[JAPAN MOVIE 2012-2014] るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- / RUROUNI KENSHIN

[pechumori]

‘Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno’ ups the ante in action

8/24/2014 2:06 AM

by: Push Team

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno continues the tale of Kenshin Himura, wandering swordsman during Japan’s Meiji era. After vowing never to kill again, retired assassin Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh) faces the dilemma of needing to wield his sword again in order to end the rule of a devious nemesis in Kyoto Inferno.
Kenshin must face two enemies madly driven by their thirst for revenge against his former assassin persona in Kyoto Inferno—the scheming Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and Hidden Watchers leader Aoshi Shinomori (Yûsuke Iseya). Kenshin also has to battle other equally imposing renegade samurais before he can even get to these big bosses.
As expected, Kenshin had a fantastic and swift swordfight replete with special effects against Shishio. But his confrontations with Sojiro Seta (Ryûnosuke Kamiki)—one of Shishio’s most trusted servants—and with the vindictive Sawagejō Chō (Ryosuke Miura)—a member of Shishio’s Ten Swords—are also spectacular and impressive.
Despite being taunted and ridiculed during his countless fights by his opponents—particularly since he’s using a reverse-edged sword, Kenshin stays true to his vow to himself and to his love interest Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei), a fighting instructor and dojo owner in Tokyo, to not to kill anyone again. 
That perhaps is the greatest lesson of the movie, that greater good can still be accomplished even without shedding blood.
Joined by the overconfident Sanosuke (Munetaka Aoki), the reliable doctor Megumi (Yu Aoi), and young swordfighter-in-training Yahiko Myojin (Kaito Ōyagi), Kenshin’s battle to save Kyoto from Shishio’s plans to decimate it became a little more colorful not to mention adventurous.
Satoh not only impresses with his masterful sword fighting skills, but with his flexible acting whenever Kenshin channels his innocent and pensive side. Fujiwara on the other hand despite his limitation of being masked with bandages made good use of his eyes in conveying how keen he was in getting back at Battousai (Kenshin).
Kyoto Inferno ends with the entrance of a new character and possibly the loss of an old one which makes the third and final installment Rurouni Kenshin: Legend Ends a must-watch once it comes out next month.
Directed by Keishi Ohtomo, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno is currently screening in theaters nationwide.

credit: push.abs-cbn

[pechumori]

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ Beats ‘Apes’ at Japanese Box Office

September 22, 2014 

Mark Schilling

Tokyo:  “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends,” the third and final film in a trilogy about a reformed samurai assassin in post-feudal-era Japan, won its second weekend with $3.84 million on 320,949 admissions for the Sept. 20-21 frame. This take drove its cume to $20 million on 1.76 million admissions. Meanwhile, the second pic in the trilogy, “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno,” earned a total of $45 million, while staying in the top ten. All three films, including the 2012 first “Rurouni Kenshin” (BO: $26 million) are produced by Warner Entertainment Japan. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” bowed at number two in its last major international territory, with $1.9 million on 149,354 admissions on 712 screens. The previous pic in the series, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” finished with $22 million in Japan.

credit: variety

[pechumori]

id="watch-headline-title" class="yt" Sato Takeru's sword fight rehearsal for Rurouni Kenshin

credit: Takeru Zone

[pechumori]

Legend ends as final ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ film opens in PHL on Sept. 24

September 23, 2014



Following its massive opening in Japan last week where it grossed fifty percent higher than “Kyoto Inferno,” Warner Bros. Pictures' “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” arrives in Philippine cinemas this Wednesday, Sept 24 – fulfilling a promise to loyal fans of back-to-back bows of the twin sequels. “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” is the final chapter to director Keishi Otomo's blockbuster trilogy.
  To stop Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara) who aims to conquer Japan, Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh) arrives in Kyoto and tries to face off against Shishio’s troops. However, his enemy has begun its course to start invading Tokyo with the steel-reinforced battleship. To save captured Kaoru (Emi Takei) who is thrown into the sea by Shishio’s men, Kenshin also dives in after her, but is washed ashore alone, unconscious.
  Kenshin recovers with the help of Seijuro Hiko (Masaharu Fukuyama), the master of Kenshin who happens to find him on the shore. He realizes he is no match for Shishio unless he learns the ultimate technique of his sword style, and begs the master to teach him.

In the meantime, Shishio finds that Kenshin is still alive, and puts pressure on the government to find Kenshin and execute him in public for his sins during his days as the “Battosai the Killer”. As Kenshin faces his biggest challenge, can he really defeat his fiercest enemy Shishio, and be reunited with Kaoru?

