This is a classic to me, growing up as a 10yr old watching toonami and watching this orginally gave me chills and further developed my love for anime. The first episode is real nostalgic and made me remember when I used to pick up a broomstick and act like a samurai. To see this captured in modern animation is flawless. They played it safe in episode one with some minor changes in story but I'm happy they did. There will hopefully be a new generation of watchers seeing this for the first time and I hope it tells the story wonderfully. I will a major watcher of this show. I cannot wait to see what is coming next! A must watch!
17 Reviews
Great re-imagining, but..
tylersumey18 January 2024
The voices are all wrong. Otherwise, it's great. The newer production detail really shows, and feels fresh.
However, it was very disappointing when characters talk. It simultaneously saddens and annoys me, and that's why I have it a 7/10. It would be an 8 or 9 if I got further into the story. If the characters were at least relative to the originals, it wouldn't take me out of the immersion. Meanwhile, all of the original English cast are all alive and very active in the voice acting industry to this day, so it's confusing why they chose to replace the entire cast.
The situation feels quite similar to how Attack on Titan made me feel. When AoT was made by the original studio literally the entire production, and then switched studios for the final season. Suddenly, the art style changed quite aggressively, and I was confused most of the time because I had no idea which characters were on-screen anymore until the characters used each other's names. The way I feel is if I went blind, I would have no idea who I'm listening to on the new Kenshin.
Most people seem to love it for the nostalgia, but the story doesn't feel the same without the powerful actors behind the characters.
However, it was very disappointing when characters talk. It simultaneously saddens and annoys me, and that's why I have it a 7/10. It would be an 8 or 9 if I got further into the story. If the characters were at least relative to the originals, it wouldn't take me out of the immersion. Meanwhile, all of the original English cast are all alive and very active in the voice acting industry to this day, so it's confusing why they chose to replace the entire cast.
The situation feels quite similar to how Attack on Titan made me feel. When AoT was made by the original studio literally the entire production, and then switched studios for the final season. Suddenly, the art style changed quite aggressively, and I was confused most of the time because I had no idea which characters were on-screen anymore until the characters used each other's names. The way I feel is if I went blind, I would have no idea who I'm listening to on the new Kenshin.
Most people seem to love it for the nostalgia, but the story doesn't feel the same without the powerful actors behind the characters.
Lost part of the soul
jonasmatos-4998814 April 2024
The text is more coherent but very explanatory, almost obvious.
Kenshin is definitely more haughty, in the first episodes he is even a little arrogant, taking away the charm of the super humble wanderer.
Animation slightly updated but without surprising improvements.
But the biggest loss of all is the soundtrack. In addition to the completely dull opening and ending (when the originals were outstanding), you don't hear anything during the anime. No classical Japanese music or instrumentals demarcating the era, and nothing exciting. I don't like the acceleration of events, it also gives in to a generation Z culture, taking away the charm of shifting time and space to a historical era. It lacks the soul of the Japanese flute, the cuts of peaceful scenery and water fountains.
Another loss is the voices, especially for Brazil. It's not too bad because Kenshin hasn't changed that much but he's very youthful. Sano's voice was iconic. For now we await greater cohesion in the main arc of Kyoto hell, and the animated sequel to the manga. Maybe the remake of Seiso-hen.
Kenshin is definitely more haughty, in the first episodes he is even a little arrogant, taking away the charm of the super humble wanderer.
Animation slightly updated but without surprising improvements.
But the biggest loss of all is the soundtrack. In addition to the completely dull opening and ending (when the originals were outstanding), you don't hear anything during the anime. No classical Japanese music or instrumentals demarcating the era, and nothing exciting. I don't like the acceleration of events, it also gives in to a generation Z culture, taking away the charm of shifting time and space to a historical era. It lacks the soul of the Japanese flute, the cuts of peaceful scenery and water fountains.
Another loss is the voices, especially for Brazil. It's not too bad because Kenshin hasn't changed that much but he's very youthful. Sano's voice was iconic. For now we await greater cohesion in the main arc of Kyoto hell, and the animated sequel to the manga. Maybe the remake of Seiso-hen.
Kenshin is back!
youthguy-886-10985428 August 2023
This is a fantastic looking new appearance of an old friend. The updated graphics are incredible and I love how faithfully that are sticking to the story. I can't wait to see each and every episode. And I am ecstatic that Kenshin is available to this new generation. I hope they will love him and his story as much as I do. I'm super excited to see the new animation take on some of the more fantastic fights and storylines! I'm so glad Kenshin and the gang is back!!
