and despising Korea and China. But he is not the only one. Japanese middle-age males are more or less so. Moreover, I feel democracy of this country at jeopardy. In this spring, former Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Minister criticized a student for posting political issues on the Internet. For all the law amendments and activities, politics is still considered 'taboo.' And there exist many other taboos. It's like censorship. Yet, I'm very glad to know some people like Japan and its culture. I hope, someday, I can boast about Japanese nation as well.

Fun Fact: RK fight choreographer is Kenji Tanigaki, he work with action star Donnie Yen since the 90s

Kenshin has been one of the most influential animes in my life, and the film series was lots of fun to watch. But never have I thought about its critique of Japan and its place in the world. Thank you for opening my eyes here! That was tremendous!

Rurouni Kenshin is a fascinating piece of media, not only because it is a love letter of Samurai culture and the Meiji restoration era of Japan, but it shows and signals to a lot of the darker scenarios the new era brought with it. To me, the most fascinating part is how such a defining piece ultimately came from someone who'd eventually go a do something heinous themselves.

This is "THE BEST" live action anime adaptation even Hollywood cannot do.

Kenshin is one of an interesting case where the romanticization of Samurai culture was also met with question marks. Many of the fighters in Kenshin had shade of greyness in them, with the likes of Shishio being sunk deeply into the darkness. We all believe that power can't be innocent, and that Kenshin can't just wash of his past and be innocent even if he tries, but he does tries his best, discipline himself to not kill, and that's what turn him into a hero among morally grey fighters. Kenshin is a Kantian hero indeed~

My parents named me after kenshin... ;-; I think that’s pretty cool to have parents like that

I still can't believe there's an anime/manga adaptation this fucking good in the timeline we're currently living in.

I love Kenshin because his life and struggles touches you like no other characters can touch you. His story pulls majorly at your heart string. You can’t help but go on his journey with him for redemption. In the end, you just wanted to take him into your arms like a child. Let him cry it out, comfort him and tells him everything is going to be okay. All is forgiven. You just want to fix his brokenness and give him peace.

The Meiji Restoration is always an hot pot, that's interesting when japanese media actually shows something about that time period (even when it's "just" fiction)

Me when the first time watching that movie: "wait, he is Kamen Rider Den-O isn't he?" Others: "Kamen what?" Me: "nah, forget it. I'm just amazed on how skillful he is with sword"

These video essays have become so important to me. I'm close to finishing my MA in English Lit., and I feel so burnt out in terms of literary analysis. But your video essays manage to capture that spark, that deep emotional need to contemplate art and the human condition. I feel my soul uplifted every time I watch one of your videos.

I just love listening to you speak on any subject- you bring to art the thoughtfulness and respect it deserves.

I had fallen out of love with the anime, but the three movies brought my love back! I hope the fourth movie does not get delayed further.

"In the eyes of this series, and thus kenshin, the meiji government isn't exactly the good guy either.." This film will make problem if it's created in my country.

Kenshin's history is so interesting and deep. The crimes that he committed and the struggles he's been through helped him rebuild himself. Through him we have a small glimpse of what is redemption and that it's never too late to change and to be a good person. Thank you so much for this analysis, it's really well done.

Rurouni Kenshin was the first Manga series I ever finished reading, back when I started getting into Manga. So you can understand that I was so excited when the live action movies were released and to see that they're so awesome made me really happy ♥ That's also why I am so glad you made a fantastic video about it. Thank you so much for that! (...And also once again thank you for your videos on Ip Man. I just recently started watching the movies and they're great!)

10:21 The rift between Korea and Japan runs deep in the older generations on both sides, it seems. I lived in s small town in Korea and saw the ruins of Japanese buildings in Cheonan from their occupation of Korea, as well as experiencing light hostilities towards myself, should I have spoken any Japanese. This is anecdotal, however, and should be taken lightly. It should not be used to judge the Korean people as a whole.

It's very hard for me to come across films/shows that I truly enjoy, but I am more than happy to say the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy are some of my favorite movies ever. As a writer myself I thrive one the metaphors they give and the story of how Kenshin overcomes his past and moves on into his future. I never realized how much of a metaphor he is for Japan until your video, so thank you so much for this video! I learned a lot, and I hope you keep making your incredible content!

