Search - Samurai X - Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin) on DVD


Samurai X - Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin)
Samurai X - Reflection
Rurouni Kenshin
Actors: Yûji Ueda, Miki Fujitani, Tetsuo Komura, Noriko Namiki, Ikuya Sawaki
Director: Kaeko Sakamoto
Genres: Action & Adventure, Indie & Art House, Comedy, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Mystery & Suspense, Anime & Manga, Animation
UR     2003     1hr 0min

Rurouni Kenshin is a wanderer, a lost soul, cursed to seek atonement for his life in the bloody trade of the samurai. During the long war to overthrow the corrupt government, he was known throughout all Japan as the Hito...  more »

     

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Movie Details

Actors: Yûji Ueda, Miki Fujitani, Tetsuo Komura, Noriko Namiki, Ikuya Sawaki
Director: Kaeko Sakamoto
Creators: Kaeko Sakamoto, Eric P. Sherman, John M. Cusimano, John Sirabella, Nobuhiro Watsuki
Genres: Action & Adventure, Indie & Art House, Comedy, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Mystery & Suspense, Anime & Manga, Animation
Sub-Genres: Action & Adventure, Indie & Art House, Animation, Drama, Animation, Television, Mystery & Suspense, Anime & Manga, Animation
Studio: Adv Films
Format: DVD - Color - Animated
DVD Release Date: 03/25/2003
Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2003
Release Year: 2003
Run Time: 1hr 0min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 1
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Languages: English, Japanese
See Also:

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Member Movie Reviews

Ryan M. from PEWAUKEE, WI
Reviewed on 9/19/2011...
Reflection was a great addition to the Samurai X OVA lineup

The OVA starts out as a montage of singular events surrounding the life of Kenshin Himura, told from the point of view of Kaoru Kamiya. Then the remainder of it involves Kenshin, who becomes tortured anew by the guilt of leading a happy life after such a destructive past. He makes the decision to wander again, and Kaoru strongly supports him, promising to welcome him home with a smile and their child. For fifteen years, he wanders, returning every once in a while

