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Samurai X - Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin)

Samurai X - Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin)

List Price: $29.98
Your Price: $26.98
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 1 stars
Summary: There are just somethings you dont want to know.....
Review: Whats next? Donald Duck gets AIDS, Batman gets Alzhimers...... If you love the TV show PLEASE avoid this horrible swan song.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: after all the sword-bearing master assassin was a man.
Review: Some people may be right in the point that this dvd is something else, I had been a otaku since 1994 and this is the first anime that make me fell this way. On this dvd Kenshin is a more mature man, in a way, yes if you are looking for action from the start to the end well you have the wrong dvd. This OVA has two episodes. the first is base more in the tv series, I can say it is somethig slow, because you are waiting for maga Kenshin action. the last episode is the real deal. You must need to see what happen not only to Kaoru, but well as Kenshi, Kenji, and friends. if you are have a soul mate this is a perfect movie to see on a raining day.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: It's horrible
Review: I am a big fan of the first 3 Samurai X DVD's and was completely disappointed at this one. I don't even want to watch the series anymore because of this. The plot was horrible and boring and the ending is just not satisfying to true fans of Kenshin. He wound up all weak and stupid. Totally disappointing and I do not recommend buying it as it'll ruin the entire series for you.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Stars and Frost / A fitting, if only possible, farewell
Review: For almost two years, I've been following the Rurouni Kenshin series, and one of my favorite parts has been the first OVA series, "Remembrance / Trust & Betrayal." As a result, I was immediately interested in seeing the second OVA series once I knew it was being brought overseas. And even though before I had heard many times that "Reflection" was, to put it simply, depressing, I still wanted to see for myself as to whether or not that was the case. I'm very glad I did so, for even though it's easy to call "Reflection" depressing, there is a story there that is too moving for me to not regard it in a positive way.

I know that there are many RK fans who have considered either the end of the Kyoto Arc or the end of the Revenge Arc (which only appears in the manga, and I highly recommend those who are planning to buy this DVD to read more into the Revenge Arc, as "Reflection" takes place a number of years after the Revenge Arc, and makes several references to it) to be the true ending of Rurouni Kenshin. But even though I count myself among the former group, I still have a healthy respect for the Revenge Arc, because I consider it a very likely possibility of what could happen after Kenshin and the others return from Kyoto. The same goes for "Reflection", in that I consider it a possibility. Even some of the Japanese voice actors who worked on "Reflection" (many of whom are the original voice actors from the TV series) think of this as only one of many possible endings, as they say in their interviews (one of the extras on this DVD.) However, don't let that deter you from watching this DVD for yourself, for it is a truly moving experience.

For those of you who have been waiting for a story detailing the depth and strength of Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship, your wait is over. The second OVA series primarily focuses on the bond between them- a burdened protector who does all that he can to help others, but secretly yearns for a time when he can rest and live quietly; and a woman who has been through so many trials by herself, but wants nothing more than to create a home with the man she loves. In addition, the strength they draw from each other also affects the lives of those around them, even those who don't quite understand it yet, as in the case of their son, Kenji.

Visually, "Reflection" easily meets the standards set by the first OVA series, from the vivid use of color and motion to the inclusion of live footage blended wonderfully into the animation, it all comes together to create a very lifelike and vibrant ambience. And as with "Remembrance / Trust & Betrayal," the music composed by Taku Iwasaki is an almost tangible force that continues to convey the emotion of the story.

All in all, if you're the RK fan that either liked or disliked the first OVA series, or believe that Rurouni Kenshin was either finished too soon or not soon enough, there is definitely something for all to appreciate here, and I highly recommend this DVD to all RK fans.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Kenshin-for-Profit
Review: The newest release from the Kenshin Money Tree features the de-evolution of Kenshin and a fine display of dry, mechanical tragedy. The sappy attempt to draw the sympathy from the audience is pathetic. The movie crams your mouth open like that tool from the dentist's office and force feeds you mass produced industry sized amounts of emotional drivel. No thank you, if I want to cry I'll do it for free and pound my head against the wall.

This is not the ending of Kenshin, those of you wishing to see the ending of Kenshin will have to read translations of the masterful manga. This movie spends 45 minutes reviewing the manga plot, and spends the remaining 15 or so minutes "extending" the plotline to reveal terrible things that happen afterwards.

For those of you who love Kenshin, I hope that there is someway to convince you that the beloved series is over, the complete work is a work of art, and it's time to move on and not blindly seek this out as a way to "get more Kenshin".
For those of us who have already seen it, I hope that there is someway to convince ourselves that this never happened.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not what I hoped it would be.
Review: I bought the import version a ways back, the animation was great the story was O.K., it just seemed to drag on. I love the first OVA the Trust and Betrayal (Samurai X) series that is the real OVA to get. This serves as an ending to the whole Kenshin saga, feels more like a favor to the fans than an actual triumph.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Stars and Frost / A fitting, if only possible, farewell
Review: For almost two years, I've been following the Rurouni Kenshin series, and one of my favorite parts has been the first OVA series, "Remembrance / Trust & Betrayal." As a result, I was immediately interested in seeing the second OVA series once I knew it was being brought overseas. And even though before I had heard many times that "Reflection" was, to put it simply, depressing, I still wanted to see for myself as to whether or not that was the case. I'm very glad I did so, for even though it's easy to call "Reflection" depressing, there is a story there that is too moving for me to not regard it in a positive way.

