[J-Movie Review] Rurouni Kenshin (2011)

 

Rurouni Kenshin is based on the manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki and follows the story of Himura Kenshin, former assassin turned wandering protector. In an effort to begin repenting for all of the lives he has taken, Kenshin takes a vow to never kill, even carrying a reverse sword that doesn't cut. When he arrives in Tokyo during the new Meiji era, he meets Kaoru, the owner of a swordsmanship school that's good name is being ruined by someone killing in the name of "Hitokiri Battōsai." Kenshin remains in Tokyo in order to protect Kaoru and the town.

That's the basic storyline, but this series and this movie is so much more. I've always been a fan of the Rurouni Kenshin series. Though I've never read the manga, I loved the anime series as a kid. (Rurouni Kenshin along with Inuyasha were my two big anime obsessions at the time.) And when I discovered that there was a live action movie, I was beyond excited. I was positively GIDDY. Now, that I've watched this, I'm even more excited about the sequels coming in 2014.

This movie was everything I expected and even more. The acting and representation of all of my fave characters from the series was excellent. The portrayal of a small part of the story was as compelling as in the anime. And the fight scenes, oh lordy, they were so bad -and exciting! I was sitting on the edge of my seat, barely breathing, during the big showdown at the end. Also, I think I've developed a major crush on the actor who plays Kenshin, Takeru Satoh. He was perfect for the role. The perfect mix of polite, boyish charm and scary ex-assassin. I also enjoyed the developing relationship between the new friends just as the movie was ending. And this is the issue with movies versus drama series. I always feel the need for more in a movie, especially when based on a much longer series. I hope one day, someone decides to produce not only a movie series based on Rurouni Kenshin, but a drama series--one at least 50 episodes long! A girl can certainly dream. Overall, this movie is a must watch for all Rurouni Kenshin fans and lovers of samurai/action movies.

One last thing, I just had to share: The ending credits song to the movie is so darn good. Take a listen below. I watched until the very end of the credits because I couldn't bear to stop the song. And now, I am listening to it on repeat! Lastly, I may have found a new favorite j-rock band. *flails!*

[JMovie] Kimi ni Todoke (2011)

Sawako is a quiet girl who resembles Sadako from the horror movie, "The Ring." Add tense facial expressions and awkward mannerisms when she's nervous and you get a girl who has all of her classmates thinking she can see ghosts. However, Kazuhaya, the most popular guy in class, falls for her on the first day of school when she helps him find the way because he had gotten lost (it's okay that he's not too smart, at least he's pretty). The movie follows Sawako as she comes into herself and opens herself up to friendship and even a little romance. Whooo!

This movie is based on a manga series of the same title. There's also an anime, which I have watched and reviewed here. I loved loved loved the anime series and loved the live action movie as well. It's just as good as the anime, just in a more condensed version.

The movie had great pacing, allowing for a nice build up of emotions and development of Sawako's relationships with herself, her friends, and Kazehaya.

Sawako's character is naive, sweet, honest, and surprisingly charming. In real life, I would find her annoying as hell, but in the movie she's oddly endearing as she opens up and forms close ties with Kazehaya, Yano, Yoshido, and Ryu. The deep relationships between the other characters (Ryu/Yoshino, Yoshino/Yano etc) are also just as important and add to the dynamic of the entire group. Plus, I simply loved how quirky they all were; such an odd bunch! (Especially the homeroom teacher, who was a hoot and a half.)

As a result, there was great comic relief among the tenderness. In addition to making you laugh, this movie makes you smile and even tear up a little (or a lot, depending on how much of a sap you are). There's just so much feeels!

The ending, oh the ending was simply perfect. It was the gushiest, most adorably heartfelt ending I've seen in a long time. In other words, it was completely squeal-worthy.

Kimi ni Todoke is a very nicely done movie that portrays the strength of friendship and connections with others in helping you come into and accepting oneself because as the oh-so-wise Dr. Suess says "Those who care, don't matter and those who matter, don't care." This movie is so sweet that I need to make an appointment with my dentist tomorrow morning!

A must watch, so get to it! I'll even provide a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gBYcTpg9es

Sweetly Yours,
Tuma
Looney Express