Director: Keisho Ohtomo.
Cast: Takeru Sato, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Emi Takei, Yu Aoi, Min Tanaka, Masaharu Fukuyama.
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 134 minutes
Synopsis: The final chapter of this epic trilogy sees Kenshin (Sato), having to retrain with his master (Fukuyama) before finally taking on Makoto (Fujiwara).
That difficult third entry in a series? RUROUNI KENSHIN: THE LEGEND ENDS makes it look easy. Almost too easy. Unlike so many franchises that have stretched themselves beyond all credibility, this third installment is the excellent conclusion to the second part. The first film stood alone, offering lots of set-up with solid storytelling. Part two left us on an EMPIRE STRIKES BACK level of cliffhanger, and now it’s time to finish things for good.
STAR WARS is usually used as a reference point for franchises, and there’s no escaping the connections here, at least in the early stages. Kenshin finds himself taken in by his former master to complete his training and learn a specific move. These sequences are mesmerizing, especially when taking into account the glorious non-lethal practice fights. Expertly shot and choreographed, every strike contains within it a suggestion of these characters’ pasts and relationship. We also get a sense of the conflict and respect between the two. In short, it’s exactly what cinematic fights should be.
Don’t expect to jump in on this third entry though, as it is a direct continuation in which characters are split up, changing motivation, making unexpected team-ups and so on. There are plenty of flashbacks littered around, but these are pointless as they barely scratch the surface of the plot up until now. The main plot isn’t too hard to grasp, as really we follow the film’s hero on his journey to destroy the villain. Less simple is the antagonist’s scheme which involves taking control of the government. It does a wonderful job of mixing complex Japanese history with farcical fantasy.
Faithfully reproducing the manga/anime in live-action form, in both tone and design, it is truly an epic accomplishment with all the screenwriters have included without overstuffing the film. There are lots of characters, and some elements could have been cut without any serious impact on the final product, but by including so much content the universe always feels alive. Costumes seem both historical and stylised, and even the performances know when to be serious and when to have fun. It’s what makes this perfect blockbuster cinema. You’re invested enough to care, and at ease enough to enjoy what’s going on.
With the action at the forefront, and a truly astonishing climax with incredible swordplay and jaw-dropping action, RUROUNI KENSHIN: THE LEGEND ENDS does what a final instalment of a franchise should do. All loose ends are tied up, characters have gone on journeys, we’ve been excited and thrilled, and everything from the previous films has been addressed or lead to something. Those few too many flashbacks aside, this is exhilarating entertainment in the style of old blockbusters. Quality entertainment.
[usr=4]RUROUNI KENSHIN: THE LEGEND ENDS is released in cinemas from 17th April.
