Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)

The End

Rurouni Kenshin: The Final is the fourth and penultimate entry to the live-action adaptation series based on the Rurouni Kenshin manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The final adaptation, Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning has already been released in Japan while the international release will follow soon after, so hopefully we won’t have to wait long for that.

Most of the production team remain the same, comprising the screenwriter-director, cinematographer, composer and costume designer who were involved in the previous 3 instalments. Therefore, we get pretty much the same high-level quality of production and technical execution. Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei reprise their roles of Himura Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru respectively while Mackenyu Maeda joins the main cast as the primary antagonist, Yukishiro Enishi.

The plot this time revolves around revenge arising from events that transpire in Kenshin’s backstory, the brief revelation of which shall form the basis of the main story for the fifth and final instalment. Themes of love, vengeance and atonement are explored to the fullest as part of the melodramatic undertone throughout. Regular supporting characters take a backseat while the major developments and interactions are focused on the 3 main characters.

Though the plotline is minimalist and simplistic, there are certain unanswered questions that arise during the storytelling which, in the end, do not really matter or impact on the overall conclusion. The closure is clearly defined and, regardless of what happens in the sequel, this is pretty much the end of the Rurouni Kenshin saga. Perhaps certain elements could have been fleshed out more but, all things considered, I’m satisfied with how things turned out amidst the poetic nuances.

As far as the acting is concerned, Mackenyu Maeda’s Yukishiro Enishi gives a compelling portrayal of the tormented soul, despite the seemingly anachronistic vibes (his entire team appears steampunk). There isn’t much more to say about Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei - they already embody the characters that were essentially written for them.

The action, as usual, does not disappoint at all. The choreography of the sword fights and stunts is truly insane and literally takes your breath away. The final duel is one of the best I've seen in recent memory while the multiple "boss-fights" are equally astonishing. Even the closest recent comparison, Swordsman (starring Jang Hyuk) pales in comparison to this amazing spectacle of physics-defying human feats.

At the end of the day, if you’ve been following the Rurouni Kenshin series, then you have to watch the conclusion to the series through this production. For those who are new to the story, if you enjoy action and sword fights, this movie will not let you down.

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Underwhelming execution & doesn't meet expectation plot-wise

Rurouni Kenshin-The Final

Great stunt without a doubt, however, in terms of plot & story wise, they didn't give enough justice to the manga. Enishi Jinchuu's arc doesn't give enough impact to the Final as it shoud be. Jinchuu's arc without Jinchuu's climax & neither Kenshin's character development (his struggle, how he overcome it, etc) also present in the show. Everything was conveniently solved & Kaoru's role hv been reduced significantly to be nothing but a damsel.

It's quite dissapointing, to see how they remove the most crucial arc from the last chapters of the manga so the movie felt underwhelming to me, "plot & moral of the story" wise.
Rather than being served as The Final, it felt more like Pre-The Beginning to see how they've made it in favour to Tomoe's arc too much but not to Kenshin's as the living character himself.

Still, if you're just looking for a great action-stunt movie, this one fits the bill & you won't be dissapointed.
It has one of the best, if not the best out there.

My final rating 8/10. I just can't express my dissapointment enough to think their potential have gone wasted, oh how it could be & what IF.

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Insanely beautiful, a masterpiece in itself; this saga is one hell of a ride.

Everything has been said and done in almost all of the reviews so I'll keep this short.

The main protagonist, Himura Kenshin’s journey remained unexpectedly strong in all five movies. As the protagonist, him alone has been a unique and enjoyable character to follow, both for his dangerous "jinchuu" messages and his iconic "Oro" expressions.

I was definitely immersed all the way while following Kenshin and Kaoru's journey of protecting their "truth" in all five movies. I'm afraid I'd have a hard time forgetting the other characters as well. I pretty much got attached to Sonusuke, Megumi and Yahiko and It will surely take a while before I could move on from this family. Not to mention the smooth transitions and epic action scenes, I'm already feeling the urge to rewatch. I truly commend the Directors for their amazing work.

