Watch Rurouni Kenshin - Part I: Origins

Rurouni Kenshin - Part I: Origins (Original Japanese Version) is a Japanese period action-adventure film released in 2012. The movie is directed by Keishi Ohtomo and stars Emi Takei as Kaoru Kamiya and Takeru Satoh as Kenshin Himura. The film is based on the popular manga and anime series Rurouni Kenshin. The movie follows the story of Kenshin Himura, a legendary assassin during the Meiji Restauration in Japan. After years of bloodshed and violence, Kenshin turns his back on his old life and becomes a wanderer, carrying a reverse-blade sword as a symbol of his peaceful intentions. He meets Kaoru Kamiya, the owner of a dojo in Tokyo, who teaches sword fighting to students. Kenshin is initially mistaken for the legendary assassin Hitokiri Battosai, a name that he thought he had left behind, but he soon proves his good intentions.

However, his peaceful existence is threatened by the arrival of members of the Shinsegumi, a special police force that was established during the Meiji era in Japan. The Shinsegumi is led by Hajime Saito, a formidable swordsman and former rival of Kenshin's. Saito suspects that Kenshin is responsible for a string of murders and decides to investigate further. Meanwhile, another former enemy of Kenshin, Jin-e Udo, appears in Tokyo, posing a deadly threat to those around him.

As the plot unfolds, Kenshin learns that he must use his skills once again to protect those he cares about. He is forced to face his past and the people he left behind, including Tomoe, a woman he loved during his days as Battosai. Kenshin must also confront the demons of his past, including memories of the atrocities he committed as an assassin.

One of the central themes of the movie is the struggle between violence and non-violence. Kenshin, as a former assassin, must grapple with his past actions and find a way to live a non-violent life. However, he is constantly reminded of the violent world he left behind and must decide when to use force to protect those he cares about.

The movie is set during the Meiji Restoration, a period of Japanese history characterized by social and political upheaval. As such, the film deals with issues such as the clash between traditional Japanese culture and Western influence. This is seen in the conflict between Kaoru Kamiya, who advocates for traditional sword fighting techniques, and her rival, an American businessman who promotes the use of guns.

Visually, the movie is stunning. The cinematography and fight choreography are both impressive and help to convey the intensity of the action sequences. In particular, the final battle between Kenshin and Jin-e Udo is a highlight of the film.

The performances of the actors are also noteworthy. Takeru Satoh does an excellent job of portraying Kenshin as a conflicted and complex character. Emi Takei is equally impressive as Kaoru Kamiya, bringing depth and humanity to her portrayal of the character.

Overall, Rurouni Kenshin - Part I: Origins (Original Japanese Version) is a well-crafted action-adventure film that is sure to satisfy fans of the manga and anime series. The film is a faithful adaptation of the source material, while also standing on its own as a thrilling and engaging movie.