It definitely kinda sucks that they're releasing one week at a time, but it also gives me something to look forward to, so I can't complain too much!
It definitely kinda sucks that they're releasing one week at a time, but it also gives me something to look forward to, so I can't complain too much!
Tears were coming out of my eyes
LuisPunisher6 July 2023
Rurouni Kenshin, or Samurai X, is one of my favorite fictional stories, not just anime/manga. The anime of the nineties totally marked my generation, it is an epic with a very deep message, historical accuracy and great action.
This remake, based on the first episode, left me with very good impressions. Everything seems to indicate that it will be a completely faithful version of the original story, which is to be appreciated since said story is perfect. The animation and voice acting in general are very well done.
There is only one negative detail that I want to comment on, to my personal taste, the opening theme is horrible! It doesn't match anything with the style of the anime, it's a shame because the openings of the classic anime were very good. I was about to lower a note of the score for that, but the truth is a rather minor detail.
I'm glad that the new generations can now enjoy and learn from Kenshin Himura's philosophy, let's hope that everything continues on the right track and that they at least end up adapting all the content of the manga.
This remake, based on the first episode, left me with very good impressions. Everything seems to indicate that it will be a completely faithful version of the original story, which is to be appreciated since said story is perfect. The animation and voice acting in general are very well done.
There is only one negative detail that I want to comment on, to my personal taste, the opening theme is horrible! It doesn't match anything with the style of the anime, it's a shame because the openings of the classic anime were very good. I was about to lower a note of the score for that, but the truth is a rather minor detail.
I'm glad that the new generations can now enjoy and learn from Kenshin Himura's philosophy, let's hope that everything continues on the right track and that they at least end up adapting all the content of the manga.
Love Love Love
k20121537 July 2023
True to the manga...almost perfect except for the opening theme!!! Why oh why?! Hope they will not get the same artist or same genre for the op. Song in the next seasons.
And... crossing my fingers that the animation will be consistent all throughout.
Still is my favorite anime, made me very happy since it's been a while since I enjoyed one, glad they made a reboot and I'm looking forward to the Shishio and Enishi arcs.
Kenshin is love love love! Yaasssssss! This is how happy I am. Hahaha. Hope it will be appreciated by the generation today...where most animes are isekai related... it's time for a break.
And... crossing my fingers that the animation will be consistent all throughout.
Still is my favorite anime, made me very happy since it's been a while since I enjoyed one, glad they made a reboot and I'm looking forward to the Shishio and Enishi arcs.
Kenshin is love love love! Yaasssssss! This is how happy I am. Hahaha. Hope it will be appreciated by the generation today...where most animes are isekai related... it's time for a break.
Just wait...
Scarlet-Tengu27 October 2023
Consider Full Metal Alchemist. The first anime adaptation was pretty good. Then after it ended, they came out with Brotherhood a few years later, and I think a lot of people were questioning why a remake was necessary, especially since the first few episodes seemed a bit too rushed in comparison to the original adaptation. But by the time you get to the point where the original adaptation diverged from the manga, hardly anyway says they prefer the original anime to Brotherhood.
I'm predicting it will be the same case with this new adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. The original 90's anime was very good, especially for its time, and I can see why a lot of people are still preferring it to this remake. But unfortunately, after the Kyoto arc, it ran out of manga material to adapt, and the quality of the anime storyline really took a nosedive as it divulged completely into filler content. Plus, the final Enishi arc from the manga is arguably the best part of the whole story, so the fact that we never got to see this represented through the anime, and live out the true conclusion of Rurouni Kenshin is a tragedy. I'm really hoping this new adaptation will be able to produce the entire manga storyline.
For now, with the earlier parts of the story, it's hard to see much of an improvement. The animation is really very beautiful, but not a great deal better than the original which was kind of ahead of its time. Fight scenes are good but not necessarily as detailed or as exciting as the original ones. The focus seems to be more on sword slashes and light streaks than actual footwork and movement. I'm hoping this will improve as the story goes on. Characterizations are much better though, which I think is currently this anime's biggest strength. They made some weird choices with the original anime and while the filler episodes weren't completely terrible, they disrupted the flow of the story and kind of messed up the motivations and actions of the different characters. Karou in particular and Yahiko are much more accurate and likeable in this version I think.
