As record speaks, a lot of comics/manga/anime/game adaptations failed to really convert to movies. I just realized that there were many failures than success in this field. However, these past years, some film makers doing their best to avoid such downfall or ruin the creditability of the source material. Recently, like Dredd 3D or Ace Attorney made good strides, not that very much faithful for each detail but at least, the context of the movie is there.
Another kind of momentum added because of this movie! Well, before the movie was shown I had glimpse of Rise of the Guardians, thanks to that reeler. =) Just around 5 mins, Rise looked good but the reeler realized it was the wrong movie, and me inside did not mind it but well, it's wrong anyway. At last.. The right film reeled in.
For this film, of course, it has some flaws. As they really adapt the source, which I hate in the original one, a lot of talking and dialogue. Himura as nature talk first then fight, unlike his past. Then yes, a lot of talking from other characters and yeah it drags some time.
Another thing, it's not really a flaw but it shows glimpses of Himura's past in a most short way that leave fans wanting for more. That's what I expect especially that scene where he killed the one who gave him the first scar. I was wanting to see Tomoe's face but alas.. Nice white kimono. Ergh.
But anyhow, this film almost got into the list of great samurai films. The only thing hindered was evident, less blood and not much gore, it's because of the nature of the material and yes, the reversed sword. Expect a lot of ouch than splat of blood. Nice action sequences especially to that actor who really ran and jump like Himura, and yes, the sword as well.
Sword fighting sequences are good. Especially the sequences which Himura fights one dude, then Samanoske (if I got the spelling right) fights another dude. Although not great but it has execution and flowing sequence. I love the scene which the boss launches his machine gun, in great detail the scene work with the help of Saito. The 3G blood effect shows not in 3G so give credit to the effects team.
The direction is good, for having the pace same as the manga/anime. Choosing the right actors and I know the reason why. Director give effort to emphasize the mood of the present Himura and the past one, as one scene is dark, then the present is light, with the right effects and direction for those scenes, it helped. The screenplay is great as development of the story goes especially how the past mattered in the story. Especially in Himura's part.
Damn, give credit to the actors, not only looking almost the same in the original source but also they did the part in a great way. Give credit to the lead actor of course, for acting with justice as Himura. Then the actress acted as Kaoru (I thought her name is Kaori. hehe), Yahiko the kid who is indeed a stubborn kid. Sanosuke, a really tall dude yet a ripped one, unlike the thin dude in the original one. Saito is Saito in this film even in small parts like his hair and sword style. I know for die hard fans, might looking for other characters you like, for me, the Master of Himura but we all pray, this will have a sequel or what I love, the prequel which I know it will be very very bloody and lovely, romantic.
Lastly, I give credit to the costume/production setting people who I think made this film more real and make the adaptation work. Like my friend Ted, every detail is captured, like one example, the look of Megumi is indeed Megumi, Saito is Saito with his few bangs. How about Himura's scar and that maroon kimono. Or bright pink in the Anime, I don't know but it looks great. Kaoru, the villains and the other characters really show who they are as supposed in the original material. The right slow action sequences and yes, the Hiten Mitsurugi Style. =)
I can't believe Warner brothers Japan invest a lot in 2 of the most beloved mangas ever created, this one and my fave Berserk. Although I'm still waiting to watch Berserk's part 2 and part 3 (I hope they will make a lot of it). This one is worth of their investment, and I won't be surprised if they will make more of this as long they take their time doing this and distribute it in the right way. Give credit to SM for exclusively showing this, see, after I watched this film, a lot is lining up outside. I don't care for the Hobbit. I did care for this one.
It's because it's a childhood fantasy anime throughout the years. =)
I hope that they'll do better in the next one or yeah they take time of this. I hope Japan will be the ones will make their own adaptation than relying to the US which they do bad. Unless it's a western material, but if it's manga or anime, please don't give it to them. hehe I'm now bracing myself to Akira, Oldboy and Ronin 47. Will it be a mess or hit? Except for Pacific Rim perhaps. If that looks good, then Del Toro should make Gundam, Madox, or even may fave Macross. hehe
For now, if they can make it for themselves like Ace Attorney, Yamato or this one, then why not others or maybe it's really unfilmable. DBZ is one I think we put in anime instead, no more attempts. Please.
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