As the fervent followers of the Rurouni Kenshin saga, the impending release of the anime in July 2023 has set our hearts racing with excitement. The question that has been bouncing around the minds of countless fans is whether Rurouni Kenshin anime adaptation will triumph over the renowned live-action films. Although it’s still the dawn of this thrilling journey, through this article we aim to share our insights into why the anime might just have the potential to become a superior rendition.
Will the Rurouni Kenshin Anime be any better than the films?
With just a handful of episodes aired, the Rurouni Kenshin anime is in its infancy, while the live-action films have already etched their mark with critical acclaim. Presently, comparing the two might be akin to weighing apples against oranges. Here, we’ll analyze various factors that contribute to this anticipation.
Studio mastery and animation marvels
The anime’s birth under the umbrella of Liden Films, a studio renowned for delivering animation marvels like Berserk (2017) and Tokyo Revengers, is a beacon of promise. This distinguished studio’s legacy in crafting visually mesmerizing and narratively captivating series lays the groundwork for the Rurouni Kenshin anime’s success. The live-action films, on the other hand, underwent diverse production trajectories, resulting in a spectrum of animation quality across the films.
The anime format has a unique advantage when it comes to portraying emotions and character depth. In the case of “Rurouni Kenshin,” the intricate emotions of Kenshin, Kaoru, and the rest of the cast can be expressed with more subtlety in animated form. The animated characters can mirror the original manga’s art style, preserving the authenticity that fans hold dear.
A directional advantage
A vital determinant of success lies in the hands of Hideyo Yamamoto, the anime’s director, whose illustrious portfolio speaks volumes. As the followers of Yamamoto’s directorial magic in “Strike the Blood” and “Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka,” our optimism swells. His talent for weaving the essence of manga into captivating anime narratives ignites hope for the Rurouni Kenshin anime. Conversely, the live-action films were steered by different directors, leading to a variance in directorial brilliance.
Faithful to the source material
A compelling facet that sets the anime apart is its commitment to translating the manga’s soul onto the screen. The live-action films chose to adapt specific arcs, leaving portions unexplored. This offers the anime an opportunity to retain fidelity to the source material, a prospect that resonates deeply with manga aficionados like myself.
The episodic nature of anime grants ample time to explore the various subplots and character arcs present in the series. While the live-action films had to condense and sometimes omit certain storylines, the anime can explore the rich plotline of Rurouni Kenshin in a more detailed manner. This offers the opportunity to satisfy long-time fans and provide a more comprehensive storytelling experience.
Future of Rurouni Kenshin anime
【New Trailer】
Rurouni Kenshin Anime✨More: https://t.co/nXUKo9zYrg pic.twitter.com/xni9K4nh4F
— AnimeTV チェーン (@animetv_jp) August 23, 2023
The new Rurouni Kenshin anime may or may not be what we expect. The quality may fluctuate, but the early signs are promising. The question of whether it will surpass the live-action films is as personal as one’s favorite character. The two mediums have different strengths, and the verdict may depend on individual preferences. However, we are optimistic about the anime’s potential to uphold the manga’s essence with the expertise behind it.
Conclusion
It’s too early to say if the anime will be better than the movies. The anime is still in its early stages, and there is a lot of content that has not been released yet. However, the anime has a lot of potential, with a talented team working on it and a loyal fan base. It is highly possible that anime may be able to surpass the films’ acclaim and ratings. Whether you’re drawn to the faithful narrative of the anime or captivated by the visual splendor of the films, both adaptations contribute to the timeless legacy of Kenshin Himura and his quest for redemption.