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Jul 6, 2023 9:35 AM
#1

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Nov 2011
129185
In terms of animation quality, this is a massive upgrade but also, I liked how they kept the tense opening for the episode.

Kenshin's introduction into this anime is no short of intense and I enjoyed seeing his meeting with Kaoru. She seems like a character with a strong personality with fighting skills and not afraid to back down from others. Her character designs looks a little simlar to Sakura from the more recent Sakura Wars anime though. I also like the refreshing style of the setting this takes place. Overall, a pretty good starting imo.

2-cour anime confirmed so plenty to focus on the story. 
Jul 6, 2023 9:35 AM
#2

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May 2020
11546
A remake of a show which dates back close to three decades ago. Great though, hope it kinds of starts a trend in itself. Anyways just a look and it’s pretty evident that LIDENFILMS did try their best to retain the original art, so will give them that atleast. 

Now to the main thing, we’re in the Meiji Era and guess what our main man is kind of a famous personality, Battousai the Manslayer. But hey he’s trying to move away from his past, but that’s easier said than done, I mean when you kind of develop such a notorious personality, even if you trying to lay your hands off from a thing, the society won’t let you so easily. Happened the same here when a dweeb started calling himself with that infamous title, and doing every bad deed in the books just to sully the name of that title and in a way Kenshin’s too.

Meeting with Kaoru was the same, with her being still the same and jumping to the conclusions a tad too quickly lol. Though hey Kenshin didn’t tell her about his real identity back then, in fact he did at the most MAIN moment of them all, when the dweeb was about to make Kaouru’s day. He came and he owned everyone, mister Rurouni aka the real Battousai the Manslayer aka Himura Kenshin. 

He’s not going anywhere rest assured. Really funky OP and cool ED as well. Already liked the start.
Jul 6, 2023 9:35 AM
#3

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Jul 2017
14914
25 years since the adaptation of one of anime's classic gems of the 1990's, the remake/reboot of mangaka Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin is finally here, courtesy of Liden Films, which helmed a similar style through the subpar Mugen no Juunin: Immortal a.k.a Blade of the Immortal reboot/remake back in 2019 to 2020. I hope that Rurouni Kenshin will NOT get that level of treatment.

Ayase feat. R-Shitei is back on the OP, classic Buddy Daddies song vibes. Reol's ED has the feels like a 90's Anisong.

"Ruruoni" Kenshin Himura carrying a Sakabato blade around with him, Kaoru Kamiya mistook him for the Hitokiri Battosai, who commits atrocities of killings that her and the Meiji Metropolitan police have been trying to catch him for quite some time, which has defiled her Kamiya Kasshin-ryu sword style name claiming to be of the Battosai. Sensing danger, Kenshin advises Kaori to stay put so that he can handle the matter in her stead, despite "Rurouni" meaning a failure.

A few days later, Kaoru, with her live-in servant Kihei, found Kenshin caught by police because of his blade, though Kihei manages to bribe his way to let the police off Kenshin's tracks. Though Kaori's suspicious about the killings, Kenshin has business to deal with Battosai from the intel he gained, knowing his real name as the Crossroad Killer Hiruma Battosai. At the same time, Kihei wanting Kaoru's seal on the paperwork, it was all a trap for his brother Gohei to capture her alive, along with her swords and her dojo. It's a good thing that Kenshin comes for the kill after realizing what's going on, and the Battosai are onto him, with the Rurouni Manslayer Battosai living up to his name with his Hiten Mitsuru-ryu ancient Sengoku Era sword style.

A tit-for-tat with clearing Kaoru's name, and Kenshin decides to stay with her for the time being.
Kenshin's "Oro?" expression is a trademark, wonderful.

I've got a good feeling now that this adaptation will do the OG 1996 - 1998 anime adaptation justice for a modern reboot / remake.
I'm digging this rather impressive adaptation of Chapter 1 of the manga!
KANLen09Jul 6, 2023 12:29 PM
Jul 6, 2023 9:39 AM
#4

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Dec 2021
2933
Welp, it looks like after 25 years Rurouni Kenshin has finally made a long-awaited comeback with its 2023 modern reboot for new audience! This beloved franchise, known for its compelling characters, intricate storytelling, and exhilarating sword fights, continues to leave a lasting impression almost almost 20 years later, and it definitely makes an excellent reintroduction to the world of Rurouni Kenshin. Set in the Meiji era of Japan, the story follows Kenshin, a wandering swordsman with a mysterious past. 