I know that there are many RK fans who have considered either the end of the Kyoto Arc or the end of the Revenge Arc (which only appears in the manga, and I highly recommend those who are planning to buy this DVD to read more into the Revenge Arc, as "Reflection" takes place a number of years after the Revenge Arc, and makes several references to it) to be the true ending of Rurouni Kenshin. But even though I count myself among the former group, I still have a healthy respect for the Revenge Arc, because I consider it a very likely possibility of what could happen after Kenshin and the others return from Kyoto. The same goes for "Reflection", in that I consider it a possibility. Even some of the Japanese voice actors who worked on "Reflection" (many of whom are the original voice actors from the TV series) think of this as only one of many possible endings, as they say in their interviews (one of the extras on this DVD.) However, don't let that deter you from watching this DVD for yourself, for it is a truly moving experience.

For those of you who have been waiting for a story detailing the depth and strength of Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship, your wait is over. The second OVA series primarily focuses on the bond between them- a burdened protector who does all that he can to help others, but secretly years for a time when he can rest and live quietly; and a woman who has been through so many trials by herself, but wants nothing more than to create a home with the man she loves. In addition, the strength they draw from each other also affects the lives of those around them, even those who don't quite understand it yet, as in the case of their son, Kenji.

Visually, "Reflection" easily meets the standards set by the first OVA series, from the vivid use of color and motion to the inclusion of life footage blended wonderfully into the animation, it all comes together to create a very lifelike and vibrant ambience. And as with "Remembrance / Trust & Betrayal," the music composed by Taku Iwasaki is an almost tangible force that continues to convey the emotion of the story.

All in all, if you're the RK fan that either liked or disliked the first OVA series, or believe that Rurouni Kenshin was either finished too soon or not soon enough, there is definitely something for all to appreciate here, and I highly recommend this DVD to all RK fans.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: An excellent film closes the story of Himura Kenshin
Review: Reflection is a great OAV for the Kenshin series, but don't just buy this because your friend told you you'd like Kenshin. This movie assumes heavy acquaintance with the TV series, and at least a passing understanding of what happens in the first OAV series, Trust and Betrayal (2 sep. DVDs).

The DVD is made up of two episodes, which I have found take about 80 minutes to watch. The first ep. is shorter, and consists mostly of flashbacks, HOWEVER, the title was likely changed from "Seisou Hen" (lit. "The Year of Frost") to "Reflection" because most of these events are shown from Kaoru's perspective, not Kenshin's. The fight with Jinei (Jin'e in this sub) is especially good, as the entire fight is animated, as opposed to the usual slash of light series fans are used to.

The second episode occurs almost entirely after the end of the Shishio or Kyoto Arc, with a nod to the Jinchuu Arc from the manga. This episode does NOT follow the manga ending according to other sources. The Enishi fight is good, but Kenshin is not the hero he used to be, so be prepared for an older and frailer Kenshin in the second half of this episode.

A point is that if you like Kenshin for Saito, Shishio, Sojiro, or Misao, you will not find them in Reflection. Saito makes only a token appearance in Ep. 1 as Kaoru goes through a flashback, and the Sojiro and Shishio fights are shown for purposes of information/review, not in their entirety. On the other hand, if you love the group of "good guys" who live at the dojo, they can certainly be seen.

Dub/Sub: I believe the sub is largely accurate, with noticeable diff. from the TV series, i.e. "hitokiri" = "murderer", not "manslayer", and "bakumatsu" = "end of the Tokugawa era", not "Revolution". The dub uses the same voice actors as the TV series. I don't care for it, but when compared against the subtitle the dub is only somewhat script accurate.

I thought the animation and image quality on the DVD were superb. This OAV has beautiful artwork, but it is much more realistic, in the vein of Trust and Betrayal, although using colors somewhat more in line with the TV series.

The soundtrack is simply amazing and fits the moods perfectly.

Reflection is a very well done film, with my favorite part being largely Ep. 2, since it has the Enishi fight as well as featuring a grown-up Yahiko, as well as an extra fight it would be a shame to spoil. Be prepared for a sad movie, especially if you are more than a passing fan of Rurouni Kenshin.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A tribute to the artists.
Review: First, I would like to thank Nobuhiro Watsuki for creating such a wonderful and endearing character as Kenshin Himura. Second I would like to thank Kazuhiro Furuhashi, along with all the writers and artists, for developing him so beautifully. Kenshin is the embodiment of every man's darkest perception of himself, the part that cringes in memory of that which we can't change about our pasts. I believe that's why one identifies so strongly with him. We see our own failings. But how we respond to our past lessons defines who we are.

That said, I can't help but feel the writers inserted a little too much pain and sorrow for Kenshin and Kaoru. A life's worth has been cramed into this short film. But that's what it's about, the hardships we endure and how they affect us. Life doesn't always turn out the way we want it. In the end Kenshin's and Kaoru's choices make sense.

Good evolution of supporting characters! Yahiko, Hiko, Sanosuke and especially Kenji are wonderful. Kenji appears just as I had pictured him and represents a ray of hope for the future. He has the potential to become the man Kenshin would have been had circumstances allowed. I think the ability for one to see these characters beyond their role, defines its quality

My only complaint is that it is too short.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Very good story with sad ending.
Review: This final OVA is great. It's from Kaoru's view but it makes a flash back of the greatest events of the TV series. I'm a hardcore fan of the series and it was great to see the evolution of the characters after the ending.

After Kenshin accidentally murder's his wife Tomoe, Kenshin takes a vow not to kill again. Kenshin takes Kaoru for his wife, but never forgets about Tomoe and the bloodshed he has make in the revolution. Kaoru fight's to get's Kenshins love and she was successful after a long time of fighting, but in the end sadness fill's the tv screen with a sad but unforgettable ending.


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