Rurouni Kenshin really had ben entwined through my whole life. Experiencing the story as a kid, teenager, young adult, and full adult, i learn new things everytime. It's hard to separate the new series from the author... But the original is so meaningful to me

This is my favorite Anime when i was a child. And make me Fall'in love with japanese Culture Their culture, how they respect it And how even now in this In an era of technology such as the current era, Japan can still be a country where the Culture from the Past and the Age of Technology can come together. and the people really have a different character and mentality from other countries in the world (Sorry for my english.still learning)

The anime certainly is one of the first I ever saw as a kid and i loved it , even to this day , it is 10/10 !

thank you for this review and excellent analysis. I keep coming back to your channel. I am Filipino. both my grandfathers fought against the terrible Japanese Imperial Army. that being said, I believe their atonement for their war crimes was sincere. I dearest hope is to keep the unadulterated truth of everything that transpired would be protected and shared. only then can all wounds heal and true friendship flourish. hope you're safe

Thank you for finally dedicating a video essay to (in my opinion) one of the greatest story adaptations ever made! Your timing is amazing as I was actively searching for a thoughtful review of these movies. I’ve been patiently waiting for you to write this essay, and to hear your thoughts. RU-vid didn’t notify me, so I’m glad I was looking for this only two days late from your upload date. Rurouni Kenshin is, indeed, something very special on so many levels. It became my favorite anime series when I discovered it in 2003, and immediately sought out the manga which became the first manga series I read from beginning to end. The live action films, to my relief, did the story justice! So many fans I’ve interacted with have expressed so many reasons why they love this story, and I could write an essay myself why I love this samurai. But I’ll save that for my own video on RK someday. For now, I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this incredible story of redemption. This film series is so well made, yet does not receive the attention it deserves here in the west. It’s highly under recognized, and I’m always trying to recommend it to anyone looking for a good film. I’m happy it’s done very well in Eastern Asian countries. Well enough to earn another two part sequel to conclude Kenshin’s journey with the next two films coming out in 2021 (hopefully it doesn’t get pushed back, again). If the next chapters end with the same perfection as the manga, this will be a really specially well rounded film series! ^_^ﾒ

I've watched the anime TV series and two of the trilogy films, but it is the first time I found the interpretation that the sakabato is the metaphor for the JSDF. Great interpretation!

Thankyou so much Accented Cinema. You have made my day. I will never forget this essay and Kenshin.

Bravo! Always eagerly waiting for new content, has never disappointed.

I remember dismissing these movies for a long time saying "its just a garbage live action version of the manga/anime" so I dismissed it, wasnt until I saw some of the incredible and meticulous choreography and decided to watch them and without comparing it to the source material these films are amazing. I do prefer the source material but damn these movies are great

favorite time of the week is when accented cinema puts out another insightfully thoughtful video essay MMM

Your videos are consistently high quality and add layers of meaning I tend to intentionally avoid looking for in a kind of escapist way. I'm glad you're getting sponsorship money for it to help your income. That said, I think this one and the "How to write racism" one are my favourites. Very insightful, and on topics close to my heart. Thank you for all your hard work.

I started reading Rurouni Kenshin's manga when I was a teenager, after being spellbound by the anime adaptation. Since then I have deeply admired the characters created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, especially Kenshin, who quickly became a role model to this day, making a profound impact on how I want to behave as a human being. I explain this because my admiration for Watsuki's work has nothing to do with what he has done in his private life, and it bothers me very much that a group of strangers feel they have the right to criticize my personal approach to this manga and anime, as if by the mere fact of admiring a work of fiction, that made me an accomplice of the crimes of its author. It's stupid! Please stop pretending to impose your own views on other people. Do not behave like religious fanatics by pointing fingers at all those you consider to be sinners. If you intend to cancel someone, start by canceling yourself for being so deeply disgusting and judgmental.

I can't thank you enough for giving this film more exposure especially on RU-vid. It's one of my favorite films and the sequels are in the works. And it baffles me that people still haven't discovered this movie and saying there's no good anime adaptation film.

other thing that i love from this movie was, theyre not trying to fill those moves with effects (such as invisible speed on sukuchi), but theyre just trynna do it naturally. shishio flame sword looks very cool tbh. and also kenshin ultimate jutsu, idk how to say but he still nailed it.