Holy shit the animation quality is top-notch, from the vibrant colors and fluid movements that bring the characters and action sequences to life. Kenshin's lightning-fast swordplay or the intensity of a heated battle, the animation maintains a high level of consistency, drawing viewers into the heart of the action. 

One of the strengths of Rurouni Kenshin has always been its well-developed characters, and the first episode successfully reestablishes this aspect. Kenshin himself remains a fascinating protagonist, portrayed as a gentle and kind-hearted individual who carries the weight of his violent past. The introduction of other key characters, such as Kaoru Kamiya, promises intriguing dynamics and future character growth. 

The narrative of this first episode strikes a perfect balance between establishing the central conflict and providing enough context for newcomers to the series. It sets the stage for the overarching storyline of Kenshin learning to leave his past and focus on his present. The episode adeptly combines action, drama, and hints of humor just like the original 

2 decades later and the soundtrack is still goes so fucking hard and plays a significant role in enhancing the emotional impact of the episode. The familiar melodies from the original series are masterfully integrated, heightening the intensity of fight scenes and adding depth to emotional moments. The opening theme also evokes a wave of nostalgia in me. 

Overall, this a great first episode and is a triumphant return for the beloved franchise. With its superb animation, compelling characters, and an engaging narrative, it captures the essence of what made the original series so captivating. Looking forward to see Kenshin and Karou's bond to grow and for this show every week!
IzanaSolosJul 6, 2023 3:09 PM


Jul 6, 2023 9:39 AM
#5

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Nov 2011
129185
Jul 6, 2023 10:14 AM
#6

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Jan 2009
121
Well, this one had the opportunity to clean up some of the issues in the first few episodes in the 90s adaptation which had some hiccups along the way...
Unfortunately I feel that in the pursuit of an adaptation that is loyal to the source material, it loses a lot of the charm and chemistry that was added in the 90s offering.
Kenshin's voice is not goofy-samurai but male-model, the OST is bland as all hell (not even in the same league or same universe)
Character design and animation looks good, but nothing standout by today's standards...
I like the motivation for Kaoru here, her dad died while not staying true to his ideals, and she wants to continue his legacy, I just checked and that was omitted from the 90s version.
I'll keep tuning in for now I guess, but judging from what was on display this week I don't have high hopes

Edit:
Perrin4869Jul 6, 2023 10:20 AM
Jul 6, 2023 10:19 AM
#7
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Aug 2022
1640
Reanimation is freaking awesome.
Jul 6, 2023 10:29 AM
#8

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Oct 2017
27470
Samurai X was one of the first animes or tv shows I watched. Used to watch it with my cousins when I was like 4-5. Ofc I didn't know it was anime back then and nor did I remember much but I remembered a specific fight scene from it and years later when I was watching Ruroni Kenshin and came across the fight scene I realised this was the same anime I used to watch as a kid. Anyway my history with the anime aside, I'm not really a big fan of the anime or anything but I do like it quite a bit. So, glad to see it readapted as a modern day anime after all this years. Hopefully a full manga adaptation this time around.

The episode itself was pretty good. Like Kenshin's new voice, the old one just felt wrong. A grown man, a samurai no less with a feminine voice felt weird. The new OP song though, doesn't suit the anime. Otherwise a decent first episode to start the series. Looking forward to more.
MegamiRemJul 6, 2023 12:21 PM
Jul 6, 2023 10:32 AM
#9

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May 2020
1434
the art and animation look so good
this was one of the shows I was most hyped for this season and it delivered 
can't wait for the next ep

Lets hope this adapts all of the manga unlike the original 90s anime


Jul 6, 2023 10:48 AM
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Nov 2022
55
I have really high hopes after this first episode, it was so good. I'm glad that they didn't change the artstyle too much, it's got the charm still. Hopefully they retain this quality throughout at the very least
Jul 6, 2023 11:16 AM
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Jan 2022
64
I still love the 1996 version opening, but the 2023 version is just way too good especially the song choice
Jul 6, 2023 11:35 AM
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Feb 2016
96
Sasuga Japan. They love their pedos... Nevertheless, this series is legendary, so obviously they want to milk it. Kenshin sounds wrong, but it's probably a case of iconic VA of the original.
Jul 6, 2023 11:37 AM

