This adaptation of a Japanese manga comic is really very good. Unlike many films of this genre, Rurouni Kenshin takes its time and builds up a decent story rather than just throwing us into an endless bloodbath.
In fact, there isn't all that much fighting in the film. What there is though is excellently choreographed and actually contributes to the story, rather than feeling like it was thrown in because it was time for another battle.
I do have one niggle though. The bad guy Jin-e has this special technique (which he goes out of his way to explain is not magic) that is just silly... it just doesn't fit with the whole tone of the rest of the film. Maybe the ruthless "businessman" running the opium trade is a bit over the top too... although that was quite funny in places and lifted the mood when it could have slipped into being too dark.
Niggles aside though, this quite long film (135 minutes) delivers the goods on many levels. It is interesting and exciting. A true hero facing up to his past choices and trying to do the right thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment