Earlier teasers hinted at the film's general outlines -- it seems to contain most of the plot elements from the first eleven or so episodes from the TV series -- but this new trailer confirms that. (Click that link to view.)
Among the things glimpsed here:
- Kenshin and Kaoru, naturally. Plus Sanosuke, Megumi, and many other supporting castmembers. (The casting looks great, by the way.)
- Kenshin's trademark "oro?" exclamation has been kept intact. I hope they haven't made the tone of the whole thing too goofy for its own good, though.
- The fight with Jinn'e (and the whole subplot involving his kidnapping of Kaoru) looks like it's included.
- The episode 11 scene where Kenshin goes up against Kanryū (who's wielding a gatling gun) appears to be in there as well.
- The moody fight photography looks terrific.
To call Kenshin an anime classic isn't hyperbole; it's just the way things are. The show, the saga of a wandering swordsman in Meiji-era Japan (the 1870s, Japan's first period of modernization), was a shoo-in for our lists of Best Samurai Anime, Best Action Anime, Best Anime Romances, and our all-time Top 20 Essential Anime list. It's also responsible for prequel, sequel, and standalone spinoff stories of varying quality, but the original show remains the best bet.
The film opens officially in Japan on August 25. No word yet about a domestic release, but it's most likely in the works -- most likely though a Sony subsidiary. (Warner Brothers Japan is handling distribution in that country.)
What do you think? Are we looking at another candidate entry for the Best Live-Action Anime List? I sure hope so.
Image: Rurouni Kenshin. Image courtesy Pricegrabber.
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