Rurouni Kenshin OVA also known and sold as Samurai X is the epitome of what a high-quality action anime should be.

If you are already an anime fan, the best comparison I can imagine is to Ninja Scroll. The visual quality is at least equal to that of Ninja Scroll if not more so. Samurai X also has much better sound/music than Ninja Scroll and also is considerably more violent, but not as gory.

Samurai X should not be confused with the Rurouni Kenshin TV series. Although they have the same main characters, Samurai X is more dark and real, with a stronger plot. Whereas the TV series is more light-hearted, considerably less violent, and a bit more romantic.

One of the key features I like about Samurai X which is kind of an odd thing to appreciate about anime, are the characters' (English) voices. The voice actors to a great job of conveying emotion in their words and the dialogs aren't dry like most anime.

Another major feature I like which is pretty uncommon in anime, is a somewhat factual/historical background or influence in the show. Samurai X, as quoted when the show starts "although based on historical accounts, this story is fictional." Another anime I like which also has this feature is The Heroic Legend of Price Arislan.

And now for an addictive dose of the general plot:
Samurai X is the story of a boy who was a slave in a traveling caravan, his present owners treated him as though he were their own child. The caravan gets ambushed by bandits and they brutally slay everyone, a single righteous swordmaster appears at the last moment and saves the boy, who is the only remaining survivor of the caravan. The swordmaster comforts the boy and encourages him to live on for his loved ones' sake the departs. The swordmaster returns later to find the boy had buried everyone, including the dead bandits. Impressed by the boy's deed, the swordmaster takes the boy as his pupil and names him "Kenshin."

Kenshin trains with his new master for many years, but the scars of his past begin to come forth and compel him to crusade to protect the helpless. His master tries to discourage him from abusing his new rare & powerful skills, saying that the only occupation for a swordsman is a murderer. He goes on to claim that getting involved with clan politics will make him bring more suffering than he can stop, a never-ending cycle. The "bad guys" are first and foremost people too, he claims. Kenshin refused to take his master's advise and departs on his personal quest.

I have watched much anime in my lifetime, and this is my new favorite hands-down. This series won't serve a good introductory anime for newbies, only because it will set the quality bar too high, and the newbies will be discouraged with the other anime they see. I'm not kidding.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older