Directed by Keishi Otomo, “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” stars Takeru Sato (Kenshin Himura), Emi Takei (Kaoru Kamiya), Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke Sagara), Masaharu Fukuyama (Seijuro Hiko), Kaito Oyagi (Yahiko Myojin), Yu Aoi (Megumi Takani), Yosuke Eguchi (Hajime Saito), Min Tanaka (Nenji Kashiwazaki), Tao Tsuchiya (Misao Makimachi), Ryunosuke Kamiki (Soujiro Seta), Maryjun Takahashi (Yumi Komagata) and Tatsuya Fujiwara (Makoto Shishio).
  The “Rurouni Kenshin” movie trilogy was based on the Kyoto arc of `Rurouni Kenshin,' the popular manga series written & illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
  Besides Kenshin the Wanderer: the Romance of a Meiji Swordsman, Nobuhiro's manga hits also include Gun Blaze West and Busou Renkin. His Embalming is being serialized in Jump Square magazine.

Of the manga's adaptation into feature films, Nobuhiro says, “Because there was too much in Kyoto Inferno to fit into one movie, I was ready for huge cuts and big changes, so I’d made up my mind right from the start, from the first movie, to respect the opinion of director Otomo. But the script has got everything into it very nicely. Mr Satoh has settled back into the role, and brings out that calm and gentle side of Kenshin even more. The action has jumped right over the first movie, and they’ve made it really amazing. Because Shishio’s face is covered in bandages, I thought it would require an actor who could bring a very strong emotion to his performance. I met Mr Fujiwara just before filming started, and he’d already gotten into the role so he was kind of frightening, and I went ‘He’s the guy!’ Mr Iseya’s perfect for his role, too, and he’s great in it. ‘Purgatory’ had to really jump out at you in this film, but in the original manga there was nothing for them to draw on. Unfortunately it was just an exit point with no real action. I’m really happy they adapted it. But the movie is very close to the original, so I hope that audiences will feel very close to it.”
  “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

credit: gmanetwork

[pechumori]

class="no-margin"‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends’ Review: Fond, fiery farewell

Zig Marasigan

Published  Sep 23, 2014

No plot spoilers for 'Legend Ends' in this movie review. Reviewer Zig Marasigan says the film is a fitting end to the much-loved movie adaptation of the popular manga and anime

All good things must come to an end. For Kenshin Himura, it’s the conclusive battle between him and the menace, Makoto Shishio. But for the legion of fans of the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, The Legend Ends represents an end to something far more personal.

The Rurouni Kenshin trilogy is cinematic adaptation done right. And while it is far from perfect, the film is the spirit of the original manga and anime brought to life.

For those who have grown up alongside Kenshin and his friends, The Legend Ends is the closest thing fans will get to a real life farewell. (WATCH: Rurouni Kenshin director on movie twists and turns)

As the final chapter in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, The Legend Ends closes the story of Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh), a former samurai forced to take down his vengeful successor Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara).

Torn between his duty to his country and to himself, Kenshin’s life is made especially complicated following a vow never to take another person’s life. But when confronted with a nemesis who deserves nothing short of death, Kenshin’s vow becomes especially problematic. (READ: What Rurouni Kenshin characters think of their characters)

------ Mild spoilers from Kyoto Inferno below ------

The Legend Ends follows the events of the previous film, Kyoto Inferno, where Kenshin awakens following a confrontation with Shishio that ends with Kenshin jumping overboard into the sea.

But when Kenshin is saved by his former mentor, Hiko Seijuro (Masaharu Fukuyama), Kenshin finds renewed purpose in his struggle against Shishio.

For a series steeped in both action and historical fiction, the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy stays firmly grounded because of its characters. (VIDEO: Watch Rappler's spoiler-free 3-on-1 interview with Kenshin stars)

Despite their inherently cartoonish nature, there’s a resonating drive behind the characters of series creator Nobuhiro Watsuki. And though the film manages to mix a healthy amount of humor, action, and drama, it’s this fundamental drive that keeps the story surging forward.

A parade of characters

But The Legend Ends suffers from its own fair share of blemishes. The film showcases a wealth of familiar faces from the anime and the manga, but with so many characters on parade, not everyone is given the proper time to shine, particularly the Ten Swords.

Introduced in Kyoto Inferno, the Ten Swords were teased as eventual antagonists in Kenshin’s quest to vanquish Shishio. But while characters like the dapper fanatic Hoji Sadojima (Kenichi Takito) or the fallen monk Anji Yukyuzan (Tomomi Maruyama) are eventually given the temporary spotlight, others like the blind swordsman Uonuma Usui (Mitsu Murata) are relegated to mere cameo appearances.

Even Kenshin’s allies Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei) and Megumi Takani (Yu Aoi) are given very little to do throughout most of the film, although the refreshingly humorous Sanosuke Sagara (Munetaka Aoki) is given a rather satisfying fight scene towards the film’s latter half.

But the film’s most notable entrance is that of Hiko Seijuro, master and mentor of Kenshin himself. Hiko’s introduction in Kyoto Inferno made for an effective cliffhanger, but his full blown participation in The Legend Ends becomes pivotal to Kenshin’s eventual showdown with Shishio.

Despite the number of new faces, The Legend Ends is far more focused compared to Kyoto Inferno. Loose ends are finally knotted away and Kenshin’s character is brought to a satisfying close.

