Original Release Name in Japan:

Rurouni Kenshin, Tsuioki Sen
(translation: Wandering Kenshin, early chapter)

Introduction:

Rurouni Kenshin is a long running and extremely popular TV animation series in Japan. This OVA (original Video Animation) release deals with the life of the wandering samurai Kenshin before he stopped killing. This is a wonderfully done pre-quel to the TV series exploring many aspects of morals, internal conflict, romance and the human mentality.

Packaging:

The series is renamed Samurai X. I would not say it's design is less than appealing but I do have issues with the name for this release. To my surprise, I found the original DVD cover printed on the other side of the American Release. Just remove the printed label in the sleeve and flip it over if you desire the Japanese version.

Overall DVD production:

The DVD is no frills. There are not many (if nay) special features. Subtitles are good. These are secondary as the OVA overshadow all these shortcomings. The transfer is good and the sound is 2 channel only (as with many japanese OVA productions).

Story:

I will not post any spoilers. I will only leave comments and some of my thoughts. This OVA series moves away from the comic style of the TV series. Themes in this set are very mature and the violence is extremely intense. I felt this is a good departure for 2 reasons. Firstly, the OVA deals with Kenshin's darker past as an assasin and the nature of the story suited the dark atmosphere better. Secondly Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi is trying to bring out the reality of the chaotic days that brought old Japan into the Meiji period. Many first time viewers may have some difficulty in understanding the political climate during those times in Japan. Several characters in the story are in fact based on actual historic characters (like Katsura San).

I like this OVA a lot due to the themes conveyed by the Director. The story attempts to deal with the issue of right and wrong - perceptions of, conflict of and how all these matters in the greater scheme of things. There are no heros, no good or bad guys. Everyone is human and are acting according to their perceptions and beliefs. The Director also dealt with issues of the human spirit and how that can make or break a person. And, of course, there is the romance and the conflict that arose when a romance blossoms between 2 individuals with very different preceptions and beliefs.

Soundtrack and Feature production:

The OVA is one of the more elegantly done ones I have seen. The soundtrack composed by Taku Iwasaki is excellent in conveying the emotions and the mood of the OVA. I purchased the soundtrack from a foreign source as soon I saw the OVA and I do not usually do that.

The starting and end credits are also excellently done. No more words can do justice to how elegant this OVA is put together.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age