Dude, i love your analysis. Please keep going- you are so good at what you do.

I never really looked at the Rurouni Kenshin that way. That's pretty cool. Thanks for making the video :)

This angle is wonderful and I may teared up a little. RuroKen is my absolute favorite and you just added another layer as to why the overall material is such great piece of art.

For those want to know more, here's my few cents: Japan's politics and foreign policies are pretty complicated, to begin with. While extremists still exist in Japan, they're pretty much a minor group (though still significant for some of them still doesn't recognize Japan's war crimes in the past and try to teach the young the same); and while Shinzo Abe was pretty insistent about rewriting the constitution, he was also cautious about that and not pushing it too hard despite he's quite popular in Japan already. And the need to possess a proper army vary because, well, they're pretty much America's protectorate, just like South Korea. The catch is, Japanese doesn't hold a high esteem about the stationed American army (at least in Okinawa), and even they're pretty much in the same side, Japan still doesn't get along with South Korea well, and conflicts broke out between them time to time. One of the major factor of Japan calling to "rearm" themselves is obviously due to Mainland China, of which swinging towards expansionism, to say it politely; but a rearmed Japan are recalling fears in pretty much every states in the area, for obvious reasons. Japan is trying to find "loopholes" in their current constitution, such as their new Izumo-class helicopter destroyers are pretty much a pseudo-Light Carriers, and trying to send SDF to foreign peacekeeping operations. These alerted China, South Korea and others, but with China's threat becoming more apparent, it's hard to tell if Japanese are still resisting the idea, though it's more because Suga had just come to the stage.. BTW I didn't watch Kenshin's anime and movie at all, but it's pretty nice to know it can be viewed that way.

I'm here as a fan, but I'm also here from The Corridor Crew channel comment Accented Cinema left. lol. I'm SO glad you did this movie. I love this channel AND this film. Win Win! Lol. Thank again!

This is a classic already. The writing, acting, story line, art. All 10's. Well done.

Thank you for this video! I enjoy your work here in general but was waiting espescially for that one. Runouni Kenshin is one of my alltime favourite mangas and I was surprised how amazingly well done the movies were. And now I learned to enjoy it on another level.

This is how you'll psyops me into watching anime.

I saw a lot of Indonesian names in the comments here. There are a lot of reason why Kenshin resonated with us. We have watched the anime, read the manga before we watched the anime. We also suffer under the Japanese during World War II so we know how it feel under Japanese ultra-nationalist. In contrast, we also know that our grandparents' suffering under Japan also a catalyst to make our country free because our first generation of millitary, PETA, were made by Japanese but after Independence, some of rebellion were started by the same generation of millitary. In fact, a lot of Makoto Shisio in Indonesian history.

In the first chapter when you are explaining the sword, makes me blow my mind for that. It's my fav. film and you are explaining it very well!

As a long time fan of rurouni kenshin, i've always think about this.. you can still kill with blunt steel..

Oh man. I was really enjoying these films ... and you just keyed me into so many ideas. Thank you. I haven't watched all three yet and all ready I want to go back and watch them all again.

When i was kid, i watched samurai x for the cool sword actions and the iconic opening song. Then as a teenager, i watched the last samurai and learned the socio politic that japan had at that time setting and just realized how complex it was to kenshin at that period.

This movie series is one of the very few that honoured the original, in fact it excels on its own. Instantly just loved them. Might watch it again after seeing this. So good to get more perspective on them.

I'm in love with that subtle ending

The way you explained this gaved me chills.

Seems like yesterday that I first knew him as that unlucky guy who got possessed by four Imajins. I was amazed by how great he was playing one of my favorite swordsmen in anime. Well done, Takeru Satou. Well done, Kenshin Himura.

bro, been watching your stuff recently. love it so much. there's so much thought that's been put in your videos. keep making em

I wish I could peel meaning out of stories in film like you do, when I watch stuff I can barely get past the 'haha sword go shwing'

All the Kenshin films just got made available on Netflix in the UK. I wouldn't have known to watch them if I hadn't seen your video. Thank you man.

the most beautiful manga adaptations. the story is beautiful. well, you can't compare it with the manga and anime. but, it is a masterpiece for adaptation.