Fire and blood

Unfortunately, Kenshin’s nemesis Shishio is surprisingly absent throughout most of the film’s first half. And though the stakes are higher than ever, Shishio’s lack of presence robs the film of any real urgency.

With the film’s main villain missing from action, Kenshin is left to train with his master largely unchallenged, leaving the film hungry for some spark of friction. But whatever urgency is lacking in the film’s first half is more than made up for by the film’s second.

The Legend Ends brings closure to the trilogy in spectacular fashion. Nearly the entire second half is a single prolonged battle along the shores of Tokyo. But while the film teeters dangerously into drowning from too much of everything, The Legend Ends never runs out of steam as Kenshin and his allies make their way to Shishio’s fortress for the final showdown.

Unfortunately, Kenshin’s nemesis Shishio is surprisingly absent throughout most of the film’s first half. And though the stakes are higher than ever, Shishio’s lack of presence robs the film of any real urgency.

With the film’s main villain missing from action, Kenshin is left to train with his master largely unchallenged, leaving the film hungry for some spark of friction. But whatever urgency is lacking in the film’s first half is more than made up for by the film’s second.

The Legend Ends brings closure to the trilogy in spectacular fashion. Nearly the entire second half is a single prolonged battle along the shores of Tokyo. But while the film teeters dangerously into drowning from too much of everything, The Legend Ends never runs out of steam as Kenshin and his allies make their way to Shishio’s fortress for the final showdown.

Worthy of the name

For director Keishi Otomo, the end of the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy marks a high point in his career. After a decade’s worth of television work, his transition into feature filmmaking has now been unquestionably solidified after bringing to life a trilogy as ambitious as Rurouni Kenshin.

But for fans of the series, the end of the trilogy is tinged with a bitter sweetness. The Legend Ends is an exemplary piece of work that is unabashedly targetted at fans of the franchise. But at the same time, it’s a series of films that doesn’t rely on the simple nostalgic hopes of its audience.

Keishi Otomo and the rest of his crew have managed to craft something special with the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, and while it may not have lasting resonance among casual audiences, it does act as a satisfying farewell for die hard fans.

Despite the inevitable curtain call, the future of the franchise remains unwritten. And while it may be a good long while before the legendary Battosai picks up his iconic back-blade once again, fans can at least celebrate with a trilogy that is worthy of his name. – Rappler.com

[LoveSG]

pechumori said: class="no-margin"‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends’ Review: Fond, fiery farewell

Zig Marasigan

Published  Sep 23, 2014

No plot spoilers for 'Legend Ends' in this movie review. Reviewer Zig Marasigan says the film is a fitting end to the much-loved movie adaptation of the popular manga and anime

All good things must come to an end. For Kenshin Himura, it’s the conclusive battle between him and the menace, Makoto Shishio. But for the legion of fans of the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, The Legend Ends represents an end to something far more personal.

The Rurouni Kenshin trilogy is cinematic adaptation done right. And while it is far from perfect, the film is the spirit of the original manga and anime brought to life.

For those who have grown up alongside Kenshin and his friends, The Legend Ends is the closest thing fans will get to a real life farewell. (WATCH: Rurouni Kenshin director on movie twists and turns)

As the final chapter in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, The Legend Ends closes the story of Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh), a former samurai forced to take down his vengeful successor Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara).

Torn between his duty to his country and to himself, Kenshin’s life is made especially complicated following a vow never to take another person’s life. But when confronted with a nemesis who deserves nothing short of death, Kenshin’s vow becomes especially problematic. (READ: What Rurouni Kenshin characters think of their characters)

------ Mild spoilers from Kyoto Inferno below ------

The Legend Ends follows the events of the previous film, Kyoto Inferno, where Kenshin awakens following a confrontation with Shishio that ends with Kenshin jumping overboard into the sea.

But when Kenshin is saved by his former mentor, Hiko Seijuro (Masaharu Fukuyama), Kenshin finds renewed purpose in his struggle against Shishio.

For a series steeped in both action and historical fiction, the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy stays firmly grounded because of its characters. (VIDEO: Watch Rappler's spoiler-free 3-on-1 interview with Kenshin stars)

Despite their inherently cartoonish nature, there’s a resonating drive behind the characters of series creator Nobuhiro Watsuki. And though the film manages to mix a healthy amount of humor, action, and drama, it’s this fundamental drive that keeps the story surging forward.

A parade of characters

But The Legend Ends suffers from its own fair share of blemishes. The film showcases a wealth of familiar faces from the anime and the manga, but with so many characters on parade, not everyone is given the proper time to shine, particularly the Ten Swords.

Introduced in Kyoto Inferno, the Ten Swords were teased as eventual antagonists in Kenshin’s quest to vanquish Shishio. But while characters like the dapper fanatic Hoji Sadojima (Kenichi Takito) or the fallen monk Anji Yukyuzan (Tomomi Maruyama) are eventually given the temporary spotlight, others like the blind swordsman Uonuma Usui (Mitsu Murata) are relegated to mere cameo appearances.