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Oct 2021
30
I miss Kenshin's original voice (https://myanimelist.net/people/108/Mayo_Suzukaze). His new voice is too ikemen-like?
Jul 6, 2023 11:38 AM

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Aug 2017
1071
Never seen the original but off to a good start. Art looked good, animation could've been better though, but still fine. Surprised that Rie Takahashi voices Kaoru, but don't mind it. That old geezer betraying someone who saved his life, what a dick. And then pissing himself when faced with Kenshin, lol.
Jul 6, 2023 11:45 AM

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Sep 2013
749
I'm guessing the low rating because the author is a convicted pedophile, i mean i understand but reviewbotting 1s and 10 is lame regardless of the case.
Deep dark fantasies
Jul 6, 2023 11:48 AM
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Nov 2009
26
It's a good premiere overall. The animation is fine!
Don't know if i like Kenshin's voice feels wrong...
The music is a complete disappointment compared to the old anime!
Jul 6, 2023 11:54 AM

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Dec 2010
717
Been far too long since I've watched the 90s anime, but from what I can recall this new adaptation seems to be quite a bit different. Maybe it's closer to the manga or something.
While I mostly liked it, the opening song was simply atrocious. They couldn't possibly have chosen a worse song. Adding to that, the OST is just very weak. It would be an insult to even compare it to the old one.
All things considered, it's about as good/bad as I expected of a modern reboot, especially one produced by Lidenfilms.
Jul 6, 2023 11:57 AM
Online
Oct 2019
735
These around 24 episodes will only be a season 1, right?
Jul 6, 2023 11:59 AM

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Jul 2021
9186
Haven't watch the old one yet but this series is just, fine. The animation is pretty average compared to other classic samurai shows I've seen, which had a more unique charm to it, but what's keeping me interested is well, how the story goes on. I kinda like the scene where they make a contrast between their POV of swords. OP and ED is ok but something just doesn't sit right with me, visuals were good thou.
Jul 6, 2023 12:01 PM
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Oct 2016
2559
A legend has returned to us! Rurouni Kenshin is here with a reboot! The iconic samurai story now for a new generation. Starting things off setting up our main two characters Kenshin and Kaoru. An unlikely pair brought together, I love their interactions this whole episode. Kenshin is the epitome of laidback carefree attitude, with nothing bothering him expect when someone he cares about gets hurt. The way he talks is so weird yet intriguing, his manner of speak isn't like any other anime character I've seen. Even still being so young Kenshin talks with inherit wisdom like he's seen many things these people haven't. Being the legendary Battousai from the many Meiji era samurai campaigns has left its scars both visible and invisible. Now though we see Kenshin talking to Kaoru about how her fathers sword style is being tarnished by a crossroad killer near their town. A horrible plot by the old man Kaoru tried to help, him only pretending just to get the land her dojo is on. Greed knows no bounds sometimes. Kenshin coming to stop those guys was very satisfying. His sword style is extremely fast and powerful against multiple enemies. Even taking down the big guy tarnishing his name with ease. Very sweet of Kenshin to stay and help Kaoru rebuild her dojo and its reputation. I'm excited to see this new version of Kenshin unfold!
Jul 6, 2023 12:08 PM
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Feb 2021
173
I'm hyped for this. Bummed about Freckles not being the OP and Kenshin's VA change, though. The new VA has a completely different vibe; he sounds all serious, grown-up and ikemen-y. Defo not the goofy guy he usually sounded like back in the original.
Jul 6, 2023 12:11 PM

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Oct 2022
140
pls😐..... why such low rating after only 1 episode ? how can ppl rate a whole show after watching  just 1 episode !? 
i really have high hopes for this cuz i could never watch the old one. now i can watch it as it gets released and maybe later i watch the old version as well ! 




