I have never seen a single episode of the 'Rurouni Kenshin'-series, but I was fully able to enjoy this movie. I wasn't really sure what I could expect. I can say it was a very pleasant surprise. May be the story is not very good but there is so much more that is great that it didn't bother me. The story isn't bad either, it is pretty standard. It is about revenge, of course with some hidden secrets, and great samurais like Kenshin himself.

The animation is perfect for a movie like this. The fighting sequences look great and powerful, almost like you're in the middle of the fight yourself. The opening sequence amazed me in every positive way possible. Only the way this movie looks makes it interesting and entertaining to watch. Like I said, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this movie, but I did. Even more than that.

This story is as amazing as the other OVA's and the Kenshin series. True, plenty of fans have had their differences over the two. But I disagree with any disrespect given to this movie.

This movie, compared to the first parts of the OVA (Trust and Betrayal for us pro-English/Japanese-handicapped folk) is closer in style and story to the Kenshin series. The animation is identical to the series though the voice acting cast is different since this movie predates the series by a few years.

From the flashbacks to Kenshin's assassin days to the fact that he's fighting the same battles a decade later, we see that Kenshin's determination to kill with his sword in his former days will never allow his more peaceful side a chance to really be at ease. As in the series... Kenshin's victims, or rather their friends and family, dog Kenshin's every step with either ideas of revenge, making him feel guilty about his deeds, or forcing him to confront impetuous adversaries in order to make things right.

Kenshin uses his reverse-blade sword to try to save himself and his opponents from deadly mistakes. But he finds out how hard it is to atone for such unspeakable bloodshed.

This movie is a little easier on Kenshin's personal life than Trust/Betrayal, but attentive viewers will share in Kenshin's deep frustration when so many subverse elements ruin his chances to make amends.

I say this is more of an extended episode of the series, and the beginning looked like one of the filler episodes of the show. And the story is not much except more of Kenshin's past back to haunt him, and a conspiracy going on about their new friends they meet at the beginning is stirring up. I would say the animation is very good, the effects okay, and more background of Kenshin also. But not all of the characters are there, only a few others make an appearance but others don't. Just the four, Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, Sano, and oh, at least Saitou is back. That's good to see, but you seem fight only a few times, and I also like the poem or haiku in it, and it goes something like this, "the bluest sky is infinitely high and crystal clear." That is something I'll never forget, very beautiful. Recommended to the fans of the show.