"Huli man at magaling, maihahabol din."
It is never too late to offer anything that is good.
With this Filipino saying in mind, I am writing this review of mine, of Rurouni Kenshin Kyoto Inferno; despite having all of the Spoiler Free reviews out there or despite having all the movie reviews out there - period. Every since getting the opportunity to view films in special advanced screenings, I have always made it a point to come out with a movie review as soon as possible, I mean isn't that what all bloggers aim for? A movie review after a movie has already been showing for days would be 'mudada' or useless. Especially one that has received so much media coverage as Kyoto Inferno and to think that the first movie would not have even seen the light of day in any cinema in the Philippines, were it not for the continued support of it's avid fans.
And so I am writing this as an avid fan, I am writing this as that blogger that I was when the first movie came out, I am writing this not just to say that the movie was amazing and you should all see it because every other writer, blogger and movie critique has already said that.
As the title above says, this piece is geared more to be (or at least I think that it is shaping up to be) an essay of sorts, yes I was the type of student who worked hard on my essays, often burning the midnight oil and forming callouses on my fingers. Yes, kids, during my time (High School) essays were written by hand, with pen, on paper-shocking.
So with this warning and caution, I proceed with this essay in the hopes that you, oh dear reader will see it with me through the end.
It is already Sunday as I am writing this, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno has already been in cinemas every since Wednesday, and of course anyone who has been planning to see it, probably already has and as I have already mentioned this piece is more of an essay so spoilers will be over the place.
I thought that reviewing Kyoto Inferno which is the first part of a two-movie sequel (the second being Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, which comes out next month) would be difficult to review as a single entity or movie since it is just one part of a two movie sequel.
Although not having a 'conclusion' that will let you sleep peacefully at night Kyoto Inferno on it's own stands as a single entity and is filled with overwhelming themes of peace, hope, despair, revenge,that I have understood at some level the meaning behind the movie tag line "Feel the Future"
The Children, The Children!
There are two scenes in the movie that tugged at my heart strings the same way, I was crying throughout the movie, my husband kept on bonking me at the head every time he would hear me stifle a sniffle, I was crying so much you'd think that I was watching a drama instead of an action movie.
In these two scenes were so much tears were shed, Kenshin goes out on a limb to save the future- that is it say, children. One, is a young boy whose family is killed as collateral damage in Shishio's own private resort (hot springs) village. Praise to Sato Takeru's portrayal of Kenshin as you can see him transform thoughout the movie, becoming more somber and determined to stop Shishio as he comes face to face with the carnage, violence and death that Shishio's plans have wrought.
He stops a young boy as he is urged on by his (cowardly) villagers to take revenge on the men that killed his parents, consumed with grief and hate the young boy lets out a cry of anguish as he is about to stab one of the men who killed and hung his family but before the dagger lands, Kenshin stops him in time. He says: "Do not spoil these little hands, soon they will become big hands and you should use them to protect your family-just like your brother did." (I'm just recalling the lines from memory, sorry if it's not exact) that was such a powerful scene for me, as you are watching this you see the violence and you think that what is playing before your eyes is too awful and too unspeakable to be true but then at the back of your mind and deep down in your heart, you know that there are children being beheaded and young children being turned into soldiers. You know that there are still wars in other countries being fought and so many innocent children are caught in the cross fire.
In yet another scene where Kenshin risks his life to save a baby, he is taunted by his opponent, by asking if he would lay down his life for one child. Kenshin says that "yes- he would, as the children are the future, the future of an era he has fought for". In yet another powerful line in the movie, the sword maker Arai Shakku says that the swords that he create are not for his son's time but for the peace of his child after' (or something to that extent). It had me thinking, what kind of world are we leaving our children and future generations to live in? Is there any real peace even without war? What about the everyday wars and struggles that we face? How do we face them?
The Path Less Travelled
Kenshin is all about peace and not killing even when he can and I guess that this is a call to all of us to choose the path less travelled. With his skill Kenshin could have lived a life of riches but instead he prefers a simple life where he goes to the market, does the dishes, the laundry and the cooking.
We no longer have Samurais today and not many of us exactly qualify as hired killers but there are still so many ways to hurt others, not just with a sword. Our words and actions can cut and hurt anyone just as a sword can-sometimes even deeper and we don't need to be a master of the Hiten Mitsurugi technique to bring down someone with our words and actions.
So even if you can call out a girl for her weird clothes - don't. There's so much hate around and it's just so easy to fling it around but even if you can-don't.
We may not be facing ex-samurai but we will have to fight our own every day battles, which side will you be on? Will you choose the path less travelled or will you fuel the flame of hate and apathy?
Change And Moving On
Throughout the movie, we see how different characters react to change, 'the only thing that is constant in life is change' Kenshin, Shishio, Saito and Aoshi are all the product of a time of war and change, the end of an era and the beginning of a new one yet they all live their lives differently after.
Kenshin becomes a peaceful wanderer, vowing never to kill again.
Saito becomes a police officer, keeping the peace while still exuding that swagger about him.
Though different in the anime and the movie, Aoshi Shinamori is consumed with anger and revenge and spends his life, putting the blame for unfortunate events on other people. He has become a demon from the man, he once was.
Makoto Shishio, arising from the ashes is bent bringing hell on earth with his twisted ideals of how "the strong will survive while the weak, perish". -we're not exactly animals out in the wild to be following this law of nature you know?
So the next time a big change happens in your life -(not just a change in government but any change in life) how are you going to deal with it?
This group of fans, take a group picture with the cast of Kyoto Inferno, sorry if it was kind of a Papparazzi shot (^^x
Kenshin Himura is such an iconic hero, who has reached generations. Parents have named their children after him and young teenagers who were just in diapers when the animated series came out are now discovering him through the movies. He stands as a symbol of peace in a time of discord, he chooses to help the weak instead of oppressing them. We need real life heroes like him, but maybe in our own little way we can be our own Kenshin Himura, not a lone wanderer but someone who chooses to be the better person in each situation, of sheathing the sword, instead of drawing it.
Despite being an action packed movie, made up of talented actors who gave justice to their roles, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno is filled with themes, values and lessons that are surprisingly still relevant today.
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| No special screening for me, but that's okay since I got to watch the movie with my baby sister and brother, which was very important for me since we grew up watching the animated series together. Every night, sitting in front of the TV and watching it on Studio 23 or AXN. My brother was just a kid when we were watching the series, now he's taller than me! |
My Rurouni Kenshin Journey
History In The Making: Rurouni Kenshin Manila Red Carpet Premiere
Movie Musings: My thoughts on the Rurouni Kenshin (Live Action) Movie
Manstapppp, thanks for share
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