Reviewed by Kim Category: OVA
Genre(s): Action / Drama / Historical Settings
Released: 2001
Studio:Studio Deen Publisher:ADV Films
The Storyline
The second Kenshin OVA portrays the ending that was missed in the TV series. Kenshin is married to Kaoru and has a son with her by the name of Kenji. It is the 29th year of the Meiji era. Eighteen years have passed since the battle with Yukushiro Enishi. Kenshin still searches for atonement, therefor, even though he is unable to wield his sword any longer he still travels and helps the sick and needy. During this time all Kaoru can do is wait for his return and watch over their son. Kenji in result dislikes his father for leaving them all the time and goes to Hiko Seijuro (yes, he is still alive and still looks young as ever even though he is in his 40s...) to learn the Hiten Misurugi sword style. You will meet most of the characters that appeared in the TV series, of course they are all older (Sanosuke's appearance was a complete shocker...not that is was bad or anything and Yahiko is so cool in this). If I tell you more of the storyline I will probably spoil it...but be PREPARED for a sad yet complete ending.
Review
As a fan of the RK series I was very much excited when I had heard the 2nd OVA was to come out. But after I watched it I felt sad yet completed. As I mentioned before, most of the characters in the TV series show up in this OVA and look a lot older (except for Hiko Seijuro who obviously seems to never age). I personally liked this one a lot although the ending was sad, but honestly this will probably be as real as an ending will ever get and in some ways I feel contentment in how it was done. This OVA was a definate tear-jerker and the music played fit very comfortably with the animation.
The art and color scheme for the 2nd OVA is a lot lighter than the 1st OVA. The artwork and animation is nonetheless superb and very well done. Even with the short span of time, it utilized it very well and had flashbacks and the present very well mixed. I also think that the character designs on the 2nd OVA is much closer to the manga than the first and also continues further than the manga and puts RK completely to the end.
I give this 5 out of 5 for the awesome animation, plotting, and usage of sound and music that fit the theme very well.
-- Kim
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