Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen

Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal one of the highest artistic peaks within anime. The amazing background art and sound design make this world feel real. Another reason this feels so real is the characters. The characters of this world feel grounded and there intentions make them all relatable. This is most apparent with Kenshin & his tragic past that makes his struggles feel so much potentate. The action of this OVA id near perfect with not need for animation tricks such a action lines. The fact that this can work as a stand alone work and set up this background for the Rurouni Kenshin series is perfect. While This definitely is not for every anime viewer, I would still urge anyone who is even slightly interest to try it.

Before taking away a life, one must realize the act that they are about to commit. Only when you have come to the realization that it is a "do or die" situation, and that you will not only affect the victim's life but also your very own is when you are truly able kill. But how does one cope with the consequences and repercussions of murder? Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal is a story that allows you to experience one's descent into the act of murder and the consequences and pain that befalls onto him. Trust & Betrayal is a story that serves as the prequel to the Rurouni Kenshin series. If you are expecting to see the character, Himura Kenshin, in his usual comedic and happy-go-lucky attitude, then you will have a rude awakening. Trust & Betrayal shows you the melancholic and tragic past that Kenshin endured before the main series. Because of the period that the OVA is set in, which is during the Bakumatsu Revolution, Kenshin is introduced as a boy who has lost everything thanks to the act of murder. When his future master, Hiko Seijuro, finds him, he sees that he is a broken shell of a boy who is living in a time of hate and despair. When his master decides to teach him the art of killing, Kenshin then starts his long and lonely journey of cleansing Japan of its evil with the use of a sword, giving birth to the man known as the Hitokiri Battousai. What truly makes this OVA shine is the message that you gain after viewing it, which is "you reap what you sow". You experience Kenshin throughout the entirety of the OVA suppressing his emotions when killing, causing him to become a master at what is typically revered as a heinous action. However, although Kenshin views killing as something that is righteous if used for justice, he starts to learn how there is a possibility of consequences for one's actions. This revelation allows Trust & Betrayal to ultimately serve as a life lesson, not just towards Kenshin, but also towards the viewers. This series also proves that music and animation from years ago is still amazing to view and listen to. The art of Trust & Betrayal is breathtakingly somber and colorful, while at the same time merging in a highly unique use of realistic cinematography that beautifully showcases wildlife and other forms of nature that fit into the setting. The soundtrack is also exceptionally amazing. It not only sounds great, but it also causes you to actually feel and create emotions while viewing the story, something that is very challenging to accomplish within films or shows. Although there are many great aspects of this OVA series, it also suffers from one small flaw, which is the pacing. There are moments within the series where characters are introduced or shown within a blink of an eye, causing you to forget most of their names and how they are important to the story. Certain headlines appear throughout most of the scenes that give you information on Japanese history, yet they are only on screen for a mere few seconds. Ultimately, the pacing is a nuisance, but it shouldn't distract you too much from this series' greatness. Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal is nothing short of a masterpiece. This is one of the very few series where I felt as though I was experiencing a character's life and actions through his own eyes. Aside from the amazing swordplay, direction, cinematography, music and art, this series acts as an impacting and grandeur commentary on consequences and morality in life and how our past can change our present state in life. If you fully want to experience an emotional impact with this series, I highly recommend that you read a good sum of the volumes of the manga, or watch at least half of the main anime series. Once you have done this, I guarantee that you will look at this OVA series as something that is special and unforgettable.

After watching that OVA im just amazed! Its a heart beaking story which in my opinion iwill make everyone cry.Its really emocional but surely something that everyone should see. I cried through episode 3 and 4 but i dont regret watching it anyways.The action is well presented in 4 episodes.Its not kind of rushed or anything like that. I dont know why but after seeing the OVA i dont want to watch anime.Maybe because the OVA was so dramatic and i guess i dont want to change my impression of it.Also i think that the characters are better in OVA than in anime.