Even Kenshin’s allies Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei) and Megumi Takani (Yu Aoi) are given very little to do throughout most of the film, although the refreshingly humorous Sanosuke Sagara (Munetaka Aoki) is given a rather satisfying fight scene towards the film’s latter half.

But the film’s most notable entrance is that of Hiko Seijuro, master and mentor of Kenshin himself. Hiko’s introduction in Kyoto Inferno made for an effective cliffhanger, but his full blown participation in The Legend Ends becomes pivotal to Kenshin’s eventual showdown with Shishio.

Despite the number of new faces, The Legend Ends is far more focused compared to Kyoto Inferno. Loose ends are finally knotted away and Kenshin’s character is brought to a satisfying close.

Fire and blood

Unfortunately, Kenshin’s nemesis Shishio is surprisingly absent throughout most of the film’s first half. And though the stakes are higher than ever, Shishio’s lack of presence robs the film of any real urgency.

With the film’s main villain missing from action, Kenshin is left to train with his master largely unchallenged, leaving the film hungry for some spark of friction. But whatever urgency is lacking in the film’s first half is more than made up for by the film’s second.

The Legend Ends brings closure to the trilogy in spectacular fashion. Nearly the entire second half is a single prolonged battle along the shores of Tokyo. But while the film teeters dangerously into drowning from too much of everything, The Legend Ends never runs out of steam as Kenshin and his allies make their way to Shishio’s fortress for the final showdown.

Unfortunately, Kenshin’s nemesis Shishio is surprisingly absent throughout most of the film’s first half. And though the stakes are higher than ever, Shishio’s lack of presence robs the film of any real urgency.

With the film’s main villain missing from action, Kenshin is left to train with his master largely unchallenged, leaving the film hungry for some spark of friction. But whatever urgency is lacking in the film’s first half is more than made up for by the film’s second.

The Legend Ends brings closure to the trilogy in spectacular fashion. Nearly the entire second half is a single prolonged battle along the shores of Tokyo. But while the film teeters dangerously into drowning from too much of everything, The Legend Ends never runs out of steam as Kenshin and his allies make their way to Shishio’s fortress for the final showdown.

Worthy of the name

For director Keishi Otomo, the end of the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy marks a high point in his career. After a decade’s worth of television work, his transition into feature filmmaking has now been unquestionably solidified after bringing to life a trilogy as ambitious as Rurouni Kenshin.

But for fans of the series, the end of the trilogy is tinged with a bitter sweetness. The Legend Ends is an exemplary piece of work that is unabashedly targetted at fans of the franchise. But at the same time, it’s a series of films that doesn’t rely on the simple nostalgic hopes of its audience.

Keishi Otomo and the rest of his crew have managed to craft something special with the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, and while it may not have lasting resonance among casual audiences, it does act as a satisfying farewell for die hard fans.

Despite the inevitable curtain call, the future of the franchise remains unwritten. And while it may be a good long while before the legendary Battosai picks up his iconic back-blade once again, fans can at least celebrate with a trilogy that is worthy of his name. – Rappler.com

[pechumori]

Rurouni Kenshin : the Legend Ends

^Got to watch Rurouni Kenshin : the Legend Ends last Sunday (Sept. 14, 2014) and it was awesomeeeeeee! <3
Living in Japan has its perks. /winks
Rurouni Kenshin : the Legend Ends or Rurouni Kenshin Densetsu no Saigo hen was in theaters as early as Sept. 13th, 2014.
I believe it will come to the Philippines not until Sept. 24th of this year.



Rurouni Kenshin : the Legend Ends is the last of the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy.

I have loved Ruruoni Kenshin since childhood so I saw the movie as a fan (with many great expectations) and will be commenting as such, with me was Kuma who knew about Kenshin coz it was famous but didn't really follow the story.

Ok, here are my comments, there may be spoilers ahead XD

The Juppon Gatana or Shishio's ten (best) swords(men) looked great but most of them barely did anything through out the movie. They were merely standing around, although they looked great, I wish they had more of a role.

Usui (the blind guy sporting the turtle shell shield and sad-looking bunny ears) and Henya (the little bat looking thingy guy) were the most aesthetically pleasing out of the bunch.

But Henya, being a fighter that mainly flies around while shooting blades and ammo, will not be seen flying but looking cool, feet on the ground.

Usui did have his moment but it was a very very very brief moment. The moment you see him and Saito eyeing each other, you will surely get excited. Don't hold your breath though, their "fight" will disappoint. I also think his shield was too small, but that's just me.

Kamatari... Oh Kamatari... she(he) looked so far from expectation... Let's just say, I didn't even realize it was her(him). But since I liked her(his) character, I was keeping an eye out for her(him).

Anji, the panda monk, was ok. I wish he was taller / bigger / more muscular... But he was ok, at least he had more screen time but his fight with Sanosuke wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. Anji kinda provided the other members of the Juppon Gatana with some screen time with his speech but not everyone was seen and again, just barely.

