Samurai X (1996– )
"Rurouni Kenshin" (original title)

A man slayer, Kenshin Himura, who played a major role in defeating Tokugawa Shogunate of feudal Japan carries his reverse blade sword (with a promise not to slay anymore). He embarks on a ... See full summary »

Stars:

Richard Cansino, Dorothy Elias-Fahn, Wendee Lee

Cast

Series cast summary:
Richard Cansino	...	Kenshin Himura (1 episode, 2003)
Dorothy Elias-Fahn	...	Kaoru Kamiya (1 episode, 2003)
Wendee Lee	...	Yahiko Myojin (1 episode, 2003)
Mari Devon	...	Megumi Takani (1 episode, 2003)
Michelle Ruff	...	Tae (1 episode, 2003)
Steve Kramer	...	Dr. Gensai (1 episode, 2003)
Mona Marshall	...	Soshi Okita (1 episode, 2003)

Storyline

A man slayer, Kenshin Himura, who played a major role in defeating Tokugawa Shogunate of feudal Japan carries his reverse blade sword (with a promise not to slay anymore). He embarks on a quest to repent for his sins by helping the innocent. He lodges in Kamia Kashin dojo where he becomes an acquaintance of Kaorou, the assistant instructor of the dojo. After being saved by Kenshin from mafia, a stubborn young boy, Yahiko Myojin joins the dojo as a student. Sanousuke, a victim of war becomes an acquaintance of Kenshin after losing to him in a duel. Together with his new friends, Kenshin carries out his ideal of helping the innocent. A series of events unfold that questions his ideal of living for the innocent and not slaying men. Kenshin faces every opponent with his reverse blade to uphold justice.

---

Plot Keywords:

japan | katana sword | murder | killer | sword fight | 

---

Taglines:

The story of the Samurai!

---

Genres:

Animation | Action | Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Romance | Thriller

---

Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 July 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Samurai X

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aniplex, Fuji TV, SME Visual Works

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Megumi and Kaoru have the nicknames Kitsune (Fox) and Tanuki (Racoon Dog). In Japanese folklore, the Kitsune and Tanuki are thought of as "dangerous spirits". The Kitsune is said to often take on the form of a bewitching woman who seduces and tricks unworthy men, whilst protecting and rewarding deserving people. These are the two very different attitudes Megumi holds towards Sanosuke and Kenshin. The Tanuki, on the other hand, is said to also take on the form of a woman, but is regarded as much more playful and mischievous than the judgmental Kitsune.

---

Quotes

Seijuro Hiko: Because you've slain so many people, you don't even value your own life. That's what allows the manslayer's heart that lies deep within your true heart to take over your soul. Even if you use the power of that manslayer for a self-sacrificing purpose such as protecting those you love or the weak, it's still only one tiny pebble in the never-ending river of time. Live on, Kenshin. That way you'll be able to use the Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki as you please and you'll never again lose to the ...

---

Soundtracks

"Freckles"
(Opening theme)
Original lyrics by Yuki Isoya
Original composition by Kaito Onta
Performed by Sandy Fox

User Reviews

"Batoussai, the manslayer... is truly a man of legends! That he is...

Rurouni Kenshin the story of Kenshin Himura the ex-assassin Hikiori-Batoussai.

This anime is very unique that it is why because not to many animes feature stories about samurai. This anime is very good in a sense that has lots of action, and tons and tons of suspense.

The characters in the story Kenshin Himura, Kaoru Kamiya, Yahiko Mjyoin, Sanosuke Segara and Megumi Takane are all very well developed and the anime is very humorous at time, I offen find myself laughing during parts that are suppose to be serious!

I find this anime to be good because first of all its already entirely dubbed in English including all the samurai X movies! Also, the fact its nice not to see as someone metioned a bunch of air-headed, big chested, overly bubbly typical anime girls or over muscular men running along. I mean look at Kenshin he's just a regular averege looking man trying to live he's life peacefully. This anime also features actually events that happened in Japan, so you get a good history lesson too! Also I think his reverse-blade sword is so cool and different too.

Also I urge everyone to view the Samurai X "Trust & Betrayal" OAV I bought The Director's Cut, that has the 4 episodes altogther on one dvd. (Hey saves you money) Why should you watch because it explains alot of the plot of Rurouni Kenshin t.v series, the OAV explains, how Kenshin became a hired assassin, and most of training from his master, and someone whom Kenshin falls in love with... with this it tells of how he became the legendary Batoussai: The manslayer. Please be warned that the Trust and Betrayal OAV is very dark, and there is tons of fights scenes with lots of gorry blood scenes, where they show Kenshin murdering... Its also a big switch from the comedic series, why because there is none of the scenes where the charcters heads get big, or the other comedic aspects this is totally serious no parts to laugh at... There were scenes that put me and my two best-friends when we watched put us to tears literally... Yes, it was that good. Oh yes the animation is beautiful and very breathe-taking because in some scenes they used live-action shots! After I watched the OAV I understood the series alot better and plus you get to see the beginning of the fight with Sato, and it shows alot of other characters from the series and how Kenshin crosses paths with them...

I would rate the anime on a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 9, because the music is superb especailly the Samurai X sndtrk, characters are great excellent plot. I would at least check it out, if you never seen it before.

Hey because you got my guarantee that you'll like it, and if ya don't just email me and rant at me..... LOL