As far as it goes, this is my first review. I hope that everyone finds it helpful. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen is my absolute favorite anime piece. In all time. Honestly, there's no amount of words that could ever aptly cover how beautiful, moving, and incredible this piece of work is. The story is tragic, yet moving. It's totally worth the 10/10 score. It takes very little time for the story to pick up speed. You immediately get inside the head of the main characters and understand the emotions that they are going through. You feel pity for their losses, you feel joy for their successes. Nothing can ever compare to the totally unexpected and sad ending. I don't want to leave spoilers, but it's fantastic and if you have emotions, you will cry. I know I did. The art is beauty in animation. The blood and gore effects are realistic, and not completely exaggerated like today's animes. The flowers falling from the trees are beautiful and lifelike. The only reason this gets a 9/10 is for the live action. Though it's well placed, it's cheesy and awkward. You find yourself chuckling at it because it really doesn't fit in. The sound is pretty solid, too. The sounds of feudal japan are accurately brought into reality in this work of art. Nothing life changing, but incredible nonetheless. The characters, oh lord, how they move you. The main characters, as I've previously stated, make you feel their emotions. You understand the feelings that they go through, you feel the stinging pain that they go through. Nothing can ever accurately tell you just how I felt when the twist ending occurred. It was seriously as if I was that character, going through what they went through. In conclusion, straight 10/10, easy. My favorite anime OVA, and favorite anime ANYTHING in general. This 4 episode OVA was nothing short of life-changing, and you should stop reading this and go watch it right now.

Why did I give it a 9 out of 10 for overall rating, and all the other categories a 10/10? For two reasons: A. After you watch all four episodes, of this "4 paneled painting", the work becomes a reference point from which all other anime are compared. This is, in all my years of viewing, the single most polished, elaborate, and well constructed plot thread I have ever seen- and unfortunately a bitter aftertaste for not being able to find a production of the same caliber along mainstream anime. Although there are many good anime out there, none come as close in continuity and consistency in quality, as wel las harmony of all its separate elements-sound/art/story/ etc B. To fully appreciate the ova, the character development, references and appereances, one should have seen the series. Black and White contrast in terms of theme and tone. The ova should not in all intents and purposes be seen as a stand alone, the viewer just misses out on too much. Part of the its appeal relies on the space created between the series and the ova. Brilliant use of (a)chronology, backflashes, dreams and foreshadowing. The scene segways are extremely subtle and absolutely enlightening when you catch them. And something which is very often omitted- the voice acting is definetely noteworthy and deserves a standing ovation. The japanese voice acting helped carry a lot of the weight for the characters and really added depth and exposure to each one´s particular reaction to the scenes. The use of negative space and time to enhance emotion and suspense. Plausibility, Cohesion, and Dedication, one can´t fail to see the care and time that was put into making this perhaps the greatest work in anime. NOTE: There are two subbed versions as far as I know. The oldest one which I was lucky enough to watch when it first came out was far more accurate in terms of translation and really captured the essence of the train of thought of the characters in thel dialogues- if you can, watch that one!

Of well first off i havent ever seen a shonen anime that has been developed so much, then an excellent OVA. I never actually got why this could happen. For one the story is the best ive seen, everything about it is just that good. The characters are great, Kenshin as the battosai, the shinsengumi, Tomoe, and Enishi. To see all these things are just almost wierd. Because its so much different. Enishi as a kid, then Kenshin is a top assasin who randomly switches to "oro?" in the series. So a lot of its almost different to see. The action involved in it is just so awesome. They made it realistic, because really there is so many anime where a guy gets slashed, and really nothing much happens. In Rurouni Kenshin Trust and Betrayal, everything is what should happened when someone gets stabbed. The art is unnfortunately not the best. Really for an OVA for anything to be the top anime, you can tell its good, i suggest this for anyone.

