SAMURAI X is a Japanese anime franchise based on the legendary samurai warrior named Ruroni Kenshin. Fuji TV initially released SAMURAI X as an OVA in Japan (these OVAs are available on Region 1 DVD from ADV Films). Then Fuji produced a successful TV series that introduced new supporting characters (the TV series is currently unavailable on Region 1 DVD). Then in 1997, Fuji followed up the TV series with a theatrical feature called RURONI KENSHIN: ISHIN SHISHIE E NO REQUIEM. ADV Films released this feature on Region 1 DVD as SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE. If you have seen the OVAs, but not the TV series, chances are you’ll be very confused about the evolution of the Kenshin character and supporting players. SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE is not a sequel to the OVAs, because it takes place chronologically after the TV series. Kenshin has now abandoned his murderous ways, and refuses to kill his opponents. Although he is years older here, he still looks like a teenager.

For those unaware with the history of Ruroni Kenshin, he was a Hitokiri Battousai, or sword drawing master assassin. In the OVA series, Kenshin stood between the opposing factions that tried to shape the future of Japan. One side wanted to preserve the traditional caste system, while others opened their arms to Western culture. In the late 1800s, the Japanese Shogunate era came to its close, and Japan opened its doors to European settlers. This brought about the eventual influx of Western influences. While most of the Japanese were content with the prosperity of the outside world, many oppose the Western invasion, thus paving the way for the Meiji Restoration. Kenshin and his friends Sanosuke, Yahiko, and Lady Kaoru travel to Yokohama to view the new Western-influenced architecture. There they meet Shigure who seeks to cleanse Japan of the corrupt ruling party and return the country to its former glory. Shigure’s presence triggers political unrest, and a conspiracy within the Japanese government threatens to destroy the new order. This explosive situation throws new obstacles into the path of Kenshin, and he may have to break his vow in order to overcome the challenges.

The fateful confrontation between Kenshin and Shigure is significant because these men respect each other. 99.9% of the time in this genre, revenge is the catalyst for a life or death swordfight. These men do not hate each other; they just do not share the same viewpoint. Kenshin refuses to kill because he has taken an oath not to claim further lives. Shigure is fighting for an ideal, triggered by a death of a fallen comrade. These two characters are both the heroes of SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE, although they fight on opposing sides. The villains are secondary characters who sit on the sidelines and manipulate the passions of these men. One of Shigure’s own freedom fighters schemes with the ambitious Baron Tomono of the Japanese army. The Baron steals cannons from the army and gives them to the corrupt freedom fighter so the rebels will have enough firepower to use against the army. The Baron is confident that this turn of events will propel him to a high-ranking role in Japanese army.

But SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE barely touches upon Japanese history. Instead the focus is the steely determination of Shigure and Kenshin, and their goals of salvation and atonement. The film shows the final metamorphosis of Kensin from cold-blooded killer to an enlightened man of action. But the film misses plenty opportunities for historical drama or political upheaval. As a result, SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE ends up a dull, repetitious mess. We expected a historical epic along the lines of NINJA SCROLL or SWORD FOR JUSTICE, but what we saw was a coming-of-age drama. I appreciate the depiction of Kenshin as a man of peace. It certainly adds tremendous depth to his character, but it makes for a boring 90-minute feature. In all fairness, there is a well-executed war scene that redeems the picture somewhat, but not enough to salvage a sinking ship. Even though SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE lacks action and momentum, viewers looking for history, drama, or politics will also be disappointed.

While SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE played theaters and is presented in widescreen on this DVD; the animation quality is of the middle-of-the-road TV variety. Because the characters are young and cute looking, it seems Fuji didn’t feel the need for state of the art animation—a big mistake on the part of director Hajiki Tsuji. The characters are stiff unless they are talking or taking part in a battle sequence. And even then, many of the action scenes show the character motionless, while the background streaks move behind them. This was a technique that when out with VAMPIRE HUNTER D in the mid 1980s. I can understand if they do this once or twice to emphasize an action or reaction, but this technique is used constantly in SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE. Another annoying aspect to the film is the constant visualization of the tragic moments that shattered Shigure’s perspective. This scene is dramatic the first one of two times it is shown, but it keeps coming back again to annoy the viewer.

The only extras are three trailers. One is an ADV compilation trailer that showcases their franchises to a techno-backbeat. There is also the original English theatrical trailer for SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE. There is also the Japanese OVA trailer.

-  Tony M

 BACK TO REVIEW INDEX