Rurouni Kenshin Movie (Live-Action)

Before my obsession with bands, there was anime. Rurouni Kenshin (RK) is definitely one of my all-time favorites. It's probably one of the longest running anime shows back then but I still watched the English version on Studio 23 and the Japanese version on AXN. I didn't bother watching the Tagalized version on ABS-CBN though because I found it corny as a child. Yup, my kaartehan goes way back. :))

Believe it or not, I used to register my name as Sera Himura in all my online accounts and used a Samurai X-themed password back when I didn't care about internet security at all. I even have copies of the OVAs (Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal and Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection) and the movie in VCD format. Fangirl much? Wait til you see my collectibles. HAHAHA /facepalm

As expected, I was ecstatic when I heard the news that RK was going to have a live-action movie adaptation so imagine my excitement when I found out that it's going to be shown in Philippine cinemas. Oh my anime fangirl heart~! ♥ We immediately purchased tickets for the first screening schedule on the first day when we found out (accidentally) that SM Cinemas were selling tickets in advance. It only made sense to see it as soon as it hits the cinemas.

So on December 5th, Erin and I went to SM North Edsa Cinema 1 to finally see the film. We were greeted by a long line of people that goes all the way to the Fruitas stand. Or even past it. I'm not sure because I couldn't see the end of it. To put it, the line was so long, it felt like we're queuing for an Eiga Sai film. >.< Nee-chan, Bryle and Mabel were already inside the cinema while Erin and I were still contemplating if we should fall in line or just wait for the end of the line since we have reserved seats so there's nothing to worry about. Thanks to Mabel's literally glowing face (because of her Note II haha), we found our seats easily.

I was holding my breath as the film started. I haven't watched the anime in years so I was both excited and nervous at the same time. The film started with Kenshin killing off people as Hitokiri Battousai while Saito tries to catch him. And as the new age dawned, Kenshin left his dark past and became the sakabatou*-carrying, happy-go-lucky wanderer we all know and love. It was so good seeing his "oro" face again!

I don't want to spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it yet so I won't go into details just that it covers the first few episodes of the anime and even a little bit of the prequel OVA (Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal). Seeing the characters show up on the screen one by one sent shivers down my spine. Props to the stylists and costume designers. You can easily tell who the characters are just by looking at them. I especially love how the audience reacted upon seeing Sano for the first time. Everyone cheered like they've seen a long lost friend or something. He's perfect as Sano. I only wished he was a little bit taller and more lanky. Also, when Kenshin finally puts on his signature maroon hakamashita paired with white hakama, everyone was filled with nostalgia. And when it got to the fight scenes, OHMYKAMI-SAMA! The choreography was flawless! Everything was perfectly executed without looking fake. And just like in the anime, they brought in hilarious moments during unexpected times to lighten up the mood. Yup, that's the RK I know alright.

For some reason, I expected the film to be around an hour and a half long but it lasted for more than two hours. I didn't know if I wanted it to end already or just go on forever. SM Cinemas are cramped so my legs get pretty uncomfortable when I'm seated for a long time. But it was sure worth it. It was so good, everyone clapped at the end. As we went out of the cinema, I was reminded how much love I have for RK. I still dislike Kaoru though. So it's not just the anime version that I find annoying. Haha Some things never change, I guess.

When we got home, the first thing I did was to search for my Rurouni Kenshin: Premium Collection CD. I remember trying to convince mom to buy it for me because I couldn't save up for it fast enough. I looked at the CD inlay and tried to recall all the ending themes but Karly beat me to it. Haha Giving up, I gave it a listen and surprisingly found myself singing along. I still know the lyrics by heart even though I can hardly understand most of it. Which reminded me of the lack of memorable OST the movie had which was quite disappointing. But aside from that, it was perfect.

*reverse-blade sword

Eiga Sai 2012

So it's finally July and it only means one thing.  It's Eiga Sai season once again!  Eiga Sai is a Japanese film festival presented by The Japan Foundation, Manila as part of the celebration of Philippines-Japan Friendship Month held every July.  I have always been amused by Japanese culture so I make it a point to go every year.

I still remember my first Eiga Sai experience ever.  Instead of sleeping in, Nee-chan brought me along to watch Waterboys (starring Satoshi Tsumabuki) at the UP Film Institute one Saturday afternoon.  It was my first non-anime Japanese film that I watched and I loved it!  I enjoyed every minute and I was laughing my head off the whole time!  I was still in high school back then and up until now, I never missed a year.  After I graduated from college, I try my best to watch all the films year after year.  So naturally, when this year's schedule came out, I created our game plan within minutes.

Oh, and surprise surprise!  This year's featured film, Villain, stars Satoshi Tsumabuki!  Only this time, he's not wearing a speedo and is no longer part of a synchronized swimming team.  Oh how time flies!  I can't believe it's been eight years since I saw my first Eiga Sai film.

If you're interested, here are the screening schedules.  If I watch all those highlighted in green and everything goes according to plan, I'll be able to watch all films this year. :)

For more information regarding Eiga Sai, click here.  To get a PDF copy of the official Eiga Sai flyer which contains movie synopsis and screening schedules, click here.  See you there!