This 4 episode prequel reveals a weighty depth in Kenshin's past that was never achieved through the long and blithe 94 episode main series. It is only in the the darkest ravine where light can shine with its brightest color and beauty. In the same way, this story about Kenshin lusters as a masterpiece because it accentuates the brilliance of romance and life in the darkness of bitterness and death. The stability of Meiji era seen in the mellow main series of Ruroni Kenshin was founded only after a warring period of political strife and economic crisis: civilians were impoverished, bloodshed was commonplace, and assassins were abundant. Himura Kenshin, as one of the trained assassins, embarks on his journey to become a human cutting legend (Hittokiri) during the dark and bloody Bakumatsu of edo Bakufu. An iconic piece I would recommend to anyone who wants to understand the history that Kenshin often hides through his carefree attitude in the main series. Story This is a character-based story revolving around the past of Himura Kenshin. Themes of emotional purity entangled with strength and humanness are often metaphorically alluded to throughout the plot. Every time he cuts through flesh an unconscious emotional toll takes place, slowly chipping away his awareness. The glint in his eyes becomes dull as he plunges away from humanness and becomes more of a killing machine, only to be rekindled by the passion of love. But the highest emotional jumps can also lead to the greatest falls. Art The fluid artwork is masterfully montaged into beautiful scenes that consist of exciting battles and exquisite choices in color representing the mood of every shot. The older style art doesn’t detract from the work but enhances it as a timeless piece that is fitting for the series. Quality has not been spared in this work where every aspect of color, shadow, and framing has been used to create mis-en-scene symbolic to the story and character development of Kenshin. Sound Great realistic sounds. All episodes employ a good use of silence and the sound of nature at appropriate moments, mixing it up with non-intrusive music that adds to the tension and mood of every scene. Character You won't find any major characters that don't have background stories. And you won't find any annoying characters (like Kaoru) - all the important characters are well rounded with realistic and interesting personalities. Enjoyment I enjoy dark and bloody stories :D Overall 10/10

I will try to make this simple and concise, this collection of chapters about Kenshin's past is a masterpiece. As you heard, I had never felt so moved and moved with OVA's as I did with it, to the point that I began to consider the work as an incredible movie that arrives suddenly at the heart of the viewer, as impeccable and fascinating as it is depressing. and hard, a very hard and cutting story that teaches us multiple ideas and philosophies about the world, gives us the harsh reality that no matter how much we try, there will always be evil in the world, but even if the story becomes dark and full of sketches with tears and melancholy, this work is a work of respect that takes all the awards for the simple fact that it is created in such a perfect and emotional way, so incredible, direct and brutal. Everything here is done to the letter, by the hands of sublime artists who were able to make us feel the emotions of the characters, is one of the best anime I've seen, has every right to be on the best lists of the story, it deserves it.

