It's the stuff legends are made of... And in this case, a legendary Japanese anime/ manga series that has been brought to life by expert filmmakers and a superb cast of talents that one could never have imagined possible. After a successful debut film in 2012 that introduced the live-action version of Nobuhiro Watsuki's beloved Samurai epic "Rurouni Kenshin", the series returns in full force in 2014 with not one, but TWO epic sequels shot back-to-back to tell the tale of a story arc dedicated fans of the franchise have been waiting for.
After the Philippine Red Carpet premiere happened two weeks prior to this review, I can honestly tell you that "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" is what one expects if you're among those who loved watching the anime or reading the manga like I did more than a decade ago, YOU WILL SCREAM AWESOME SEEING THIS FILM. What the first film did, the sequel TRUMPED TEN-FOLD, and has introduced more characters beloved by many who have followed the series since it started in the 90's.
So after all that, here is my review for the first half of what is easily one of my favorite films of 2014 - Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, which opens in cinemas August 20!
Special thanks again goes to the people of Warner Bros. Philippines for inviting me and everyone else to the Red Carpet premiere held at the SM Megamall last August 6, as well as for them and Warner Bros. Japan for graciously bringing the cast and director themselves to the Philippines! That's right, the public got to see Takeru Satoh/ Himura Kenshin, Emi Takei/ Kamiya Kaoru, Sagara Sanosuke/ Munetaka Aoki, and director Keishi Otomo were present to greet adoring fans and attendees, and I was most especially surprised by Sano's enthusiasm~!
Now, onto the review proper...
SPOILER WARNING HERE. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
