Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends

It has come to this... The FINALE that resolves everything and determines the outcome of an epic battle between two legendary swordsmen with the fate of Japan hanging in the balance. If there was a satisfactory conclusion needed to wrap up a story arc, Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends delivered on that and fulfilled its promise to be an epic finish to a two-part tale that saw lots of epic battles and an emotional journey come full circle for a man who has vowed never to kill again and fight for the sake of peace.

After a successful debut and premiere of "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" last month (see review here) which also saw members of the cast and director visit Philippine shores, Warner Bros. Philippines once again brings Kenshin Mania to theaters with "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends", and the hype and anticipation to see the climactic battle between Himura Kenshin and Makoto Shishio has never been more intense. Getting to see the premiere last week, I was all for the big showdown and climactic finish to the live action adaptation of the infamous "Kyoto Arc", and what we got in the big screen is pretty much a decent serving of all things that could wrap up a story nicely.

I got to see an advanced screening of the film last September 18, and while the movie was simply as awesome as a fan could have it, here's another thing that made my day... Seeing the Rurouni Kenshin Philippines cosplay crew gracing the premiere and posing with style.

So without further ado, here's my review for the currently playing "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends", with special thanks going out to WB Philippines!

Naturally, SPOILER WARNING, so READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Movie Review: The Maze Runner

Movies based from books and novelizations seem to be a growing trend these days, and much of the film adaptations take some liberties and deviate from the source material to present something that's genuinely faithful but fresh for the cinematic experience. The same principle holds true for The Maze Runner -  a film based from the book by James Dashner.

As a film that sets the stage for a series of movies based on Dashner's other works, this is one adventure directed by Wes Ball that I wasn't expecting to get into or see, but am pretty glad I did thanks to 20th Century Fox PH. If you need some insight on what to expect, here's the review for reading and contemplation on what this young adult suspense and action vehicle can offer to its audience.

Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno

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!