Now for the negatives. IMHO, Tomoe and Battosai's tragic but beautiful mess of a past almost overshadowed the main OTP. Maybe if they added more scenes between Kenshin and Kaoru-dono, their OTP would’ve really made a stronger impact than the former. Although Ken-Kao made me swoon a lot, they felt more platonic than romantic at first. Also, it really felt like Kaoru was just there to be a damsel in distress in the movies.

However, while Kenshin and Kaoru rarely interacted, the way their relationship played out was unexpectedly heartwarming. In the end, I found the main OTP to be a lot more meaningful and fruitful especially after watching "Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning". It was so beautiful how Kaoru turned out to be Kenshin's salvation and hope for a peaceful future.

I'd still say I rated "Rurouni Kenshin: The Last Saga" higher but overall, it is undeniable that this has become one of my top favourites. Satoh Takeru's acting really made me love this series more than I should have. Now, I heard Kaoru's a girl boss in the anime and manga, so now I'm off to check them out.

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Never thought I'd be able to see the Jinchu arc made it into the live action adaptation. So when the new movies were announced I was really elated as the Jinchu arc was one of my favourite arc in the manga, and half of me did wished to see that arc to appear in the live action. Especially since for the earlier three movies, the live actions did have certain parts that they changed in order to fit all the important plotlines while trying to stay close to the original story.

That said, it's been a long while since I've read the manga... yet I am glad to see some of the familiar plots reappearing in the live action almost exactly as it originally did in manga. And it intrigued me to see the parts that was changed and reimagined in order to fit the set amount of time for the movie. I was delighted to see the return of the Oniwabanshu members as well as certain surviving members of the Juppon Gatana who ended up fighting on the same sides. Not to mention the unexpected Seta-Himura combo was really amazing to see and enjoy. And I also love seeing more glimpse of Tomoe-Kenshin plotlines alongside the conflicts with Enishi.

I really enjoyed the movie and I'm looking forward to The Beginning as we get to see more of the past relationship Kenshin had with Tomoe.

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Fight scenes continue to impress

8/22/2021

The fight scenes in Kenshin movies never fail to impress me. They are fast and exciting, compared to the Chinese irritating slow-motion fight scenes that I dislike so much (esp. in wuxia dramas). The fight choreography is amazing. This movie has more group fighting than 1:1 fights. I personally enjoy the previous movies 1:1 fights and this movie only has one in the final half hour of the movie. The fight scene background music continues to bring excitement to the scenes and if you have watched previous movies, you are no stranger to that amazing musical score.

Unfortunately, I don't think the plot of this movie is as amazing as the previous movies. I feel that they really don't need a "final" movie to the existing trilogy. As much as I love the Rurouni Kenshin movies and Satoh Takeru, this feels like an independent movie to gather most of the previous characters together. There are two characters from the previous movie that are brought back, but it didn't really provide much information or background story to their roles in this movie.

This 2-hour movie goes by fast. I enjoy how Kenshin's former love story was told, without too many words but you get all the feelings. There's a lot of quietness to slow down the exciting fight scenes and let you really feel the emotions of the story. Then the pace picks back up with fight scenes and explosions.

I still enjoy this movie but I don't think it's as good as the last couple ones.

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This will sound sacrilegious, I guess, but The Final is my least favorite of the Rurouni Kenshin movies. So first, let's get that off my chest...

This was meant to be a tale of revenge but instead of going deep and intense, they went blockbuster wide. In the fights, instead of simply relying on Satoh Takeru's awesomeness, they focused way too much on neck-breaking wire-work so the fights lost much of their intensity. And in order to let every character have his/her moment, the movie felt scattered.

Plot points were pulled out of the hat and dropped again without a second thought. Why did the priest have the diary that Kenshin took with him at the end of The Beginning? Did Aoshi live? And why were the Watchers even there? What was the point besides giving each a big fight? What happened to Sojiro? How did Saito and his men escape the trap?

