Rating: Summary: Gotta See This Review: Although a rather sudden change in animation style from the much more light-hearted Rurouni Kenshin series by AnimeWorks, Samurai X is a wonderful collection of stories about the red-headed hero in his years both preceding and following the AnimeWorks series. The characters and their relationships are more developed than in the television series and the stories are allowed more time to dwell on the viewer, creating a much grimmer and almost dreary atmosphere. As a lover of guts and blood, my chief reason for liking this animation beyond the remarkable level of sheer love and respect that the makers' hold for Rurouni Kenshin, is the fight scenes and the scenery. It has been lovingly created. A "Gotta See This".
Rating: Summary: Kenshin Review: First off, let me start out by saying this is an unbiased review as much as it can be. By that I mean that I have only recently been interested in Rurouni Kenshin and have not seen the T.V. series itself.I've heard complain from friends and reviews of how the OVA collection does not portray the feeling the story does, and it is not as good. However due to my lack of experience with this series and the OVA being my first viewing, I must say it is of excellent quality as a stand alone product. The visuals is sharp and the sword fights beautifully animated. A very sad story from beginning to end, and I kinda enjoyed it this way. An enchanting plot with great character development. Humor may have helped it out a little bit, but I have no complaints as the serious situations really gets you into the mood and I felt thats how the characters really were. I've heard the voice acting is from a different cast for the OVAs and that it wasn't in such great character. Once again I see no problem in this category, I've had no problems understanding the emotions the characters were trying to portray and did not bother to change to japanese with subs. So for new people like me that are trying to get into the kenshin series, this is a good place to start. Although I can't really recommend this to the actually fans of the series already, it might be worth checking out also. A last piece of advice is that you may want to save the "Reflection" episodes for later, when you actually watched the whole series. (Slight spolier coming up ahead). I had trouble understanding some of the flashback scenes that Kaoru had, and characters that are in the T.V. series, but the ending was sad and wonderful at the same time. This is actually the first anime in my collection that I've watched more than once.
Rating: Summary: Not as light-hearted as the TV series Review: First-off,I'd just like to say that these OVAs are stunning. The animation is wonderful. However, if you are one who is used to the comedy and light-heartedness of the TV series,you may be a bit surprised. Tragedy and drama abound(I practically cried through the whole thing),but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I highly recommend this OVA set,and a box of tissues to go with it!
Rating: Summary: All you can ask for in a compact package! Review: From the groundbreaking work of Nobuhiro Watsuki, Rurouni Kenshin, comes the prequel and the sequels to this paramount anime series. The Trust and Betrayal (prequel) OAVs are unparallel to anything you have ever seen before. The darkness that surrounds the story of kenshin's old man-slayer days reflets his feelings at the time and adds greatly to the story. For all you thrill-seekers, the action in this movie is unmatched by any other. Also, there's a very complex love story intertwined masterfully into the blood and gore that was the transition period between the Tokugawa Era to the Meiji Era. These turbulent times were the perfect setting for this story to take place. The battles fought in the movie were actual historical battles at those exact locations. The names of the clans were also real (The "Imperialists" [Choushu clan] Mibu's wolves [Shinsengumi], etc). The plot is wonderful, the story reels you in and the animation and music is simply superb! The animation is sleek and you feel as if you're witnessing all the action first hand! The music is also a vital part of this series. The composer of all the great instrumentals in this movie is Taku Iwasaki. The music sets the mood for the movie. For example in the battle scenes when "One more Red Nightmare" comes on, it sets that dark killing mood into place that just compliments those scenes perfectly. "Shades of Revolution" also gives teh movie that mysterious touch, with the eerie wolf howls and violin pieces, it is again unparallel to any other music in any other anime series. The same can be said of the Reflection OAV. This is the sad part of the story, how the whole story wraps up. Of course, not in the original plotline of what Nobuhiro Watsuki originally wrote, but it is indeed a good rendition. (Of course nothing compares to the original story in the Manga of Rurouni Kenshin, but that's another point.) Not enough can be said about this, any anime fan HAS to experience the beutiful story of Rurouni Kenshin. There are not enough stars in this review to rate this, I would personally give it as many stars as possible.