I didnt know i can love Rurouni Kenshin even more. Your video essays never fail to help viewers rediscover the beauty of films.

Rurouni Kenshin was the manga and anime that made me interested in studying and understanding japanese culture as a whole. I remember watching the intense swordfights in Cartoon Network's Toonami when I was a child and getting amazed by how Kenshin was such a fierce/strong character, being able to defeat evil men with the infamous sword of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. The anime had a great deal of humorous parts, so it was really nice. (SPOILERS!!!) But there was this arc about a ruthless killer named Kurogasa Jin-E that gave the series a much darker tone, for he was one of the first villains that wanted to see Himura's Battousai persona emerge once again at all costs. Eventually, they clash, and Kenshin almost kills him with the cutting edge of the sakabatou, but was prevented in doing so by Kaoru. Then, Jin-E tells him right before dying: "I'll be watching you from hell pretending to be a wanderer, waiting for the day when Battousai finally returns!". Because of this, Nobuhiro Watsuki said that Kurogasa was the only enemy who trully bested Kenshin, by bringing Battousai to light once more, after many years. After this battle, I guess Himura finally understood that true redemption would only be achieved if he struggled every day to be a better person, by showing mercy even to his most inhuman adversaries and to himself - hardest of all. In the end, being compassionate to those who deals harm to you or others you love, and being compassionate to yourself, forgiving your past sins, is the only way to keep moving forward to a better world - that's the true battle Himura kept fighting endlessly and made him the strongest swordsman of all. I like to think that's the message the series and the movies tries to convey and why the story still ressonates with many of us. Your videos are trully great! Keep them coming! Kudos from a Brazilian fan!

Kenshin Himura is my first love. The cartoon version made me fall in love with the character. I am 33 now but still I admire the story of SAMURAI X

7:22 It should be known that Wealthy Landowning Samurai families were actually fine after Meiji. Even the Tokugawa family maintained much power and prestige following the Meiji restoration, with the last Shogun (Yoshinobu) enjoying a privileged, quiet, existence as a peer of the realm. Some of his descendants married in to the Imperial Household. It was lower ranking samurai, many of whom were already struggling economically during Tokugawa's shogunate, that had a hard time afterward. Being literate, many of them eventually became school teachers and civil servants afterwards. A number of them joined the IJA and the Imperial Guard, as well.

I’m a longtime fan of the Rurouni Kenshin franchise, and you’ve opened my eyes to things I somehow never considered. Thank you!

Did not even know there was a movie, I grew up with the animie and the comic. Great video.

This film series is a masterpiece. The writing, acting, cinematography, and directing is in a category of it's own. The arc of the story is emotionally compelling filled with internal and external conflict within the characters. It is no wonder why it is so popular. Congratulations to all the participants... superb!!!

Kenshin live action is liek the gold-standard for live action. Disney take note.

Wow, your analysis makes this movie 1000 times better. You really awesome

I've read the Rurouni Kenshin manga growing up, and enjoyed the movies when they were released. I also grew up watching wuxia tv series adapted on Louis Cha/Jin Yong's novels, most notably the Condor trilogy. Having recently watched the latest adaptations for Louis Cha's Condor trilogy, I have come to think of RK as the Japanese version of a wuxia story. Besides the action (martial arts/swordsmanship taken to fantastic levels), the other major element of similarity between the Condor trilogy and RK is the use of an actual historical setting (more specifically, when times of significant political change is happening). I think this historical setting plays a large part in making the story good, as it provides a believable and relatable context, which then allows us to consider the reasons behind the protagonists' actions which let us think of them as heroes.

Your voice is so soothing, and I love your outlooks on these films and all the others you've covered.

I’m so happy Otomo directed this trilogy (2 more movies coming). There would’ve been no one better suited. His Ryomaden series was amazing and showcased his talents for capturing historical dramas

The story of Rurouni Kenshin told by his creators is the gift that keeps on giving

Thanks Zhang Yang, for this insight into Ruroni Kenshin, a truly intriguing Japanese film. Japan is in an internal fight for its soul. The right-wing advocates militarism and a return to Empire. Revisionism and denial of their war-time past is no longer hiding in the shadows. Abe has given legitimacy to these elements. I respect Japan and Japanese culture a lot. THere is much to admire in their discipline, commitment to tradition, and the high value they place on honour and integrity. I hope Japan chooses the right path for its people. A return to militarism and expansionism will only bring tears. This time, they will not find weak and declining nations standing in their way.

