Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is the prequel to the live-action film adaptation of the manga series Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The movie takes place in Tokyo, during the Meiji period. The story revolves around Kenshin Himura, a legendary swordsman known as the Battousai who has become a wanderer and vows to never kill again.
The film begins with a young Kenshin who is taken in by Seijuro Hiko, a skilled swordsman who becomes Kenshin's master. Flash forward to the present, Kenshin meets a mysterious woman named Tomoe Yukishiro, whose past is connected to his own. They form a bond and fall in love, but tragedy strikes when Tomoe is killed by Kenshin's mentor-turned-enemy, Kurogasa. This event leads Kenshin to vow to never kill again and become a rurouni (wandering swordsman).
The main plot of the movie involves Kenshin going up against Enishi, a powerful and mysterious weapons dealer who controls the underworld of China. Enishi holds a personal grudge against Kenshin and is determined to take revenge on behalf of his sister Tomoe, who was also in love with Kenshin. Kenshin's past and the secret of his "Jujishou" technique are also revealed.
The film features impressive sword-fighting scenes, beautiful cinematography, and emotional performances by the actors. It explores themes of betrayal, love, loyalty, and loss. Fans of the manga and anime series will enjoy this prequel, which sets up the events leading to the first live-action movie, Rurouni Kenshin.