The Tsuyoku-hen OVA of Rurouni Kenshin is a good choice for you if you're looking for a movie, as it has the length of one, about how an ideologue has been lead to become a serial murderer under the premise of the betterment of mankind, as well as to how he matures and due to whom. Note that this OVA doesn't require knowledge of its main series, as I review independently of that, without any knowledge about the main series. There's two factors that have mainly driven me to consider this OVA very good: The first is how it manages to show how the ideals of a person can lead them to do things that are counterproductive to their own values, despite the fact that's why they do what they do in the first place. And the second is how the romance in this OVA was handled, as it never really felt like a melodramatic pairing of two people with no chemistry or that would have no purpose being together. You see, one of the most frequent ways the japanese are seen by westerners is as people who cling to their own traditions and ideals, cherishing even the most outdated ideas that bring no benefits to anyone, not even to the people that believe in them. As a result of this, there's some things that criticize ideals and traditions quite well from japanese media, as surely, the harshest critics of an ideal or a structure, are those that have adopted those ideals and lived according to that structure. In this case, Tsuyoku-hen criticizes killing due to someone's orders to improve the world, with only superficial regard to human life, and choosing to improve the world based on how someone else thinks they would. This used to happen a lot in different eras of the past, as one of the core driving forces of sending people to war was villifying your enemies and maintaining how they are evil and you are just, with young men and women seeing the people that fight in wars as noble people strictly because they fight on their side. Kenshin is one of those young men who wants to use his aptitudes in swordsmanship to try and improve the world, so he goes and joins his fight for justice under the leadership of Katsura Kogorou. After joining in and killing over 100 people, he realizes that all the killing he has done has not helped any, and has only made him a really skilled murderer. This caused him to be very apathetic and really introverted, as a way to shut himself out from something that he has realized is wrong. The OVA explores how he views himself and how he changes afterwards from this view. The way this is done is through introducing a romantic interest for him, who is similarly apathetic to him, for different reasons. As to avoid spoilers, I will only explore Kenshin's side of the relationship only, up until a point. The girl he saves starts showing interest in who Kenshin is, and through her we explore his character, how he views himself, how he views what he does, and how he is capable of doing what he is doing. Due to her, Kenshin begins to change as a person fundamentally because he ends up opening up more and more to her, as he couldn't keep everything he's done all to himself, and eventually he grows attached to her, due to the fact that he had someone to confide in that wouldn't simply reply "because it is our duty" or "we're doing this for the greater good". She managed to tackle with his inner turmoil with whom nobody would because they're all doing what is expected of them, and she attempted to understand him. Because of the fact she is a woman, she could offer a different perspective, due to the fact women had a different role in society at that time, so a romantic relationship is actually a great choice to fully display what type of person the main character is, as well as a good influence to turn him into a different person. I typically hate romantic entaglements that lead to nothing besides a few people being like "they are so cute together", but when there's actually a purpose to it, I can't help but actually appreciate the relationship. There are some weak points, like the villain faction not standing out in any way, or any of the characters, since they are quite unmemorable but that is because it is based slightly off actual japanese history, so they might hold a lot more value in that culture and on people far more aware than me about Japan's history. However, the two characters that it chose to focus on, are solid. Despite its age, the action looks solid, with the movements of the characters feeling fluid and well detailed, but the action is not an overwhelming part of the OVA's length time, so I wouldn't recommend it based on it being action themed, since it's not strictly an action movie. To conclude, this is an OVA about how someone that wanted to contribute to the world and defend those that suffer due to certain circumstances fails to do so because he simply becomes part of the system that causes such things to happen. Realizing his efforts were in vain and he became nothing but a glorified murderer, he will slowly start longing for a different life. In other words, it is a story about how someone matures from their naivity. This is the strict focus of this movie, and if you want something a lot more action packed, or simply don't care about such a theme, you could skip this movie. However, I believe the movie could be quite interesting for people interested in how historical systems based on war and armed conflicts won't lead you to a fruitful life, even if you simply try to convince yourself that you are contributing. If you think you're helping, but don't understand how, then you're simply helpless.

Any prior knowledge of Rurouni Kenshin series is not needed to watch and appreciate this one. Story (8/10): Will given the premise of the story, one could just assume it’s a character development OVA’s or made simply to please the fans/mill the franchise , in reality this 2 hour long show accomplished way more than that. It’s a work of art in it’s own regard that can be watch and fully enjoy be people who haven’t seen the original. Simplistic yet beautiful and even poetic writing has bless this little gem and made it shine more than most familiar with original series would expect. In a nut shell it’s a dramatic story of impossible love, filled with well choreographed action scenes and a little historical twist. On the other hand it could be look at as a life story that has way more to it, a story that made a man what he is. Characters (8/10): While despite our two main characters cast is pretty generic and others are there just to be there, to move the plot, to do their work, but not to be interesting or dynamical, this doesn’t take much from the show. It has a running time of a movie and it’s well aware that you can’t make to many strong characters and give them screen time whit that, so the focus is put only on the main two, and while in many cases it could be a bad thing, it’s not the way it’s this time. Chemistry between Kenshin and Tomoe is just amazingly beautiful, every interaction between them is seems quite a silent one, but at the same time so poetic, simplistic, emotional and colorful. Visuals (9/10): Studio deen is not always a consistent one, but when they want to make things look amazing they can, and this is one of those cases. Art style is well detailed and realistic, it made to set an atmospheric feeling of Japan revolution, there is not much one could take a way from it, it should be purely because it’s not what one prefers pretty much. The only part that makes this a 9 instead of 10 is animation, while most of the time fluent at what it does, fights even though well choreographed have some still frames here and there. Sound (10/10): Soundtrack is there do it’s job, which is to help build already well made atmosphere to new heights, and it manages to accomplish this whit ease. Japanese voice actor also did their job well, which is quite a usual case which Japanese voicing, there is no English dub, which is quite a shame as this show could make his way to the west pretty easily. Enjoyment (9/10): I would think it should be quite hard to find someone that would have nothing enjoyable for him in this little gem, it’s a short watch so imho every one should give it a try, you will probably be surprised from the start. As for personal Enjoyment, I did enjoy every part of it to at least some extend, there is really not a dull moment in this show, not a single boring or unimportant fight scene, even dialogues are written whit the same consistent touch of poetry and subtle color from a huge palette.

Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen this anime (OVA) is pretty much about the past of tha main character from the series Rurouni Kenshin. The story has a perfect scenario about a boy that is most likely the "weak's" avenger.The half of the scenario is already given cause it's based on the Japan's history, but let's get to the main part of the story about a swordsman who hates wickedness and is being some kind of an assasin, Kenshin(main character) is the one who kills without hesitation and feel nothing except hatred for every one that he is supposed to kill. This story will even explain the way that Kenshin took that scar on his left cheek, and it'lll be unfolded any farther when Kenshin meets the other main character and so up to then his heart start to kinda soften. The art is SOOO awesome and it takes more credits cause this anime came out in 1999 20th century yet pretty damn good, not even one detail slipped not even one mistake made in the animation. (The sound is satisfying) Sure it was enjoyable. This OVA doesn't have any comedy or parody so if anyone does not like the Drama type he/she most likely shouldn't start it. Drama, not mind games pure brutalism and massacre in some points between men in an era just before the bakumatsu started are some of the main things that describe this anime, only the detail that the era of the samurai had yet to end shows that this anime has a whole lot of slaughter, but what i enjoyed the most was the drama the whole soundtrack thing that makes you want to cry even if the anime doesn't show any sad moment and then the fights, protection and self secrifice are one of the most important things that this anime teaches. The characters are so well orginized and attached to each other, the gloomy faces the struggling the tears are all so well done and suit to each character 10/10 a masterpiece an outstanding anime

Okay first off, This OVA is pretty damn good. After having watched this after reading the manga and watching the TV show, the change of the way the whole anime is done, and the change in Kenshin's character is pretty jarring. Story: The Story is basically Kenshin's day as a hitokiri and his relationship with Yukishiro Tomoe. That's all I can really say about it without going to spoiler area. I will say this though, Brace your self for it's kinda sad. Art: It's pretty different compared to the manga and the anime, but I welcomed the change for the show had a very serious and slightly depressing tone to it, So I think the more realistic art adds to the whole experience. It's also got a lot more in it. No it's not a gorefest, but there is certainly more blood and graphic violence. Music/Voice Acting: The music is solid. It consists of full orchestrations which is lovely to hear. The voice acting, is also pretty damn good you can't really go wrong with this dub, aside from the occasional pronunciation error. As for the sub, I can't say much for it, cause I didn't watch the sub, and when it comes to Rurouni Kenshin I'm always with the English dub, because it's good, Thus I don't feel I have to watch it subbed. If the dub is good, why not just watch the dub? Eh, that's just my opinion though. Characters: As I said before, the change in Kenshin's character is pretty jarring. The Characters are pretty damn interesting and some of there actions later on the OVA will be a surprise. Enjoyment: I really enjoyed watching this, like really enjoyed it. It is just very well done. It did leave me pretty depressed after watching it though, but it kind of added to the whole experience. Overall, I give this a 10. If your already a fan of Rurouni Kenshin, you owe it to yourself to watch this, And even if you aren't It is still a pretty damn good watch.