The Jin-e arc was really the stand out moment so far. The final fight scene where we see Kenshin revert to his Battousai persona was chilling. Very good acting and animation there. The differences between Rurouni and Battousai were much more apparent in this adaptation I think. I remember feeling like Battousai in the 90's anime was just an angrier version of the regular Kenshin. This Battousai seems like a completely different character though.
I was also pleased that they did the Raijuta and Yutaro arc closer to manga cannon this time. The changes they made in the original were a bit bizarre and pointless. I'm also glad to see they didn't cut Maekawa and his dojo this time around.
I'm really excited to see where the rest of the story goes. I think a lot will be riding on the fight with Saito, since I know that's a favorite moment from the original anime. As long as they don't screw that part up and give the moment the gravitas it deserves, I think this adaptation will be golden.
I'm predicting it will be the same case with this new adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. The original 90's anime was very good, especially for its time, and I can see why a lot of people are still preferring it to this remake. But unfortunately, after the Kyoto arc, it ran out of manga material to adapt, and the quality of the anime storyline really took a nosedive as it divulged completely into filler content. Plus, the final Enishi arc from the manga is arguably the best part of the whole story, so the fact that we never got to see this represented through the anime, and live out the true conclusion of Rurouni Kenshin is a tragedy. I'm really hoping this new adaptation will be able to produce the entire manga storyline.
For now, with the earlier parts of the story, it's hard to see much of an improvement. The animation is really very beautiful, but not a great deal better than the original which was kind of ahead of its time. Fight scenes are good but not necessarily as detailed or as exciting as the original ones. The focus seems to be more on sword slashes and light streaks than actual footwork and movement. I'm hoping this will improve as the story goes on. Characterizations are much better though, which I think is currently this anime's biggest strength. They made some weird choices with the original anime and while the filler episodes weren't completely terrible, they disrupted the flow of the story and kind of messed up the motivations and actions of the different characters. Karou in particular and Yahiko are much more accurate and likeable in this version I think.
The Jin-e arc was really the stand out moment so far. The final fight scene where we see Kenshin revert to his Battousai persona was chilling. Very good acting and animation there. The differences between Rurouni and Battousai were much more apparent in this adaptation I think. I remember feeling like Battousai in the 90's anime was just an angrier version of the regular Kenshin. This Battousai seems like a completely different character though.
I was also pleased that they did the Raijuta and Yutaro arc closer to manga cannon this time. The changes they made in the original were a bit bizarre and pointless. I'm also glad to see they didn't cut Maekawa and his dojo this time around.
I'm really excited to see where the rest of the story goes. I think a lot will be riding on the fight with Saito, since I know that's a favorite moment from the original anime. As long as they don't screw that part up and give the moment the gravitas it deserves, I think this adaptation will be golden.
Re-animated my first love towards anime
niloyxtreame5 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was truly excited when i heard about re animation of Rurouni kenshin. From the first episode, I felt some discomfort while watching it. I found out that this anime lacks facial expression. The real one was too much fun. It had good expressions.
Then I realized that there was no hint of Dr. Gensai, Ayame and Suzume. I am really missing them. I don't know if they will come in future episodes or not. If they come, i will change my rating a bit.
The story have changed a little bit in some way but the real one from 1994 was too good.
Last of all, the soundtracks. I thought they are going to bring back the old famous tracks. But I didn't feel any attraction towards these soundtracks.
Then I realized that there was no hint of Dr. Gensai, Ayame and Suzume. I am really missing them. I don't know if they will come in future episodes or not. If they come, i will change my rating a bit.
The story have changed a little bit in some way but the real one from 1994 was too good.
Last of all, the soundtracks. I thought they are going to bring back the old famous tracks. But I didn't feel any attraction towards these soundtracks.
The reboot I've always wanted!
sailorchiron-2237930 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This anime is almost exactly like the wonderful manga of the same name. They kicked out all the unnecessary changes from the first anime. I can't wait to see more episodes; hopefully we'll get the whole story this time with no fillers.
I'm especially longing for the jinchuu arc with the remembrance arc in it. Seeing Tomoe in a close adaptation will be awesome. The OVA with her in it was okay, but wasn't really in the true spirit of the manga.
IMO, in the original anime Kenshin was too light and fluffy, and in the OVA he was too dark. His true character has elements of both.
I really hope people will give this a chance, whether or not they saw the original series.
I'm especially longing for the jinchuu arc with the remembrance arc in it. Seeing Tomoe in a close adaptation will be awesome. The OVA with her in it was okay, but wasn't really in the true spirit of the manga.
