I have a small “To Do” list here next to me. “Do reviews on anime movies that you forgot about” is listed first, followed by, “homework.” Now you can see where my priorities are. Haha.

But I have my reasons – simply I don’t watch this movie anymore so I’m going to pass it on to my little sister. Actually the truth is that I watched this movie once, and I’m going to have to watch it again to review it.

Samurai X – The Motion Picture is a horrible title. If you’re familiar with the Rurouni Kenshin series, it’s essentially the same thing. The OVAs were just called Samurai X for some reason (it must be the scar, but come on, can’t we do better than that?), and I guess it was decided to call this by the same name even though it is completely different. Anyway, if that doesn’t mean anything to you, that’s okay. Haha. In truth though, you might have to do a little background research on Rurouni Kenshin before you go launching into this movie because this is set the same time as the series, unlike the others. You don’t have to go watch the series, or know every little detail, but it just helps to clarify things. If you don’t want to, hey, by all means go for it. I myself knew only the basics about Rurouni Kenshin and had only seen a handful of episodes when I watched this movie and I was just fine. But let’s move on.

Flashback ~ The Meji Revolution in Japan is at full force. One group of samurai clashes with another. Kenshin, known then as Hitokiri Battousai (or as you’ll probably hear, the man-slayer) takes on the leader of the attack. Naturally, Kenshin wins.

Present ~ The group of friends (Kenshin, Sanosuke, Kaoru, and Yahiko) decide to take a trip to Yokahama, excited to see new things (Sanosuke especially excited during the train ride). Of course, it’s not long before they find trouble. A group of sailors is making trouble and harassing a woman named Toki. A samurai named Shigure steps up to help and before long Kenshin and the others put in their two cents. Kenshin meet Shigure, Shigure meet Kenshin. So what’s the catch?

Shigure had a friend named Gentatsu who was killed fourteen years ago while trying to change the political power within Japan. Due to the circumstances, he places the blame on himself. Now he wishes to gather forces again and take out some of the foreign political leaders coming to Japan. Toki is the sister of Gentatsu and tells Kenshin who is who. Hmm. We do have a problem. Especially since no one knows it was Kenshin who killed Gentatsu. And Kenshin and Shigure have a high respect of one another. Ouch.

Now Kenshin must try and reason with Shigure, as well as tell him the truth and try to make amends with him for past wounds. It doesn’t help that Yahiko is suddenly visiting Shigure’s home all the time and hears something that gets him into deep trouble…

So what will the outcome of this story be? Rebellion? War? Will Kenshin have to fight Shigure? What can Toki do, and where is Yahiko?

To be honest, the movie was good in plot, animation, and music. I, however, just couldn’t get into it. I was bored. After watching it a second time, it’s kinda depressing too. There are others out there who are big fans of Rurouni Kenshin and will enjoy it more than myself. But I never could get into the series so I was kinda “meh” about this movie. It felt a little slow and the one thing that bothered me the most was the flashbacks. I don’t mind them so much, but when the same one is played over several times, it gets a bit annoying. I’ve seen it, I get it, why is it being shown again?

Voices? English ones are decent, though I really don’t like Kenshin’s Japanese one. Why? Well, I don’t mind when a male character has a female voice actor. However, I do mind when it’s super obvious right off the bat. It doesn’t fit and I can’t get used to it. I don’t understand why Kenshin can’t just have a male voice actor. Ah well.

There is violence involved, and considering how the plot is settled around political conflict (with a lot of inner conflict), this isn’t exactly something for kids to be watching. There is blood, death from battles, but no swearing. You’re the parent – you decide.

All in all, if you’re curious, try it out. If you enjoy Rurouni Kenshin try it out. If not, then move on to something you’re more apt to enjoy.

NT

Recommended:
Yes