Rating: Summary: Samurai X Review: Hmmm. Well, Im a bit biased, since I live anime. Now that that is out of the way, I would like to tell you what I think of this. Rurouni Kenshin is my favorite anime. It is about a famous ex-assasin turned wanderer and his struggles involving his past, internal, as well as externally. When I first heard of Samurai X, I thought that it was just Rurouni Kenshin being released in US under a different name. However, I soon learned that it is the story of when he was still Hitokiri Battousai, the manslayer. While the title is appaling, since it has nothing to do with Kenshin, since he is not a samurai, nor is that an X on his cheek(cross), I think that this is a spectacular mini-series and a must own for any anime fan and especially Rurouni Kenshin fan. However, this is NOT one for the kids. Bloody, violent, and full of saki this anime is. I feel that hasnt seen an R rated flick should be kept away from this masterpiece. It may cause some emotional scarring ;). However, if you even like anime a little, and arent scared by some gore, then this is for you!
Rating: Summary: Proud To Own Review: I have been a fan of Kenshin for some time now. Although I have not read any of the Manga since I do not read much. I really enjoyed this box set. The first two DVD's Trust and Betrayal are my favorites of the three and the story could have just stopped right there and I would have been just as satisfied. My roommate never having watched any Kenshin before found Reflections, the third DVD, hard to follow and he said he was a little disappointed in it. Reflections is mostly all flashbacks and the story jumps around a lot from past to present. It was a bit hard for me to follow at times but at the end it all came together. As for the animation I have to say I thought it looked very good. The color was brilliant, maybe I had my TVs contrast turned way up. It is pretty bloody and violent at times, but it is also a love story of sorts. Over all if you like Kenshin you will like this wonderful box set. If you are new to Anime but intested in Samaria X/Kenshin then you might try and buy just Samaria X Trust, the first in this set, and give it a try. I give it 5 stars, my roommate says 4.
Rating: Summary: samurai x ova Review: I have only seen this anime in the orijinal japanies as American voice work can be a bit lacking, that hasn't stopped me from being ingulfed in the kenshin univers, as with manny of the fine anime films and manga books no detail was left obscure, the series was full of purpose and uncluttered. I would suggest this series to any one, weather they watched anime or not, for this is one of the reasons i do.
Rating: Summary: AMAZINGGG!! Review: I just have to say that if you are a real kenshin fan or just love it, you have to buy this!! Trust and Betrayal tell the story of kenshin's past, which is extremely important when understanding him and everything he does. The animations are specially well done, kenshin really looks bad ass and I love it! the fighting scenes are awesome too, they are much more detailed than the fighting scenes in the regular series. It's definitely a MUST HAVE for everybody! and reflection, well freaking awesome too. Kenshin rocks seriously, this is easy the best samurai anime ever ... !! love itttt!! go BUY ITT!! NOWW!! besides it's great because you can get all 3 cd's in one box !!!
Rating: Summary: Simply the Best Review: I love the anime series of Rurouni Kenshin, but the OVA's, especially Trust and Betrayal, are simply amazing! I loved seeing Kenshin as a young and serious hitokiri and later, as a happily married man. One of the box collection extras are brief character analysis, including Kenshin, Tomoe, Hiko Seijuro, and Enishi. Kenshin's superiors are also included, something I thought was extremly helpful, as I kept confusing some of the leaders of the clans. Also, some historical background information is provided which further helped me understand what things were like during that time period. Again, I LOVE Kenshin and would highly recommend the OVA collection to anyone who doesn't already own the OVA's.
Rating: Summary: amazing story! Review: I watched all of tv series, the movie and samurai x and at first when i watched samurai x, i was taken back by its art cuz it was totally different than the tv series. but i fell in love with this one. it's deeper, much deeper and darker than the light hearted tv series and you don't know how much I cried especially at the ending. Greatest anime of all time.
One astonishing drama!!
One question: why does amazon keep playing around with their prices? one day, it's $55, the next day, it's $59..and the next day it's back to like $53, I can't stand it.
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