I found this movie to be extremely depressing. I got quite bored throughout the movie as there was a lot of talking scenes where there was no action. A few things that really annoyed me was that the art was completely different to the one in the anime series, as was the voices of the characters. If you're a big fan of the series, I suggest you watch it as you get to know heaps about Kenshin's past, and how he got the scar on his cheek. :)

For all intents and purposes, Samurai X will be called "T&B" for the remainder of the post) If you have ever seen or read the Ruroni Kenshin manga/anime, you were probably wondering about Himura Kenshin's past, and incredibly bummed that no real explanation was ever discussed/given... Well, no more will you have to sit in wonder of how the legendary Battōsai came to be... Set before the events of the Ruroni Kenhin anime and manga, "T&B" chronicles the events of Himura from young boy to adult and everything in between. From his early training days, to how he becomes a stone cold killer, to the decisions that led him to create his infamous, sakabatō (reverse-blade sword). With beautiful animation and absolutely amazing characters and a stunning story that is rather cliche but still told well, "T&B" is an absolutely breathtaking tale that any anime fan should include in their library. Even if you have never seen/heard of this series, I guarantee you will want to watch the anime from start to finish shortly after watching this OVA. An instant own for any anime fan/collector!!

This is the anime that really got me hooked on animes and introduced me into watching other masterpieces like neon genesis evangelion and others. Therefore it will always have a perennial place on top of the list of my favorite animes. It had so much depth and such a gripping story line that I was totally absorped right from the beginning. The idealist struggle of Kenshin and the unravelling japanese history around him is really astounding and influencial. Especially Kenshin's dialogues with his master Hiko Seijuro are really insightful. Although it has a bit predictable progression, story allows you to empathize with Kenshin which increases the impact of the OVA. Scores accompanying the OVA are also genuinely impressive, especially "war of the last wolves" is unbelievably moving. I recommend this anime to everyone who would like to enjoy a masterpiece, a title which this anime justly claims.

Watching Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Tsuioku-hen feels less like watching a typical anime and more like watching a beautifully crafted historical film. What stands out is the tone. This OVA goes all in on a dark, tragic atmosphere, and personally, that’s one of the things I liked the most about it. The story doesn’t try to soften the brutality of the era or the emotional weight of Kenshin’s past. Instead, it embraces that darkness, which makes the entire experience powerful and mature than most anime. Visually, the OVA is stunning. The animation and direction are cinematic, with detailed backgrounds and carefully composed shots that make every scene deliberate. The sword fights are memorable, not because they’re flashy, but because they are brutal and realistic. When characters fight, it’s quick, violent, and intense, which fits the story perfectly. The character writing is another strength. The story focuses mainly on Kenshin and Tomoe, and that smaller focus works in its favor. Their relationship develops in a quiet, intimate way that is natural and deeply tragic. By the time the story reaches its emotional climax, the impact hits hard. It’s the kind of narrative that sticks with you long after it ends. The soundtrack also deserves praise. The music does the job of reinforcing the somber mood of the story, whether it’s during quiet emotional moments or tense scenes of violence. Combined with the visuals and pacing, it gives the OVA an atmospheric and immersive feeling. That said, the show isn’t without flaws. The pacing is slow and deliberate, which I found a bit too quiet or drawn out. Because the story focuses mostly on Kenshin and Tomoe, the supporting cast doesn’t get much development. And while the historical setting is fascinating, the OVA doesn’t always go out of its way to explain the political conflicts of the time, which left me a little confused. Still, those issues are minor compared to what the OVA does well. Tsuioku-hen succeeds because it commits fully to its tone and storytelling style. The dark atmosphere, emotional depth, and stunning presentation combine to create something special. For me, that bleak and tragic tone is exactly what makes the story so memorable. It’s not just a great entry in the Rurouni Kenshin franchise; it’s one of the most powerful anime OVAs ever made.

