Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014)

Following the success of its first live-action film, Rurouni Kenshin came back full force for a sequel story in 2014, two years after its predecessor conquered the hearts of many anime, manga, and samurai film fans. In fact, the sequel story of the former legendary man-slayer was big enough that it was split into two films, both released the same year.

Trailer

“Kyoto Inferno”, the first part of the sequel story, expanded the world of Rurouni Kenshin, bringing the protagonist to the old capital of Japan, Kyoto, and introduced a story intertwined with ninja, broken blades, and a vengeful plot fueled by burning hatred.

“Kyoto Inferno” scales up everything that made the first film great: cleanly-executed action, characters brought to life by a talented cast, and a quality story steeped in Japanese history. The over two-hour run time can seem drawn out at times, all the more considering it is a two- part story, however it more than makes up for it with many stand-out action and drama moments. Though sequels to a success can easily fall apart, “Kyoto Inferno” carries on the tradition of greatness set by its predecessor.

Cast

Takeru Satoh once more exudes a calm and powerful presence as Kenshin Himura. Also returning to the role is Emi Takei as Kendo teacher Kaoru Kamiya, Yū Aoi as the beautiful and medically skilled Takani Megumi, Munetaka Aoki as the comedically fight-hungry brawler Sanosuke Sagara, and Yōsuke Eguchi as police officer Hajime Saito.

Kaito Oyagi comes in as the young and witty swordsman, Yahiko Myojin and newcomer Tao Tsuchiya acts as a bright addition to the storyline in the role of Misao Makimachi, a young Kunoichi in the ninja group, Oniwabanshu. Another new face, Yūsuke Iseya plays Shinomori Aoshi, a fighter with a mission drawing him closer and closer to Kenshin.

Tatsuya Fujiwara brings a strong and evil gravitas to the role of the burned villain, Shishio Makoto and Kamiki Ryunosuke gleefully plays the loyal right-hand man to Shishio, Seta Sojiro, expertly matching the protagonist in speed and skilled sword maneuvers. Also standing out uniquely as a member in Shishio’s murderous plans is Sawagejō Chō, played by Ryosuke Miura.

Plot

Betrayed, burned, and forgotten by the government which employed him, Shishio Makoto seeks to exact revenge on those for whom he once worked. His violence inspires the Japanese government to find and enlist the aid of the former legendary man-slayer, Kenshin Himura.

Though at first opposed to drawing his sword once more, he is eventually persuaded to leave his peaceful life now residing in Kaori’s dojo and to travel to Kyoto in order to put an end to the rising threat. This journey to the old capital brings Kenshin in contact with a group of ninja, a ruthless and skilled enemy army, and an encounter that leaves him in search of a weapon upgrade.

Action

This sequel continues the trend of exhilarating fight scenes first demonstrated in the 2012 film. The first film set the bar high for what could be done with a sword and a former man-slayer, and this newer entry doesn’t fail to meet this either.

The choreography is creative and well-paced, contrasting high-speed action with unexpected movements. Though Kenshin appears as a highly skilled swordsman, many of his opponents match him in a realistic manner that showcases the talent of both performers. That’s not to say the film doesn’t let the audience indulge in an occasional one-versus-many beatdown however.

It is the ease with which Kenshin moves and attacks his foes that accentuates the skill attributed to the character. One of my gripes with the film’s predecessor was a slight excess of slow motion moments. That concern was nowhere in sight in this film as they appear to rely on the pacing of the fight to highlight the action rather than “movie magic”.

The strong expression and characterization of each person’s fighting style keeps the film refreshing. No two fighters move exactly alike. Whether it’s the light-footed playfulness of Seta Sojiro or the deliberate style of Aoshi Shinomori in motion, every action they take reflects who they are. While any good action flick differentiates a personal style for their fighters, few do it quite as well as this one. “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” takes everything they did right in the first film and focuses on fine tuning it into an even more impressive spectacle.

Summary

As difficult as it can be to surpass a previous success, “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” manages to do this surprisingly well. Taking a page from Bruce Lee’s philosophy, the film “absorbs what is useful, rejects what is useless, and adds what is essentially its own”.

Building on what worked in the first film and scaling it larger makes this live-action adaptation of the popular manga series a definite one to view, experience and appreciate.

Trivia

• The film is the first in a two-part sequel to the original film, “Rurouni Kenshin: Origins”. The second part, “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends”, aired less than two months later.
• First released in Japan in 2014, “Kyoto Inferno” was later released in US theaters in September 2016 with English subtitles. A DVD and Blu-ray version was then released that same year including an English dubbed version.
• Kenji Tanigaki, the action director / fight coordinator for the first film, returns to choreograph intense action once more. In the past, he has worked alongside Donnie Yen many times and was a student of the legendary Japanese movie star Yasuaki Kurata.
• The film is a live-action adaptation of a manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki entitled “Rurouni Kenshin” (alternatively titled “Samurai X”). In particular, the film draws from the second story arc of the source material, the “Kyoto Arc”.
• Though this is the first of a two-part sequel, it is still the second part in the series itself. Due to this, the film is alternatively entitled “Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno”

Film Rating: 8.5/10

Seen “Rurouni Kenshin Part II – Kyoto Inferno”? What do you think of the fights in this sequel compared to the first movie? Do you think this series is quite possibly the best live-adaptation manga so far? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram.

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