Samurai X Reflection: Director`s Cut (2001)
Animation Production: Studio DEEN
Released by: ADV Films
Running Time: 98 Minutes
By Kakumei Shojo

Introduction

The premise - The conclusion of the Television series (Rurouni Kenshin) and OVAS (Samurai X) told mainly from Kaoru's point of view 15 years after Kenshin first departs

Synopsis

Tormented by the faces of those lives he destroyed as the Hitokiri Battousai (Sword Bearing Master Assassin), Kenshin leaves his beloved home. In order to atone for his bloody past, Kenshin puts down his Sakaba (reverse bladed sword) and travels the country to help those left behind in the wake of war. But Kenshin is burdened by a guilt that lies much deeper than the cross-shaped scar upon his face. Not even his friends, nor his beloved Kaoru can relieve that burden. And so, a grief stricken Kaoru is once again forced to patiently wait for Kenshin to find the peace he has been desperately seeking for so many years...

Review

At long last the ending that should have been is finally revealed. For those unfamiliar with Kenshin Nobuhiro Watsuki, creator of Kenshin stopped making episodes after the Shishiou saga. Fully intending to go back and adapt the manga, Watsuki san never got the chance. Sadly, the series was cancelled. Several years later, the OVAS (Samurai X in the US) were released to tell the conclusion of the creator's vision.

If this is a series you are thinking of getting into, make sure to watch up through the Shishiou arc in the TV series. In total, the entire series is a daunting 96 episodes with one lost episode. However, what the creator adapted from the manga and intended for his audience to see was the story up through the Shishiou Arc. I recommend watching the TV series up until that point because it is phenomenal. The characters are multi-faceted, thus making them very true to life. You will find yourself sympathizing with them through their hardships, and respecting them for their perseverance and strength. Even if Kenshin is not your favorite you will find a character to relate to. Even Kenshin's adversaries are admirable or sympathetic to some degree. There really is no black and white in Kenshin. Every person is fighting for what they believe in, and whether its right or wrong, everyone is steadfast in their beliefs. The fight sequences are incredible. Throughout the beautifully animated and intense battles the characters not only learn their enemies better, but also themselves. Based on historical events and characters, Rurouni Kenshin has something in it for everyone.

The TV series (and manga) begins with Kenshin meeting Kaoru for the first time. Certain events of Kenshin's past are revealed through flashbacks, but none are told in great detail until the OVAS.

Just so there is no confusion, there were 2 DVDs initially released called Trust and Betrayal. Personally, I recommend getting the director's cut of The OVAS called Director's Cut Trust & Betrayal, which combines the two separate DVDS into one. The OVAS begin right after this moment in the TV series, and reveal all of Kenshin's past, and then the present, after he leaves.

The OVA called Reflection (This DVD) is a movie. Its about 2 hours long and concludes the entire story to Kenshin as desired by the creator.

Just like the first OVA, Reflections is mainly from Kaoru's point of view. Everything is told as flashbacks from Kaoru's memory. Certain experiences she had with Kenshin or their friends and adversaries are retold through her eyes, as well as Kenshin's bloody and heart-wrenching past; something that Kaoru had to come to terms with. We also get to see the simple yet profound connection she and Kenshin share, and how deep their understanding, love and respect is for one another.

There are alot of subtle moments with characters that will make no sense if you have not read the manga or seen the TV series. For those who have, the OVAS are incredible! You will see the other side of the story as told from Kaoru, Yahiko, or Sanosuke's perspective.

While the Kenshin TV series during many moments is dark, it is nothing in comparison to the OVAS. To compliment the tone a very different style was used for both OVAS. It is a much more gritty, realistic style that still captures the spirit and personality of the characters. The colors are subtle, subdued, either darks or pale pastels. Character designer Akira Matsushima and director Kazuhiro Furuhashi (also the director for the TV series) do a masterful job at beginning and ending this dark legend. At first, I thought the drastic change in style from the TV series was not going to appeal to me. I was wrong. Since the story takes on a much more realistic tone I feel Matsushima san's character design is very appropriate. The direction is simply put- AMAZING! Furuhashi san uses a very realistic, but yet artistic style to tell the story. Furuhashi san also does a fantastic job at keeping the same feel of the TV series and translating it seamlessly into the OVAS. And, like the TV series the fight sequences are definitely impressive. However, in Reflection they are too few and far between. Unlike the first OVA Trust and Betrayal, which is composed mainly of extremely gory battle sequences, Reflection does not focus on battle, but rather the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru. The emotional moments between Kenshin and Kaoru are wonderfully illustrated and touching. For what the focus and intention was for this OVA I don't think it could have been more beautifully executed.

As for voice acting I watched the Japanese dub. The same cast used in the TV series was used in the OVAS. Everyone does a superb job. Some people may not know this, but Mayo Suzukaze, Kenshin's VA is a woman. At times, it is apparent, but I can't think of a more appropriate VA for the role. Suzukaze san is fantastic! Utilizing an extensive range of emotion that demonstrates the turmoil of Kenshin and the Hitokiri Battousai, Suzukaze san is very believable. Her performance brings Kenshin to life so well, and I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to share so many intense moments with Kaoru's VA Miki Fujitani. Each voice actor gets the opportunity to demonstrate a broad range of personality and emotion, and everyone does so extremely well.

Complimenting the fantastic VA work is the orchestral score provided by Taku Iwasaki. This sweeping, dramatic, emotionally charged music sets the perfect mood for the story. The use of strings adds a rich quality to the background, thus providing a powerful musical presence.

Overall, I was pretty impressed in the extras category. You get your usuals- clean opener and closer, production sketches, and ADV previews of new series. There are also interviews with the Japanese cast, and Commentary by the American VAs for Kenshin, Sano, and Kaoru. These are very interesting to watch. You really get to see how the VAS feel about their characters and about Kenshin in general.

Final Thoughts

I am so happy to finally see the ending of Kenshin that should have been. After watching the TV series (all 96 episodes) I felt cheated. I felt like I watched this incredibly long, grandiose series, fell in love with these characters, and celebrated and suffered with them through their triumphs and tribulations for nothing. There was no conclusion. No aftermath. The OVA Reflection provides that ending I have been waiting for! While not cheery and happy by any means, this incredibly moving, powerful conclusion could not have been more suitable.

The Kenshin OVAs, while very different from the style of the TV series are just gorgeous to watch. This amazing story of an incredible Japanese legend is brought to life vividly through the animation, music, story, characters, and acting of everyone involved in this project. I am thrilled ADV began and ended the legendary Rurouni Kenshin saga.

Kakumei Shojo