Everyone else... meh... They were there. Well, Cho was amply seen in Kyoto Inferno so I guess its ok.



I was expecting the last movie would reveal how Kenshin got his scar but there was no mention of that.

Yumi, Shishio's special lady friend, was a pretty hand maid. She served sake/tea, changed his bandages and was a very beautiful arm decoration for our dear Shishio-sama. Not much for her, too. But she did serve her purpose at the last parts of the movie. Wish we could have seen some more of that nice skin and delicious boobs body XDD She was so covered up! In the previous film, she had her shoulders showing and then in the third movie, she had lace on her neck! XD pffffftttttt
Yumi is a smart and ambitious pretty lady, she's not just a glorified maid... I'm sorry, I just like Yumi very much so I am disappointed that she is made out to be just a simple nurse for Shishio-sama.

Hoji, was spot on. I loved him, not only did he look the part but he's character was really present. Hoji was never really a fighter, more of an adviser to Shishio-sama but what the hell, he got punched onced and then he disappeared. XD lol

This is what Kuma had to say, "where's the 「oro?」?"
Hahahahahah Yes, ladies and gents, Kenshin won't be saying it in this movie.



Soujiro, loved his rematch with Kenshin! Nicely done despite the small space they had to work with.
But for non followers of the series, like Kuma, you'd wonder why he cried like a baby when he was defeated. Come to think of it, Soujiro's past was not really delved into so apart from him being cute and skilled enough to be trusted by Shishio-sama, we don't really know much about him.

Oh! Rewind, at the beginning we have Kenshin and his master Hiko Seijiro doing training so Kenshin can be better once he faces Shishio-sama et al.but now that I think about it, they kinda took too long? No complaints though, master was nice too look at. hihihihihi XD <3 Hot ossan is hot, after all.

Good news everyone! Aoshi is no longer screaming "Battousai doko da?!" hahahaha

Kuma asked, why does Shishio's sword emit flames and why did he burst into flames?
This could have been cleared up if Yumi had more contribution to the film... but alas.

Even with all these complaints and more, (I will hold back since I don't want to spoil anyone any more than I already have), I still enjoyed the movie.

The cast, especially the protagonists and Shishio-sama and Hiko, did very well. Not only did they look as real life forms of our beloved characters, their performance also showed who the characters really were.

The fights leading up to the finale is something every one should look forward to. It is not just your typical 1 on 1 fight. ehe <3 You will be seeing Saito, Sanosuke, Aoshi, Kenshin and Shishio really battling it out! None of that, "you go first, then me" rubbish. Oooooh! I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it! hahahaha <3 This may be the best part of the film.

And the closing scene?
Kenshin says something to Kaoru. <3

Did that excite you more than ever for part 3?
Then, don't miss it! Capitalizing for more emphasis, DO NOT MISS IT!
Watch Rurouni Kenshin : the Legend Ends as soon as you can!
Support films by watching them in theaters and not patronizing illegal copies!

Japan is not only famous for sushi and sumo, Japan loves souvenirs, too! Check out the merchandise booth at the cinema!

There were Rurouni Kenshin stickers, mugs, poster, folders, notebooks, note pads, mini towels, pens and keychains and moreeeeee.



Of course, the world's most hard working cat, Hello Kitty wouldn't pass up this chance for a collaboration!
See Miss Kitty cosing as Kenshin and Shishio <3 hahahahaha Adorable, right? - See more at: http://jaroukaparade.blogspot.com/2014/09/rurouni-kenshin-legend-ends.html#sthash.6zhLImMU.dpufOf course, the world's most hard working cat, Hello Kitty wouldn't pass up this chance for a collaboration!
See Miss Kitty cosing as Kenshin and Shishio <3 hahahahaha Adorable, right?



I got the more practical merchs.
I got me a Kenshin notebook and mechanical pencil.



Takeru Sato looks chou handsome, da yo ne?




the inside of my notebook



That's it for this entry.
Again, DO NOT MISS RUROUNI KENSHIN : THE LEGEND ENDS!!!
credit: jaroukaparade

[pechumori]

Stage greeting of Takeru Sato and Director Keishi Otomo for "Rurouni Kenshin Legend Ends" Sept.23, 2014
credit: maidigitv

[pechumori]

Stage greeting of Takeru Sato and Director Keishi Otomo for "Rurouni Kenshin Legend Ends" Sept.23, 2014
credit: newslounge, modelpress, walkerplus, oriconstyle and gackmi-dears

[pechumori]

More stage greeting pics
credit:  newslounge, modelpress, walkerplus, oriconstyle, eiga.com and gackmi-dears

[pechumori]

Stage greeting of Takeru Sato and Director Keishi Otomo for "Rurouni Kenshin Legend Ends" Sept.23, 2014
credit: Baidu Takeru Sato

[pechumori]

Takeru Sato gives the fans a flying kiss before he leaves.  :x
credit: weibo Takeru Sato

[pechumori]

Stage greeting part 2
credit: maidigitv

[RayAmbler7]

Just watched it today! Wooow! :D

[pechumori]

Takeru Sato, Tao Tsuchiya who plays the role of Misao and Director Keishi Otomo during the stage greeting Sept. 23, 2014
credit: Tao Tsuchiya blog

[Maja]

itemprop="itemReviewed" Review – Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends by Tricky Ikki on September 18, 2014  

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

The Legend Ends.