Movie Reviews

"The last of life, for which the first was made"
Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 05/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 'Samurai X' OVA's stand separate from the body of the Rurouni Kenshin series in that the subject is the events preceding and following the television stories. While the contain a commonality in characters and are the go further in the direction of presenting more of the motivations that lie behind master assassin Kenshin Himura's decisions and provide us with closure on the story of a life full of regret and the quest for atonement.All of the OVA's, 'Reflections' included, lack the comic relief of the TV series. In that sense they are an acknowledgement of Kenshin's contribution, and the ongoing price he would have to pay for being a murderer. In 'Reflections,' Kenshin seeks the ability to be at peace again. And Kaoru, the loyal wife of his later years wants desperately to be as important a part of his life as his first love, Tomoe, who sacrificed her life at his hands so that he could go on to fight the Shogun.The pressures of their lives drive them apart on more time, as Kenshin travels to China to help the living. But the real story is the retelling of their relationship and it's themes in carefully interwoven flashbacks. The threads of destiny and duty wind tighter and tighter as the drama, reminiscent of Greek tragedy as well as Noh plays, comes to its bittersweet conclusion.It is almost unfortunate that 'The Cross-shaped Wound' (the last episode of the previous OVA volume) reached such a high standard of artistry. 'Reflections' is wonderful, beautifully written, illustrated and scored, but it lacks the utter magic of its predecessor. I can't fault it though, it is the difference between excellent and perfection, and I am delighted to have experienced both in the same series.Part of the stories charm is the maturing of not just Kenshin and Kaoru, but many of the supporting cast. Yahiko Myojin, a loyal friend, is a story unto himself, and several villains also make surprising developments. All of this gives the story a compelling multi-dimensionality that is infinitely satifying.Because Rurouni Kenshin is a historical romance surrounding real events, as well as a story with deep samurai roots, it appeals to a broad audience. In a sense, it stands at the apex of the use of anime as classical Japanese drama. Thus, it is worth seeking out for many reasons, illuminating and uplifting as well as entertaining. Above all, it will become an unforgettable memory."
Reflecting on "Reflection"
reedekullervo | Edina, MN United States | 04/17/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most disturbing images in the new Kenshin OVA Reflection, is to see Kenshin failing in the grip of some sort of disease. This illness however, is a reflection of two distinct things: in the story presented here, Kenshin is not afflicted with some earthly disease such as leprosy or turberculosis. Megumi tells Kaoru that Kenshin is only a man, and that all of the fighting he has done will eventually take its toll. Kenshin also talks about having given up his sword and suffering in a different way to continue atoning for his past - and that is what I believe causes his illness. The lesions are an outer reflection of his inner turmoil and guilt, feelings that his once strong body can no longer supress. Kaoru doesn't contract it because it's communicable, but rather because her soul is so bound up in Kenshin's that she shares all of his pain, spiritual as well as physical. She willing shares his burden out of her great love for him.The story of Reflection takes a beloved character and reflects a flawed understanding of just who Kenshin was and what his story was about. His essential nature has always been that of a deeply scarred man attempting to atone for his past. He has always suffered and felt guilt for the killing he has done, yet he is also the wanderer who has cared for many people. A man who never abandoned his principles such that his very example has helped other unhappy and guilty souls find peace and purpose (i.e. Megumi, Sano, Saitou, Aoshi, even some of Shishio's Juppengatana). To believe that this man would, after all his been through - even after making his peace with Enishi - STILL be wandering around Japan, abandoning Kaoru and their son, is just unbelievable. The whole point of the story as I understand it is that Kenshin finally finds a home with Karoru at the Kamiya dojo since it was a place where he was accepted for both his past and present selves. He has found peace by defeating (or accepting) his past demons in the form of Shishio, and ultimately Enishi. Not only did Kenshin find rest from his wandering, but also a chance at happiness. The corruption of Kenshin's body is simply a reflection of how corrupt the story of Reflection ultimately is.It's hard as a Kenshin fan to accept that this is the latest, and presumeably last, installment in Kenshin's story. I believe that while there are some minor good things - such as seeing Kenji (his fight with Yahiko was the highpoint of the story) and finally getting to see Enishi's arc (if only briefly) were minor pleasures in what is ultimately a bittersweet ending. I believe that the original name, Year of Frost, was well very chosen. This is the melancholy version of how Kenshin's story might have turned out if things had been different. I personally prefer the story where Kenshin not only finds peace and forgiveness for himself, but happiness too."
Bittersweet & sad ending to a wonderful series....
Cristine | Seattle, WA United States | 07/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Reflection' is a fitting title to the last chapter of the life of our favorite wandering swordsman, Kenshin Himura.Ruroni Kenshin is my FAVORITE anime/manga of all and while this OVA is one of the saddest movie I've seen, anime or live-action, I feel it's an appropriate ending to the series.Gorgeously animated, it's identical in style and spirit to the first OVAs Trust & Betrayal. While the first OVAs had dark and somber colors, 'Reflection' is full of bright and vivid colors that's mesmerizing to watch. Unlike the TV show & first OVAs, this story (goes beyond the manga) is told from Kaoru's point of view, from when she first meets Kenshin to their life together 15-18 years later. You get to see Yahiko, Sano, Megumi, even Hiko once again and meet Kenji, Kenshin & Kaoru's son (the manga only shows him as a toddler). You will see reenactments of familiar battles in the TV show, but the animation here is far superior, the battle in the moonlight with Jinei and the Jinchuu battle with Enishi are just AWESOME!The instrumental sountrack is haunting and beautiful, composed by Taku Iwasaki who also did Trust & Betrayal. Buy this if you are true Kenshin fan and have an open heart and mind."