What an outstanding video! I really don't have words to describe the feelings I have by watching this masterpiece of explanation. Excellent! Big hugs from Colombia!

I have just finished watching all 5 films. They were absolutely amazing and puts America cinema to shame.

This is an unexpected combination that I love. The live action movies really feel like they went under the radar, so knowing you talked about them is a treat.

I do agree that a more "nuanced" view of the Meiji govt, more as a greyish blur than a clear hero has been helpful, but another important point is how it is often viewed as a "necessity" in any study of modern Japanese history. Not unlike the abandonment of imperial China, first under the GMD, and now under the CCP Might be helpful to tie in the theme of how such Kenshin's sacrifice, even if for a noble cause, is not without cost.

This is an amazing video and breakdown of Kenshin! I'm currently writing my first comic series and I'm also a huge fan of the Rurouni Kenshin anime! You've now inspired me to check out the live action movies!

I really love the main character actor, especially in kamen rider Den-o

This was something I never thought since I watched the film series. Gosh your commentary on metaphors is superlative.

Thank you very much for this interesting essay. Kenshin is one of my favorite movies, and I'm in my Bachelor of Japanese Studies. It was fascinating to see how you connect it to the SDF and such. I didn't actively connect those things to the movie, but it does make sense quite a bit. Thanks for the insight!

I just saw these films recently and I saw the anime too when I was a bit younger and I love this franchise and they inspired me with the philosophy that I agree with and remember, with not killing but still fighting to protect but not out of malice. The story is amazingly well written. The great action scenes also inspired me to invest more in practicing kenjutsu, as I already sort of was. I love japan and wish to live there one day and study kenjutsu or kendo. Thanks for making this video, i love this channel

You may have to do analysis of the Anime , because they showed some Politicans as major heroes , some cops were also shown to be dirty , the anime is better than this really good accurate movie tbh

I feel like your last ~2 minutes you both commit to your own kind of RU-vidr/Free speech Sakabato but at the same time kill some enemies who revile in fighting and killing each other with words, usually online but not exclusively (especially these days). It's your passion to your self commitment, and the honor that comes with it, that makes me love characters like this, like you! :) I believe if I can become like this, I can atone for the sins of my own past and take care of my loved ones. And by sticking around people like this, I hope and remind myself to keep striving to be better, to be like you & Kenshin. This was really elegantly done overall! I think you could've talked about the other controversy with the series more upfront, but I understand and I'm so happy I'm subscribed to you and can't wait to see what you do in the future!

Yaaas. I really enjoyed the rurouni Kenshin film series.

In the anime/manga series, the word's Kenshin's Master - Hiko Seijūrō were quite important. I haven't seen the live action so I can't say but I have seen many of the anime adaptations. Hiko Seijūrō knew Kenshin quite well and he knew the path he would be walking, advising Kenshin against it because he knew what would ultimately happen to him. Kenshin was still basically just a child when he made up his mind so he did not know, but perhaps his master did, having walked that path himself.

This was the best Live Action ever made by lightyears.

Came back to this video cause I wanted to know what your opinion on the two new Kenshin movies that recently came out! Absolutely love your interpretation of the deeper meanings in these films :)

"Japan, 1867. The Tokugawa dynasty stands on failing legs. An invincible samurai, Kenshin Himura walks the path of death and destruction, ushering in a new regime. Hated and feared by many, he is known as Hitokiri Battosai, the Manslayer. In retribution for his deeds, he has taken an oath: To protect the innocent and to never kill again. But old memories seldom fade and bad habits die hard." - Peter Cullen, Toonami Rurouni Kenshin Promo

As a person who belongs to a country where our dark histories involved Japan taking over us by means of cruelty, the idea of "The world loves Japan as how it is now, but the World also knows what Japan has done" is just legit. But i love this Ruruoni series so bad ❤️ and the making of this fiction Kenshin's character, either manga or live action is just no doubt superb

I grow up watching the anime version as a kid... once I found what Watsuki had done. It was hard to watched the anime after that, despite how emotionally invested I was. Still love Rurouni Kenshin, but my disgust toward Watsuki lingers.