But my main complaint: Kaoru was, once again, reduced to the role of a kidnapped love interest. Seriously, she owns a dojo but she gets knocked out more easily than Tomoe. Also, I liked her and Kenshin as a couple in the first 3 movies but here? I wish they just let them stay friends. After seeing Kenshin with Tomoe, someone who could truly grasp the darkness he faced, I found Kaoru... well, let's face it, Kaoru is way too naive and innocent to really understand what Kenshin had gone through during the war. She's kind and understanding but she will never truly get it.

And now to the good stuff!

Satoh Takeru. Just that. Satoh Takeru. In a movie that kinda lacked intensity, he had intense down to a pat. Whenever the movie just let him do his thing, it shined. Just him standing in the rain... and I was all, yeah, yup, that, this.

The last fight between Kenshin and Enishi. Specifically the moment when Kenshin let Enishi stab him. From the shock on Enishi's face, it was obvious that he didn't expect to land a hit. I think he never really wanted to kill Kenshin in the first place. Because Tomoe loved him. Enishi was furious with Kenshin - but there was the fact that Tomoe loved Kenshin. And when Kenshin first let Enishi stab him, then he apologized and then the crazy Chinese dude shot Kenshin... That wasn't what Enishi wanted.

The scene where Enishi read Tomoe's diary in his prison cell and he truly understood not only how much Tomoe loved Kenshin but why she loved him in the first place and that she died willingly and gladly for him, that her death wasn't Kenshin's fault. That moment when Enishi truly saw his sister as she had been...

The fight where Sojiro joined forces with Kenshin, the way they almost... danced around each other because their strengths and styles matched so perfectly. And Sojiro's happiness that he finally experienced what it felt like to have someone truly have his back. That did things to my heart!

So yeah, I was a bit disappointed in the movie but there were still many scenes that I will replay again and again because they were so good!

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Good

overall, The Final is a relatively loose adaptation of the source material. While it has the same antagonist, themes, and basic story structure, it is largely its own story—which is probably for the best. In the original Rurouni Kenshin manga, this arc took 10 full volumes to cover. (The previous arc, which got two films dedicated to it, took 11.) Trying to cram all this into a single film would have been a fool's errand
Visually, the film is wonderful. The fights are masterpieces of choreographed combat with little-to-no CG to be found. The wire-fu is used in just the right amount to make our heroes and villains seem superhuman but not cartoonish. If you enjoy practical effects, you're going to love the care and attention that went into them in this film.

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Amazing

For starters, I'm writing this as I watch (so I don't forget anything). There's plenty of villains you'll love to hate! Between Japanese Kabal, Japanese Wolverine, a guy who isn't happy unless he's kicking you and a leader with the typical 'cool, calm and sexy' bad boy vibe, you won't get bored. lol We even get a Japanese Johnny Depp! It was nice to see some old friends and foes, I'm always happy to see my quirky Sanosuke.
This movie, like the rest of this series is packed with plenty of action and blood all while getting our hero's tragic backstory. Rebellion, Redemption and a speck of Romance, what more could you ask for?
P.S. The ending has me fan girl screaming so hard!!!
Enjoy...

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For a movie that's solely based on someone's sister complex, this one rates high above my list-

Joke aside, can I just say

Action: 10/10
Cast, Story, Effects, Script, etc whatever else in this movie do not matter. Just kidding again, let me rate the cast 10/10 too.

Also even though I don't really remember much about what happened in the anime/manga, I can say that I'm 99% certain [spoiler] Sojiro doesn't have any role in this arc (??? or not, IDK at all. I'll check later). Even then, for me it's not an unwelcome addition. Also, thank you for giving us the pleasure of watching more Aoshi fight scenes (I think more of it wouldn't be bad either). And I'm rating this a 0.5 less than perfect only because I felt the movie is a bit dragging (IF I didn't feel it I'd give this one a 10, no matter how ridiculous some scene may be).

