Finishing Blow Episode 82
Happy New Year Everyone! Hope everyone has an amazing 2013.
Jay Chou Combines Musicals with Martial Arts in The Rooftop
Well Go USA Bringing More Films to the US
New Drunken Master on the Way?
05th Jan2013
0 Comm
04th Jan2013
Rurouni Kenshin Review
Background Info
Rurouni Kenshin was a manga that was created back in 1994. It eventually became an anime series as well, with the final chapter written in 1999. In 2012, director Keishi Ohtomo set out to create his first feature film using the manga as source material. With his experience as a TV drama director, Ohtomo cast drama actors for the lead characters. For the action, Kenji Saito (a member of Donnie Yen’s stunt team) was hired. Would everyone be able to play their roles accurately and please both longtime fans as well as first-time viewers?
Story/Characters
For those that have read the manga or watched the anime, the plot of this film revolved around Kanryuu. It follows the basic arc well enough, but changes some things around as well. People who have no idea who anyone is will have no problem understanding the story and who is involved because it’s not too layered, and everyone is in costume. The plot fits the story well, giving just enough information to create an intriguing story without being too overbearing or preachy.
The characters are just as colorful and unique as they were in the anime. One of the best things, however, is the fact that nothing is over the top. They all feel like real people and they don’t just fall into the typical “anime” pitfalls. Each character is played well, and I quickly to used to seeing Takeru Sato as Kenshin. Everyone fits their roles well, and I didn’t feel like there was a single miscast person. You’ll know more about each character if you have read the comics or seen the anime, but the movie provides enough for you to associate with the characters and learn about them.
Action/Choreography
Thankfully, the fights in Rurouni Kenshin are just as satisfying. They are a hybrid blend of speed and choreography, pulling off a hyper-anime effect unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’m not quite sure how they got the speed so fast, but it fits this style very well. Kenshin is supposed to move faster than humanly possible, but in a believable manner. Some may not like how the action progresses because of this, but fans of the anime will be pleased. Saito did an amazing job making each fight feel different and true to character. Fights are plentiful and interesting, each with their own highlights and unique choreography. I thought that they were put together very well, but I can see why some many not like them, either.
Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?
Your personal enjoyment of Rurouni Kenshin will be based off of what you already know. Fans of the anime will most likely love this film and watch it time and time again; it’s how anime adaptations should be. Others will still be able to enjoy the film for what it is, though some parts may be overbearing at times. At its core, Rurouni Kenshin is a film about a man who is haunted by his past, and that’s what makes it click together. With unique action and a relatable story, Rurouni Kenshin is movie that nobody should miss.
Own it
Rurouni Kenshin DVD Normal Edition (JP Version)
Rurouni Kenshin Blu Ray Normal Edition (JP Version)
17th Mar2012
Finishing Blow Episode 40
A TON of stuff for this week. Be sure to support Unlucky Stars by posting or donating, it’s very much appreciated.
You can donate by clicking this link!
Also, Josh, this is the first video that is over 15 mins, you’re welcome…and I’m sorry.
Chinese Zodiac contains a 4 min stunt?
Gareth Evans Answers Questions about the Raid
Unlucky Stars Brings Back the Old School
14th Mar2012
Rurouni Kenshin Trailer Now in HD with Eng Subs!
I said in last week’s Finishing Blow that I would upload this trailer as soon as there was one with subs and without the TV hosts in the beginning. Now, there’s been an official release for this trailer. Check it out now:
When I say official, I mean it. It has been announced that this film will be available in German, English, Spanish, French and Chinese subtitles. In other words, there’s going to be a lot of hype for this film. I know a lot of people that are looking forward to the release of this movie, but I do have a few concerns.
It’s been a very long time since I’ve read the comics or watched the anime (I kinda wish I still had the manga to refer back to) but I don’t see Takeru Satoh as a very convincing Kenshin. This is nitpicking, but that “oro?” is kinda weird coming from him. Course, it could be because I already have a voice associated with the character. It’s like he looks the part, but doesn’t act the part for me.
The action itself seems pretty solid, but I don’t know how the special moves will be put into the film. There are several instances where things look really good as an anime, but don’t work in live-action. Plus, Thousand Pounds Fight team has raised the bar considerably.
Also, since that was trailer#2 up there, here is the first teaser trailer that was released earlier.
The movie isn’t coming out until August, so there is plenty of time for this film to be refined and perfected. Let’s hope it does the source material proud.