Perfect title for the third installment of the Rurouni Kenshin live action movies. Not because it ends but because it was definitely legen- wait for it… dary, legendary! As a fan of the Samurai X anime this review will feel like it’s a bit biased but rest assured that this will be spoiler free for those who haven’t watched the anime series.

 

This was me the whole time.

 

Okay, to start off, I was a little bit bummed that the film started slow because they wanted to add in some back story before they get into the hardcore stuff. The music will play with your emotions seeing as it will build the tension up and when it peaks, BOOM! Another back story! Ha!

 

First, I was like… Then, I was like…

 

But I get why they did that. It’s to help the viewers who aren’t familiar with the Anime/Manga catch up, and understand some of the plots and stories of the characters.

 

Doesn’t matter, this guy has the douchiest but handsomest face ever.

 

On the plus side, halfway through the movie when the action starts to pick up, it’s definitely worth the freaking wait. The fight choreography was over the top brilliant to the point that this can actually stack up with The Raid series’ fight choreography, no doubt about it. If fighting is to The Raid then sword fighting is to Rurouni Kenshin. It’s that good. I’m not even kidding. It will blow your mind.

 

He’s like Keanu Reeves, The One, but with emotions. Hahaha.

 

The CG works were impressive too. Especially the fire on Makoto Shishio’s sword named Infinite Blade. The other CG works were clean as well; it’s as clean as Mr. Clean’s head. Another thing I would like to point out is the sound effects. You might not notice it that much but if you’re very observant, you will notice how effective it is and how much hard work is put into the sound effects and design, even with the mere sounds of the sword clashes.

 

Yeah, imagine one guy layering the sound of that one by one, HELL!

 

You might have seen on the trailer that the final fight with Shishio Makoto will be a 4-on-1 match instead of the anime version, which is a 1-on-1 match on every level. I personally think that this was a good move on the director’s part because if they followed the anime, there’s a chance that the fight scenes would get repetitive and dragging. They got that going for them. Good job on that!

 

4 guys, 1 mummy.

As a whole movie though, I did feel that it was very much pointed towards the anime fans. There were some side plots that were not included in the film, hence, there were things that would not make sense to those who did not watch the anime. Hey, there’s only so much one movie can handle so don’t expect everything in the anime to show up.

All in all, this is a great film and what better way to end the series than with a feel good movie (although, there was a rumor about a 4th film *fingers crossed* about the history of Kenshin Himura’s scar).

Catch it on September 24, 2014 and be amazed!

Details GenreActionDramaEpicLength

135 Minutes

Plot Synopsis

Kenshin Himura is a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan’s Shogunate in the 19th century. Once feared as ‘Battosai the Killer’, he has adopted a peaceful life since the arrival of the ‘new age’.

But Makoto Shishio, the ‘Shadow Killer’ who succeeded to Kenshin’s position as the deadly assassin, has since then been scheming in the Kyoto underworld. As Shishio knew too much of the dark side of the new government then, he was stabbed and set on fire on the rise of the new age; However, he survived, and wrapped in bandages, has raised an army of disaffected former samurais with the aim of overthrowing the new regime.

Agreeing to a request by the new government to defeat Shishio, Kenshin leaves his beloved ones in Tokyo and sets out for Kyoto. He and Shishio are a match in skill and in wits, but their aims are opposite. Can Kenshin preserve the nation without breaking his vow that he will kill no more?

Production Studios

Warner Bros. and Studio Swan

Positives

Aside from the amazing fight choreography that was already established in the second movie, the brilliant cinematography was a perfect match for it. It really brought out the athleticism of the actors which I might say was nearly perfect. And to top it all off, the sound design was on point, which made the movie more heart felt.

Negatives

As a fan of the anime series, I was a bit disappointed that there were plot holes that were not addressed and some of the side characters were underdeveloped. The missing parts were some of the most memorable parts of the anime and really shows how essential they are to the story. Also, there were added plots that I felt were a bit unnecessary because I think this was only included to add drama to the movie.

Editor RatingActing80%
Plot85%
Costume / Set Design98%
Directing90%
Cinematography95%
Soundtrack95%
Total Score91%
Hover To RateUser RatingActing66%
Plot80%
Costume / Set Design89%
Directing100%
Cinematography99%
Soundtrack99%
User Score3 ratings89%

Bottom Line 

All in all this was a great movie for both anime/manga fans and normal audiences alike because of the director's choice to cater both of them. The perfect ice cream flavor to describe this movie is Choco Vanilla. My favorite ice cream flavor is Cookies and Cream. Close enough.