I can only attribute that the work of studio deen is really not as bad as we thought and that's who proved us with this ova which became an instant classic really I am impressed by the work behind visually it is magnificent breathtaking never seen such an irreproachable quality I want to say that I am really passionate about the edo era especially since I watched gintama which allowed me to learn more about this dense, hollow and cold period. next, kenshin and tomoe are probably the most adorable and mysterious couple i have seen in a while. tomoe touched and impacted me enormously during my viewing I was destroyed and in deep regret for his atrocious and frustrating past after I find that these feelings which join with kenshin allowed me to deduce that this ova is really a joy but wow i'm just in my deep satisfaction of this beautiful ending I can't even match such an ova it was so perfect despite having an excellent competitor who dethrones it like Legend of the galactic which is the apotheosis of the masterclass ova of the time, of the decade, but it really remains a wonderful journey and a deep dark adventure that is kenshin 9.5 out of 10

After 14 years of watching anime my this is still my definite #1 anime. Usually OVAs don't offer anything special but in this case the OVA tells an important story from the manga that wasn't in the original anime because of it's early cancellation. I have been interested about history for years now and Japanese culture and history especially have been appealing to me (big surprise). So it's no wonder that the whole rurouni kenshin series was very interesting to me. The main series happens 10 years after the bakumatsu (japanese revolution), but this OVA tells about the series main character Kenshins history when he was still a child and how he ended up being Hitokiri Battousai during bakumatsu. Now my biggest problem with the main series was Kenshins vow to never kill again. In Tsuiokuhen there isn't that problem and...ah, Tomoe. There is Tomoe in Tsuiokuhen! I won't go into details if someone hasn't seen this yet. If that's the case, Go watch it! Only 4 episodes ;) Now why is this 10/10 series? Question should be why wouldn't it be. I can't find anything negative to say about this OVA no matter how hard I try. For me the setting is spot on. When you take into consideration that it was made at the end of 1990s the animation is simply amazing! And it's great even if you don't take it into consideration. They have made it dark intentionally to fit the mood of the OVA. The soundtrack is great too, nothing to complain there either. The characters are well executed and they have clear development during the short time they had in 4 episodes. And the story...well I don't dare to say anything with fear of spoiling it. There is action and great emotions and the series also remembers to ponder about the question how killing affects people. Anyways, WATCH THIS! I watched this OVA before the actual series which might have been the right thing or not, since the plot happens before the main series but in the manga this arc was actually after the Kyoto arc. that was the last actual arc in the main series. But now I've rambled way more than I was supposed to. WATCH THIS! Grading 10/10 since 11/10 isn't possible.

Very intense and very brutal, giving us the historic context of feudal Japan, the social consequences and the interesting, dramatic stories of fictional characters. The art, the OSTs and the BGMs are outstanding, the characters are complex, conflicting and interesting, I had a good time watching and the quality of the work is very good. The animation is very good, very brutal, emotional and expressive, the new style suited these OVAs really well, they're more intense, more serious, more dense, sad and violent, and all those elements are well used, it's not random violence for no reason, it has a special role in character development and historic approach.