IMO, in the original anime Kenshin was too light and fluffy, and in the OVA he was too dark. His true character has elements of both.
I really hope people will give this a chance, whether or not they saw the original series.
Excellent!!!
mthkhabhir7 July 2023
I can't believe I'm re living my childhood memories. Samurai X was/is my first anime and I never liked any other. I searched the internet in 2009 so that I can complete it and I have kept it since then. Even passed it down to my nephews and they so much loved it. I so much loved it that I still remember the names of all his fighting techniques. I welcome the idea of a slight but not too much changes in the old storyline. The animation is excellent and not to talk of the action is smooth. This is a must watch for me and my nephews.
Wish the could reuse the old songs but I don't care as long as it is Battossai 😂😂😂
Wish the could reuse the old songs but I don't care as long as it is Battossai 😂😂😂
Painful
nickeltingupta13 July 2023
I tried going in with an open mind into this but having very recently watched the original one (for the first time) I couldn't help but compare. I have not read the manga.
It was actually very disturbing for me to watch this - the art is horrible, faces have been animated quite badly (compare, for example, Kaoru-dono's face) and most seriously, the BGM is crappy. Above all, the soul and feel of the OG is missing in the remake - believe me when I say that it was the soul and feel of the OG that made it such a great anime.
For some reason, a couple of story points may have been explained better here, hence I didn't rate it 1/10. They took away the magic and old-world/classic charm of Kenshin - for that I do not forgive them.
To be fair, I'll watch a few more episodes and if something improves I'll update here but until then, curses be upon the creators of this abomination.
Update after Edit 2 : the story seems more fleshed out in this version and a couple of points that are never addressed in the original version are discussed too - hence, upgrading the rating to 3/10.
It was actually very disturbing for me to watch this - the art is horrible, faces have been animated quite badly (compare, for example, Kaoru-dono's face) and most seriously, the BGM is crappy. Above all, the soul and feel of the OG is missing in the remake - believe me when I say that it was the soul and feel of the OG that made it such a great anime.
For some reason, a couple of story points may have been explained better here, hence I didn't rate it 1/10. They took away the magic and old-world/classic charm of Kenshin - for that I do not forgive them.
To be fair, I'll watch a few more episodes and if something improves I'll update here but until then, curses be upon the creators of this abomination.
Update after Edit 2 : the story seems more fleshed out in this version and a couple of points that are never addressed in the original version are discussed too - hence, upgrading the rating to 3/10.
Rurouni Kenshin
koponom16 February 2024
Rurouni Kenshin is one of best my fafourite anime tv serie. Storyline: Ten years have passed since the end of Bakumatsu, an era of war that saw the uprising of citizens against the Tokugawa shogunate. The revolutionaries wanted to create a time of peace, and a thriving country free from oppression. The new age of Meiji has come, but peace has not yet been achieved. Swords are banned but people are still murdered in the streets. Orphans of war veterans are left with nowhere to go, while the government seems content to just line their pockets with money.
Like this anime RK anime a lot. It so far is looking better than the original, and I hope that continues from start to end. I'm obviously hoping for no fillers. Aside from the first episode, the other three seem to combine two Chapters of the manga into one episode. Also, this new anime seems to be following the manga more closely. Instead of giving that one goon the Bobby Hill treatment (i.e. "That's my purse! I don't know you!") Yahiko instead bites his third leg.
Like this anime RK anime a lot. It so far is looking better than the original, and I hope that continues from start to end. I'm obviously hoping for no fillers. Aside from the first episode, the other three seem to combine two Chapters of the manga into one episode. Also, this new anime seems to be following the manga more closely. Instead of giving that one goon the Bobby Hill treatment (i.e. "That's my purse! I don't know you!") Yahiko instead bites his third leg.
Like this anime RK anime a lot. It so far is looking better than the original, and I hope that continues from start to end. I'm obviously hoping for no fillers. Aside from the first episode, the other three seem to combine two Chapters of the manga into one episode. Also, this new anime seems to be following the manga more closely. Instead of giving that one goon the Bobby Hill treatment (i.e. "That's my purse! I don't know you!") Yahiko instead bites his third leg.
Like this anime RK anime a lot. It so far is looking better than the original, and I hope that continues from start to end. I'm obviously hoping for no fillers. Aside from the first episode, the other three seem to combine two Chapters of the manga into one episode. Also, this new anime seems to be following the manga more closely. Instead of giving that one goon the Bobby Hill treatment (i.e. "That's my purse! I don't know you!") Yahiko instead bites his third leg.
