The Rurouni Kenshin anime series is based on the manga series of the same name, written by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The series started airing in 1996 and then halted in 1998. While there is also a 95-episode-long TV series adaptation of the title, released in three different seasons, two OVA (Original Video Animation) series exist, too. Later on, an OVA which intended to reiterate the second season was released as two episodes.
Read more to find out about the OVAs as well as the anime movies of the Rurouni Kenshin manga adaptation.
Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (OVA)
The original video animation series serves as a prequel to the Rurouni Kenshin anime TV adaptation. It focuses on Himura Kenshin, the protagonist, who takes on the role of an assassin in this OVA.
Fans accompany him as he uncovers the mystery behind his surreal scar and delves into his romantic relationship with Yukishiro Tomoe. Set in the Bakumatsu period, the plot centres on the pivotal meeting between Shinta and Hiko Seijūrō, a travelling swordsman. This eventually results in a profound transformation in the protagonist.
The movie’s central narrative revolves around Kenshin’s transformation from a young boy with a different name into one of the most feared assassins. It also delves into themes of love, redemption, and action, keeping fans fully engaged with the storyline.
Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (OVA)
Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection is a sequel to the TV series, animated by Studio Deen. It narrates Kamiya Kaoru’s point of view and features his later days with Kenshin. The protagonist, who had been searching for ways to redeem himself for his actions as an assassin, struggles with his inner turmoil regarding his destructive past. And while Kaoru waits for him to return, Kenshin’s relationship with his son takes a back seat.
After a series of ups and downs, the post-credit scene gives a sense of hope and progress. It features Kenshin’s son, Kenji, walking beneath the cherry blossoms with Chizuru. As they express their intent to live happily together, the movie ends on a good note.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture
Also called Rurouni Kenshin: The Movie and Samurai X, this animated martial arts film transitions from the Bakumatsu period to the Meiji Era. Kenshin transforms into a pacifist and travels with his friends from Tokyo to Yokohama. What follows is a sequence of action-based drama, which begins when Kenshin protects Toki from a group of aggressive sailors. After a train of interconnected events, Kenshin and his friends find themselves involved with a bunch of rebels who intend to assassinate the government.
Toward the end, Kenshin confronts Toki about killing her brother during his assassin phase. But, she forgives him and returns to Yokohama.
Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc
The Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc is an OVA adaptation of the Kyoto Arc from the manga as well as the anime series. It has one of the most intense plotlines in the entire series. Once again, Kenshin Himura holds the position of the protagonist. He receives a letter from an assassin from the Bakumatsu period, Shishio. This intrudes on Kenshin’s attempts at redemption from his tragic history, as the government calls him to stop Shishio. This marks the end of part 1.
In part 2 of the OVA, Kenshin encounters Shishio, who reveals secrets from both their pasts. This arc marks intense and thrilling moments, provoking sentimentality within the viewers.
It has been a while since the original premiere of the adaptation, but it has continued to resurface time and again in the form of different movies and TV adaptations. This indicates how the fans have loved the adaptation over the years, and they continue to do so.