Arguably the most well-known element of Japanese culture and history is the samurai. Wielding a katana while maintaining allegiance to the honor code of bushido, they are known for their honor skill and skill at fighting. As such, many manga and anime have references to these swordsmen, whether it be for comedic purposes or to serve as a piece of historical fiction. With how many of these samurai stories are out there, what makes one stand out from the rest? What are the elements to make a successful samurai story? Trust and Betrayal answer those questions with ease, making for an enjoyable OVA series that aims to tell a story of romance and violence in under 2 hours. The year is 1864 and rebellion has bubbled against the military government of the Tokugawa shogunate. In the midst of this action is the protagonist Shinta, renamed as Kenshin Himura, who is an excellent assassin who’s wish is to protect the innocent. Despite his brutality against his targets, Kenshin is a soft-spoken man whose cold exterior hides a rather caring individual. The OVA oversees his development by having him interact with characters that serve as guiding forces. Seijuurou Hiko and Kogoro Katsura are leaders to Kenshin, recognizing his strength as a swordsman through training or missions but worry about his ferocity. Tomoe Yukishiro serves to balance out this very nature, as her role is eloquently described as being the “sheath to his sword”. Other characters introduced in the series serve as a way of providing more strength to Tomoe and Kenshin. These minor characters are successful as their behaviors and reasons are believable, tying in directly with the central plot without interfering with the story’s focus. All of this encapsulates a drama that flourishes, a story that tells of the prices paid for good ideals. The story itself, despite the ominous title, is rather standard. Tales such as this have been told in older manga such as Lone Wolf and Cub. Though the “trust and betrayal” is the key element in the tale, it is not as explicit as one may believe. This is because the series is more inclined to show rather than tell. Dialogue blocks are still present, but they play a subservient role to the atmosphere the show develops. It is this silence that often speaks more than the characters themselves. Yet despite this atmosphere, the show never feels swallowed by lethargy. The pacing of the show is perfectly matched to all the key scenes, making the action build the viewer’s adrenaline and allowing the sensual portions to burn slowly yet gracefully. The OVA plays out like a string arrangement, adjusting tempo to draw out the emotions of the piece. Speaking of music, the score for the OVA is superb. Though it is sparse, they are all wonderful instrumentals that serve the animation well. Perhaps the moodiest of these is “Quiet Life” by Taku Iwasaki, a beautiful string piece that only adds to the wistful feeling of the series. The seiyuus (save for one I’ll mention later) all adhere to the emotional qualities of the show very well. Sound director Shouji Hata should be very proud of his work on this OVA. The studio behind it is Studio DEEN, one that has a bit of infamy behind their production quality. Despite this, the OVA’s animation is well done. I adore the look of cel animation and it’s done very well here. The desaturated colors and painted backgrounds are wonderful and add to the serious tone of the show. Though the animation is well done, the overall visual appeal stems from the various editing tricks that DEEN have done. Rotoscoped imagery and filtered images are present at times in the show. This allows DEEN to avoid having to animate these scenes while avoiding a stylistic clash. Sometimes DEEN’s editing tricks don’t always work, like when a strobe effect is used to emulate quick action, but for the most part they are successful. There are a few minor problems I have with the show. As focused on pacing and presentation as the show is, I can’t help but feel some cuts were a bit erratic in the first half of the show. Scenes could often be interrupted by other moments that were occurring or by flashbacks without much lead in. It is to be expected, as the series wishes to promote a more subtle narrative while keeping good pacing. Still, it can lead to some confusion early on when organizing characters and events within time. The second problem I have is another contradictory issue – the voice acting of Kenshin. Kenshin’s design and character (at least, in this OVA) is designed to be soft-spoken and rather cold. As a result, the seiyuu Mayo Suzukaze plays this role to a tee. However, these limits to Kenshin’s range hinders the character during more critical moments, taking myself away from proper immersion into how the character feels. Again, this is more minor, as for the most part the acting is fine. The visual qualities of the character more than make up for this, so Kenshin’s current state of mind is expressed even if the voice doesn’t seem to match. Overall, I give this show a 7/10. I must admit that I was more indifferent starting out, but over time the series’ qualities began to enthrall me. If you’re a fan of samurai stories or historical shows in general, I recommend this title. I also recommend this show if you are looking for something a bit more atmospheric. This is a series that had a lot of love put into it, wanting to show the artistic integrity of the Rurouni Kenshin to its fullest. I can definitively say DEEN succeeded with their mission. Do you like or dislike this anime? If you haven't watched it, are you encouraged to watch it or not? Leave a comment on my profile telling me what you think of the anime and/or my review. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!