Whether the 2023 version is superior to the original
Mysterygeneration14 January 2024
The 2019 assignment was to adapt Mugen no Juunin, a renowned manga from the early 1990s by Hiroaki Samura, for Liden Films. The initial anime adaptation was a terrible 2008 version of Bee Train, which was re-adapted in 2019 for Amazon Prime. The outcome was unsatisfactory, featuring a hurried pace, subpar animation, and low production quality. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan by Nobuhiro Watsuki was recreated by Liden Films four years later. The original work was published in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994 to 1999. Whether the 2023 version is superior to the original or not is a contentious question when comparing it to the 90s version.
Loving this so far
flowerchildjam13 January 2024
The original anime adaptation was great, it's the first adaptation of Kenshin that I fell in love with. Then, I watched the movies with Satoh Takeru were awesome. Satoh will Always be the best live action Kenshin and Battousai. I was itching and hoping for a newer version anime for Kenshin. I haven't read the manga, but I understand they strayed pretty far from the source material in the 1996 series. Im hoping with this new version, they'll stay true to Kenshin's story and have more of a balance of characters. Im on episode 11, and so far there's more chemistry between Kenshin and Kaoru, Kenshin and Sano and all together the bond between all of them as friends. The Jin-e arch was amazing in this version, gave me chills seeing him revert to Battousai. Which, I think the actor they chose for the sub version does an incredible job as Kenshin and Battousai. Overall, I think this is a worthy, and very very good remake.
Kenshin is peak shonen.
davidgutierrez-318024 May 2024
As a manga reader, I love shonen and watching anime. This series was the beginning of my manga reading journey, and as a long-term manga reader, the first time experience is the best but in the long-term you will have a sense and taste of artwork that will be provided to you throughout different mangas for me "Rurouni kenshin" stood out, it had it all, mind blowing paneling, the artwork and dialog was satisfying to look at and read through with these amazing fights with really badass characters with amazing motivation that delivers with a great moments in finding out more about the characters and having them engage in moments of life and death are beautiful that I say. Overall, I love the anime so much with its style and all. It's obviously different from the 90s work because we're in the future now, and it's not the 90s anymore. I hope it keeps going until we have a complete kenshin series from beginning to end. Keep up the excellent work.
A downgrade of an original masterpiece
akinu-7896226 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Rurouni kenshin is in my mount Rushmore of animes, saw the original and was gripped with the art shadows, the pressure of the OST which instilled danger in me when was playing and the grittiness of the fights.
There was NO NEED to a revamp of this series, but by doing so we were at least expecting and upgrade to the work previously made by the Studio Gallop team.
This new series it is now, like the dragon ball super initial episodes, the art is poor and badly made full of bugs everywhere like distorted faces and the OST is not really there anymore.
I will give it a pass on the colouring and the pace that is faster, but overall I'm a bit disappointed with this remake. Hopefully like the later DBSuper episodes, the Shishio ark will compensate all the issues we've seen so far.
There was NO NEED to a revamp of this series, but by doing so we were at least expecting and upgrade to the work previously made by the Studio Gallop team.
This new series it is now, like the dragon ball super initial episodes, the art is poor and badly made full of bugs everywhere like distorted faces and the OST is not really there anymore.
I will give it a pass on the colouring and the pace that is faster, but overall I'm a bit disappointed with this remake. Hopefully like the later DBSuper episodes, the Shishio ark will compensate all the issues we've seen so far.
Unnecessary.
ryansemail28 September 2023
I don't get all the raving reviews or the brutal criticisms. This is literally the same story over and over again. We had the manga. We had the anime. We had the anime movie. We had the live action movies. This unabashedly draws direct elements from all of them and is in no way original or necessary, in my personal opinion. It's like a high school kid read/watched all the Kenshin media, then decided to make their own amalgamated version of it all. I don't think it's terrible by any means. Especially if you've never seen any Kenshin/Samurai X media, it may be rather entertaining. But why was it made? It adds nothing of value to the franchise that I can see. It's just retelling the same story in a style that's already been done. Go watch the original anime, or the live action movies. This just comes off as another pointless reiteration, on par with all the dumpster Disney live action remakes. Certainly not as bad as that recycled Disney garbage I've seen, but equally as pointless and worthless. Maybe I'm missing something, this is all just my humble and admittedly ignorant opinion.
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