Reviewed by Kim Category: OVA
Genre(s): Action / Romance / Drama
Released: 1999
Studio:SPE Visual Works Publisher:ADV Films
Storyline
Basically the first OVA takes place in 19th Century Japan, just before the end of the Tokugawa rule, it is about the tragic and terrible past of Himura Kenshin. This OVA shows the life of a young Kenshin 15 or so as an assassin where he earns the name of "hitokiri battosai." Following his tragic childhood he meets with Hiko Seijuro who saves him from near death and teaches him the fighting style of the Hiten Misurugi. He later leaves his teacher believing he can help change Japan from suffering. Through this philosophy, that he believes so strongly in, he works as a assassin of a rebel clan, misunderstanding that his killing will someday bring peace. Here is where he meets his first wife, Tomoe, and receives that cross scar he carries around on his face. If I tell you more it will spoil the OVA.
Review
I loved the OVA very much and personally I like it better than the TV series. The mood of the OVA is very dark and sadistic. It is completely unlike the TV series and there is practically nothing funny or humorous about this one. The plot is a little bit confusing to follow at first, but one will catch on pretty quick. For me I think I enjoyed it more after watching it a second time.
The OVA is very historically correct and its background and feeling thus bases on this. The scenery and authenticity of the animation is superb. If you think the sword fights of the TV series were good, you will be blown away in the OVA for the animation and flow of the fight scenes as well as the overall movement of the characters, which are very well portrayed. The music used for this was very moving and exceeded the requirements to match the animation. Although there were moments when CG images were put in and personally they didn't seem to fit very well, for those of you who have watched the OVA will know exactly what I mean.
I give this 5 out of 5 for its complex yet compelling story and wonderful animation as well as the awesome music used. I have also watched it in the dubbed version, but because it was hard to bear I had to switch to the Japanese within 5 mins of the show.
-- Kim
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