Source: http://themadsorbetero.com/movies/review-rurouni-kenshin-legend-ends/

[pechumori]

Asian release date of "RUROUNI KENSHIN KYOTO INFERNO/ THE LEGEND ENDS"

【Philippines】
Kyoto Inferno ： 2014/8/20 　The Legend Ends： 2014/9/24
【Singapore】
Kyoto Inferno ： 2014/8/28 　The Legend Ends： 2014/10/2
【Indonesia】
Kyoto Inferno ： 22014/9/10 The Legend Ends： 2014/10/22
【Hong Kong】
Kyoto Inferno ： 2014/9/18 　The Legend Ends： 2014/10/16
【Taiwan】
Kyoto Inferno ： 2014/9/26 　The Legend Ends： 2014/10/24
【Thailand】
Kyoto Inferno ： 2014/10/2 　The Legend Ends： 2014/11/5
【Malaysia】
Kyoto Inferno ： 2014/11/6 　The Legend Ends： 2014/11/20

credit: Rurouni Kenshin るろうに剣心

[pechumori]

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends Movie Review

class="date-header"Thursday, September 18, 2014
If you're going to watch just one live-action adaptation of an anime in your life, you'd do well to watch Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends.
After the events of Kyoto Inferno, Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh) is serendipitously found by Hiko Seijuro (Masaharu Fukuyama), the man who taught him his sword-fighting style. Kenshin will need to train harder than he's ever had before, because he will have to face disgraced ninja Aoshi Shinomori (Yusuke Iseya), the government, and his own fears before he faces off against Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara) in the battle that will determine not just the future of Japan, but whose legend will live on once and for all!
Mad props must be given to director Keishi Otomo, who is given the thankless job of balancing between staying faithful to the anime and giving us an action-packed samurai epic. But the original anime wasn't just a clash of swords...it was a clash of ideologies, with both Kenshin and his enemies trying to prove their worldview with every stroke of the sword. So a lot of the nuances get lost in the attempt to condense 30+ episodes of characterization into a 2-and-a-half hour film.



You notice it in Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends when characters suddenly appear in a scene without logic, or fan-favorite characters (like the Juppongatana, who were introduced with much fanfare during the previous movie) get shoved aside or hurriedly moved along to make way for Kenshin's inevitable fight with Shishio. I may be bold in saying even Aoshi didn't need to be there, for all the good he'll do for the film's story aside from being required to be there in the final fight!
But all of this is just the rambling of an OG Rurouni Kenshin anime fan. Folks who've never seen a single episode of the anime in their life will be a lot more forgiving with the things Otomo omits, mainly because they'll enjoy what he did leave in...action, and lots of it. And this is where The Legend Ends raises the bar and goes all out.

Every sword contact, every close call will leave you literally breathless thanks to Otomo's flair for digging the camera deep into the action. Sanosuke, Saito, and Kenshin's climactic battle against Shishio in particular is a visually stunning sequence, beautiful in its chaos of clashing fighting styles, and I'm not kidding when I say I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!



But really, when all's said and done, The Legend Ends is all about Takeru Satoh and Tatsuya Fujiwara, who both gave career-defining performances. Satoh nailed being both a vulnerable soul and a stone-cold killer as Kenshin, while Fujiwara was scary good as Shishio, who finally gets to let loose in this film to give us the live-action Shishio we deserved. Racked with pain and hacking blood, Fujiwara's Shishio still manages to look like he can wipe the floor with everybody else!



Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends may not fully satisfy the discerning otaku, but it's amazing to watch them attempt it. It may have its faults, but no one can deny that The Legend Ends is highly enjoyable samurai action flick and a fitting and glorious finale to what could be the most successful adaptation of an anime to live-action we've seen. Highly recommended!

credit:  beholdthegeek

[pechumori]

class="at_title"‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends’ Opens #1 In Japan’s Box Office, US Fans Still Hope For Theatrical Release While Rumors Suggest Viz Media Will License Blu-Ray And DVD Release By Staff Writer | September 17, 2014



While the "Rurouni Kenshin" series ended some time ago, Japanese fans of the beloved series continue to show support, this time showing up for the final live-action film release this weekend. "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends" opened number one in the Japanese box office, knocking "Stand By Me Doraemon" off of its long held spot, and successfully fought off "Guardians of the Galaxy." All of this is a definite reason U.S. distributors should consider a stateside release. In fact U.S. fans continue to express desire for some kind of release that they consume, and rumor has it that Viz Media may be in talks to license the films for Blu-ray and DVD.

"Is the US going to get a DVD/Blu-ray copies of this sold in the states or are we going to be skipped over? I don't think that would be fair to all the Rurouni Fans," says Silver Silence in an Anime News Network forum discussing distribution of the popular live action adaptation of "Rurouni Kenshin." While some fans have provided alternative options to access the films, it would appear that overall, U.S. sword fighting lovers would like to show their support with a legitimate release they can purchase.

