I am not fond of watching anime movies nor reading manga but I am fond of watching Japanese live action movies (that's why I came across this movie which eventually intrigued me). And some said that this movie is from the manga authored by Nobuhiro Watsuki. And if that's the case, then the live-action adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin proves that manga and anime can translate beautifully to the big screen when done with care, energy, and respect for the source material.
The story of Himura Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), the legendary “Hitokiri Battōsai,” is not just about swords and battles but a story of love, loss, and the heavy weight of one’s past. The live-action prequel, often referred to as Rurouni Kenshin: Origins or adaptations of the Trust & Betrayal, dives deep into the origins of the wandering swordsman we came to know in the 2012 Rurouni Kenshin: Part 1.
The Plot: The Beginning of the "Hitokiri Battōsai"
The story begins in Japan during the Bakumatsu era, a time of political upheaval and civil war. Himura Kenshin is introduced as a young man trying to survive amid the chaos. Gentle and idealistic, he is drawn into the revolution and gradually becomes a highly skilled swordsman. Circumstances force him to fight for survival and justice, but he is also burdened by the violence around him.
Kenshin earns the fearsome title “Hitokiri Battōsai” or "Battōsai the Killer", an assassin whose blade never fails, leaving a trail of death during the war. Though he becomes legendary, the cost is immense because he is haunted by the lives he takes and the fear that he will never find peace.
During this turbulent time, Kenshin meets Tomoe Yukishiro (Kasumi Arimura), a mysterious and beautiful woman who initially hides her connection to those he has wronged. Despite the secrecy, they develop a tentative bond. Tomoe is gentle and understanding, providing Kenshin with a glimpse of humanity he has long suppressed. Their relationship grows quietly, marked by moments of intimacy and emotional connection amidst the backdrop of violence.
When I first meet Tomoe in the scene, I assumed that she is not just an ordinary girl for the way she interact. And I was right, because it was revealed in the end that Tomoe was not just a love interest but she was connected to Kenshin’s enemies. Her family, or someone dear to her (her fiance), had been killed by Kenshin during his time as the Battōsai, and she initially approached him as part of a plan for revenge. Her intentions were hidden, and Kenshin had no idea of the danger or the secret motives behind her kindness.
But as they spent time together, something unexpected happened. Tomoe’s initial mission faded in the face of real human connection, and the two genuinely fell in love. Tomoe’s compassion began to soften Kenshin’s hardened heart, giving him a glimpse of life beyond killing and violence. For the first time, he experienced trust, care, and the possibility of peace.
Tragically, their happiness was doomed. The violence of Kenshin’s past and the enemies he had made caught up with them. In a heartbreaking turn, Tomoe dies, an event that devastates Kenshin but also becomes the defining moment of his life. Her death teaches him the ultimate lesson: he can never take another life again. From that moment, Kenshin adopts the sakabatō (the reverse-blade sword) as a symbol of his vow to protect life rather than destroy it.
This moment transforms him from a feared assassin into the wandering protector we know in the Meiji era. Her love and sacrifice shape his moral code, giving him the resolve to dedicate his life to helping others and seeking redemption for the sins of his past.
The film closes with Kenshin leaving the shadows of his violent past behind, wandering Japan as a man committed to peace, yet forever carrying the emotional weight of his lost love. His meeting with Tomoe and the tragedy that follows form the emotional and psychological foundation for all his actions in the later Meiji era stories.
Action and Cinematography
Even as a prequel, the live-action film impresses me with breathtaking swordplay and choreography. Unlike modern heavy action movies, the duels feel visceral for me, fluid, and authentic, emphasizing Kenshin’s speed and precision. Every fight carries emotional weight because it is tied directly to his moral and personal journey, rather than just spectacle.
The cinematography is equally compelling as well. Dark, rainy streets and snow-covered landscapes mirror Kenshin’s inner turmoil, while close-up shots capture the subtle emotions between Kenshin and Tomoe. These visual choices make the story as much about the characters’ hearts as their swords. I applaud the videographers haha. Undeniably, their acting as well is the central part of the movie.
At its core, this film is about the human cost of violence and the transformative power of love. Kenshin’s encounter with Tomoe teaches him empathy, patience, and the importance of protecting life. It’s a story that reminds us that even the strongest warriors are defined not by the battles they fight, but by the hearts they touch.
If I could rate this movie
This film earns a solid 10 out of 10 stars for me. It’s a must-watch to truly understand the man behind the reverse-blade sword. Indeed, even in the darkest past, one heart can teach you the meaning of peace. I still feel Tomoe as if she said to Kenshin: "Even if my heart was bound to hate you, I chose to love the man behind the sword."😊
That's all for this blog, everyone. Thanks for reading! And I hope you enjoy.
But Kenshin's story doesn't end here so stay tuned for the First Live Action of this movie on my next blog (probably).
