Samurai X: O Fim (2021)

The End

Rurouni Kenshin: The Final is the fourth and penultimate entry to the live-action adaptation series based on the Rurouni Kenshin manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The final adaptation, Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning has already been released in Japan while the international release will follow soon after, so hopefully we won’t have to wait long for that.

Most of the production team remain the same, comprising the screenwriter-director, cinematographer, composer and costume designer who were involved in the previous 3 instalments. Therefore, we get pretty much the same high-level quality of production and technical execution. Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei reprise their roles of Himura Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru respectively while Mackenyu Maeda joins the main cast as the primary antagonist, Yukishiro Enishi.

The plot this time revolves around revenge arising from events that transpire in Kenshin’s backstory, the brief revelation of which shall form the basis of the main story for the fifth and final instalment. Themes of love, vengeance and atonement are explored to the fullest as part of the melodramatic undertone throughout. Regular supporting characters take a backseat while the major developments and interactions are focused on the 3 main characters.

Though the plotline is minimalist and simplistic, there are certain unanswered questions that arise during the storytelling which, in the end, do not really matter or impact on the overall conclusion. The closure is clearly defined and, regardless of what happens in the sequel, this is pretty much the end of the Rurouni Kenshin saga. Perhaps certain elements could have been fleshed out more but, all things considered, I’m satisfied with how things turned out amidst the poetic nuances.

As far as the acting is concerned, Mackenyu Maeda’s Yukishiro Enishi gives a compelling portrayal of the tormented soul, despite the seemingly anachronistic vibes (his entire team appears steampunk). There isn’t much more to say about Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei - they already embody the characters that were essentially written for them.

The action, as usual, does not disappoint at all. The choreography of the sword fights and stunts is truly insane and literally takes your breath away. The final duel is one of the best I've seen in recent memory while the multiple "boss-fights" are equally astonishing. Even the closest recent comparison, Swordsman (starring Jang Hyuk) pales in comparison to this amazing spectacle of physics-defying human feats.

At the end of the day, if you’ve been following the Rurouni Kenshin series, then you have to watch the conclusion to the series through this production. For those who are new to the story, if you enjoy action and sword fights, this movie will not let you down.

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