Perhaps the biggest fans already found a way to show support by making the trip out to Japan to catch the film in theaters. This weekend, according to Box Office Mojo, "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends" opened number one, grossing a little over $8 million at the box office. This film, which is the final installment in the live-action trilogy, follows a successful run from its predecessor, "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno," which debuted at number one as well.

But what is the likelyhood that U.S. fans can expect the franchise stateside? There's a strong possibility that someone will want to cash in on the sword fighting fandom, and given that Warner Bros. has already assisted with distribution, they could easily release the film. On top of this, there is also a rumor floating around forums that Viz Media will license the films for Blu-ray and DVD release.

While no U.S. release has been confirmed, fans who desire an English subtitled version can purchase the "Rurouni Kenshin" films via YesAsia's Hong Kong region one sales. Apart from this, those fans desiring the experience of the action inside of a movie theater may have to keep hoping that Warner Bros. considers the anime fan market as one worth trying for.

credit: kpopstarz

[Maja]

MOVIE REVIEW: Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends

by Mari-an Santos posted on September 22, 2014


Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends delves into soul-searching amidst precisely choreographed fight scenes. This live action adaptation of the manga is rated R-13 by the MTRCB. It will open across the Philippines on September 24. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

Almost as sure as the sun rises in the east, Rurouni Kenshin fans will troop to cinemas to watch the last installment of the live action trilogy. But is it worth watching for members of the general public who were not weaned on the manga or anime?

Even without having watched the first two movies, audiences can still understand the narrative, thanks to flashbacks early in Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, which is set during the Meiji period in Japan.

Kenshin Himura (played by Takeru Satoh), also known as the former assassin Battosai, is torn between his violent past and his eternal burden of atoning for the lives he took.

The second installment of the film, Kyoto Inferno, ended with Kenshin lost at sea and feared dead at the hands of his archenemy and fellow assassin, Makoto Shishio. The fully-bandaged Shishio is played by Tatsuya Fujiwara, familiar to audiences from Battle Royale and Death Note. 


Makoto Shishio

But, of course, our hero with the cross-shaped scar is alive, as seen in the final sequence of Kyoto Inferno.

The Legend Ends begins with the origins of the legendary samurai. The flashback shows a young boy surrounded by dead bodies on a clearing, where he is digging graves for them. A man comes along, his face partially hidden, and speaks to the boy…there is a great slow reveal of Hiko Seijuro, Kenshin Himura’s master. Their conversation establishes a theme that is taken up again and again throughout the movie. It becomes the core of Kenshin’s character development. Yes, there is a lot of soul-searching and exposition on the samurai here, but not much else on other characters in the movie.


Saito, a police officer working for the Meiji government

One thing that the previous sequel lacked is in abundance in The Legend Ends: fast-paced action sequences.

Kenshin, wounded and humiliated from his defeat at the hands of Makoto Shishio and his gang, recuperates in the woods—both physically and psychologically. He ponders his very existence, under the guidance of his master. Their relationship reminds this writer of one involving Jedi in a great Hollywood series. Their fight scenes surrounded by trees, and then, against the backdrop of a bamboo grove, are rhythmic in movements and sounds, colors and shadows. These are just some examples of precisely choreographed and well-directed fight scenes that resonate throughout the movie.


Shinomori Aoshi battles with Kenshin Himura

That being said, the highlight is the fight scene between Kenshin, Shishio, and other worthy opponents (no spoilers here), which had the audience at the premiere of the movie holding their breaths. The special effects with explosions and fire are superb.

One thing noteworthy about the movie is that it does not take all of its fight scenes too seriously. And I don’t mean they’re funny without meaning to be—just without trying too hard. These are evident in the scene when Kenshin is finally captured, as well as those involving comic relief Sanosuke Sagara who manages to keep his humor intact even as he is beaten up to a bloody mess.


Sanosuke Sagara

There are times when the action sequences overshadow the rest of the story. Though a few lines were mentioned about the members of Shishio’s gang, these seemed to just have been thrown in to somehow give them some, albeit very little, humanity. There could have been more character development here.

As a woman, I would have really liked if Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei), could have taken up the sword herself here, as she has been seen to do in the past. Yet, she is relegated to love interest and given little screen time.


Kaoru and Kenshin Himura

Although the twist in the story is not surprising, involving members of the government, it seems very abrupt. Some parts of the story surrounding the scheming, two-faced government officials lack support—or perhaps draw too much on experiences with untrustworthy people in power?

Is it worth your time and money to see Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends during its theatrical release? I believe that whether you are a fan of the series or not, the excellent cinematography and carefully-choreographed fight scenes will keep you entertained as it brings this franchise to its fiery conclusion.

This live action adaptation of the manga is rated R-13 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. It will open across the Philippines on September 24.

Ed's Note: The "PEP Review" section carries the views of individual reviewers, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the PEP editorial staff.

Source: http://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/14505/-movie-review-rurouni-kenshin-the-legend-ends-