OK well another thing. I want to thank whoever cast Mackenyu as Enishi, he's such an eye candy. And as usual, Takeru Satoh's acting is just. Yeah. So damn good. If there's anything this movie is lacking it's that I need more fight scenes!!!!!!

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Epic final to a great saga... I still want more!

I watched, back-to-back, in this order:
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.

I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, then enlightenment and atonement.

The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.

Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.

Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.

The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.

I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.

This final instalment brings us full circle, with Kenshin's bitter past, rearing it's painful head.

Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.

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In the midst of pain and tragedy, life goes on as we move on...

The 4th installation of the Rurouni Kenshin franchise serves as the finale that may strike a controversy to viewers depending on their tatses. While the 1st, 2nd and 3rd movies were mostly action packed that surely deserves its praise and glory for its thrilling suspense and amazing choreography of its fighting scenes, "The Final" gives us a different taste.

Some may find "The Final" a little bit more dull, boring or lackluster compared to its previous installations. There were also some questionable moments that weren't addressed properly in the movie. Nonetheless, the slow burn development of the plot is beffiting for its theme, genre and atmosphere. While some may agree with these claims, others may not. In the end, it depends entirely on the viewers' perspective. I actually see "The Final" suitable for the conclusion of the Rurouni Kenshin franchise for it offers us its simplicity and plot that is more on the mellow side.

Although, there are situations in the movie in which we still see those epic sword fights that we all love, "The Final" had a different approach in which the focus is more on the vulnerability of the characters. It showed us the hurt, pain, sadness, guilt and anger of what the characters were feeling. Truly, "The Final" will give you an emotional ride.

Accompanied with the actors / actresses great portrayal of their characters are also the soundtracks that fitted the movie well. The familiar sountracks that we all know plus another great ending song from the one and only : ONE OK ROCK. ***applause***

The cinematography too did not disappoint. In addition to that, the plot still flowed well despite some of its shortcomings as it relayed everything from the beginning until the end.

The Final is definitely not just the story of the main character but also the character who had lost his loved one and who eventually learns to forgive in order for the past to not shackle him..

Indeed, The Final concludes with a bittersweet ending as the people who were involved moves on and starts anew with their life : Living for the present and letting go of the past.

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What It Means To Be A Hero

I'm not entirely sure why Kenshin resonates so strongly with me. He's an inspiring character who tries his best to atone for his past. A past frought with the slaughtering of an untold number of people. And yet, he strives to be a better man.

A number of people have defined "nobility" as being better today than you were yesterday. And Kenshin seems to embody that.

We're finally treated to the mastermind. The one person who's basically been behind everything Kenshin has had to deal with from the previous trilogy. We thought Shishio was bad, and he may still arguably be the worst, but enter Enishi, the man who financially backed Shishio, his warship, and everything else.

To fully understand Enishi and his vile hatred toward Kenshin, you'll need to have seen "The Beginning." In fact, I would recommend seeing that film before this one.

Kenshin, once again, is trying his best to live a quiet, peaceful life. But now, everyone he loves and cares about is under attack by Enishi, who will stop at nothing to maximize Kenshin's suffering.

The beauty of the film comes in the last hour or so when many Kenshin's allies and former enemies alike, help him to run the gauntlet of hundreds of Enishi and Heixing's men. Heixing being Enishi's own connection with the Shanghai underworld.

What we see is a transformation of character in former villains who now see the wisdom of Kenshin and his lifestyle. It proves that as soon as one man vows to change, it creates a ripple effect for others to do the same.

Kenshin also finally reveals his past to his friends, how he got his scar, and why he vowed to change his ways. Tomoe saw the goodness in Kenshin even before Kenshin or Kaoru did. It usually only takes one person to have faith to start the ball rolling!

Once again, we have epic action sequences that, somehow, is even moreso than the previous trilogy. But also, the action lies at the periphery of a much deeper film that is full of heart, wisdom, and inspirational characters. And mostly, it shows us a glimmer of a path of what a true hero looks like. And what it truly means to be noble.

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