The live action RuroKen movies

[Solana]

Anyone else been watching them? I have all three and started the third this morning. (Rough morning with headaches, so I usually take it easy and watch movies with ice packs and tea.) It's... difficult watching, thinking of Nobuhiro Watsuki's crimes, but I'm trying to remember that the actors and producers had nothing to do with it.

The music is amazing- epic in the right places, not over done. I'm very, very fond of Asian music and adored the 'Okami' soundtrack. It's been a very powerful part of the experience.

But the swordfighting… my God, it's like a brilliant dance. I've always loved the beauty of martial arts and skills in weaponry, and prefer watching a well choreographed match over a story's slaughtering and destruction. (Case in point- I love the fights in Pirates of the Caribbean but gloss over the attack on Port Royal.) There have been changes in the storylines to fit things together in the movie, but they're well done and done for a reason.

It's also reminding me that one day I want to study Japanese and go spend some time in Japan. (I'd thought of adding a stop in Japan on my Asia trip for a while, but it would have been too much. I did look out the window when we were flying over it, so have seen some of its mountains with my own eyes.)

[DarkKnight]

There are two more that just came out, part of the same series with the same cast. One is based on the Jinchu arc, the other is a prequel about Kenshin's origins. They're on Netflix.

(Haven't seen them yet, in part because of a hectic move, in part because...well...)

[Solana]

Only one for Jinchu? Hmmmm, I'm interested in seeing how they did it, but still...

[Solana]

It was amazing, is how it was. The storyline felt a lot smoother, like the writers had hit their stride in shrinking a multi-volume storyline into a single movie.

Because of time constraints, the Jinchu here didn't have as much time to hit Kenshin as hard, but they did a great job with the time they had. The fight scenes are a masterpiece, and Misao got to kick a lot more ass here than she did in the past. My favorite to watch is Aoshi, and I would absolutely love to learn his style. The beauty of the movements almost takes my breath away. Sano takes a bit of a backseat, as does Yahiko, but I'm okay with that. Enishi was cast very well, and his introduction definitely proved he's a formidable opponent.

DarkKnight did tell me that there was a surprise. It was one I didn't see coming, and I was delighted. That's all I'll say.

Definitely worth picking up. WONDERFUL early birthday present. And I still have the beginning one to enjoy.