👻🎃 🎃👻









Jul 6, 2023 12:16 PM
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Jun 2023
30
puddinz said:
pls😐..... why such low rating after only 1 episode ? how can ppl rate a whole show after watching  just 1 episode !? 
i really have high hopes for this cuz i could never watch the old one. now i can watch it as it gets released and maybe later i watch the old version as well ! 
because this is outdated
It can't be above 7
Jul 6, 2023 12:17 PM

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Jun 2019
6637
Really enjoyed the first episode of this remake. The animation looks good, and the atmosphere set up by Lidenfilms is quite nice. Kenshin and Kaoru are just as I expected them to be. The OP and ED are really good. The OSTs are nice as well. Good start to the show. Looking forward to more.
Jul 6, 2023 12:18 PM

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May 2022
906
puddinz said:
pls😐..... why such low rating after only 1 episode ? how can ppl rate a whole show after watching  just 1 episode !? 
i really have high hopes for this cuz i could never watch the old one. now i can watch it as it gets released and maybe later i watch the old version as well ! 

Don’t worry about the score. It’s a great story and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Jul 6, 2023 12:18 PM
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Jul 2016
19
It was pretty good and the OP/ED was so so much better than the original
Jul 6, 2023 12:30 PM
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May 2021
2647
Wow it's my first time watching kenshin anime. Really decent start with fire op and ed theme 🔥🔥. Animation was also clean like Bastard reboot anime 👌🏻
Jul 6, 2023 12:31 PM

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Feb 2021
124
I was waiting for that first "oro?". So hyped.
Kind of bothered me that Kenshin's eyes turned blue instead of yellow in Battosai-mode, but oh well overall it was great.

This is a cartoon site, you clown. Elitism in general is cringe enough already. Let people enjoy stuff.
Reminder to stay hydrated and read Umineko No Naku Koro Ni
Jul 6, 2023 12:32 PM
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Oct 2013
2
4.5/5 bc the original OST is out of this world but the new opening is actually pretty good!
great animation, true to the manga

this is the best day of my life!
Jul 6, 2023 12:33 PM

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Jan 2008
18285
Honestly can't say I've got high expectations after this episode but it was nice to see characters with new modern visuals. Best thing about it was Takahashi Rie voicing Kaoru and Reol doing the ED. Hoping at least one certain fight is on par with the old Kenshin anime.
Jul 6, 2023 12:33 PM

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Jan 2009
101804
i do not expect a lot of sakuga for this one unlike the old anime but i hope its a faithful adaptation this time at least
Jul 6, 2023 12:36 PM

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Feb 2021
124
puddinz said:
pls😐..... why such low rating after only 1 episode ? how can ppl rate a whole show after watching  just 1 episode !? 
i really have high hopes for this cuz i could never watch the old one. now i can watch it as it gets released and maybe later i watch the old version as well ! 

Because people can't divide the creator and creation. You might've heard of the mangaka's controversy involving 👶🌽 I think that explains the score a lot.

Still, Rurouni Kenshin is an AMAZING story, and I'm glad it gets the adaptation it deserves. Even the live-action version is viewed in high regard, which says a lot. Too bad we will probably have to wait for at least season 2 until we get to the Kyoto arc, which is considered one of the best arcs in shonen.

This is a cartoon site, you clown. Elitism in general is cringe enough already. Let people enjoy stuff.
Reminder to stay hydrated and read Umineko No Naku Koro Ni
Jul 6, 2023 12:38 PM
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Jun 2008
25
Very pretty animation, but I really like the '90s style and the new songs don't hold a candle to Sobakasu and Heart of Sword
I really just want an Enishi arc adaptation though, hope it does well enough to adapt the whole thing
Jul 6, 2023 12:39 PM

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Oct 2022
140
Charisma88 said:
puddinz said:
pls😐..... why such low rating after only 1 episode ? how can ppl rate a whole show after watching  just 1 episode !? 
i really have high hopes for this cuz i could never watch the old one. now i can watch it as it gets released and maybe later i watch the old version as well ! 
because this is outdated
It can't be above 7
"outdated"

🤣 thats why ppl call new gen anime fans the worst!  how can a NEWLY MADE ANIMATION be outdated? 
idk if it deserves above 7 since i havnt finished it yet! but based on the manga and the og anime rating it def deserves higher !  new gen anime fandom have 0 taste. they only enjoy what tiktok hypes them to watch. smh




👻🎃 🎃👻









Jul 6, 2023 12:39 PM

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May 2021
436
It's cheesy in weird ways having seen the original.
Jul 6, 2023 12:50 PM

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Feb 2019
9567
I like how they showed a little bit of the Ruroni:The Beginning movie opening scene at the start. OP still got that 90s anime style of charm too. Art and animation solid. Not doing long write ups for this out of principle because of the author, but it’s a solid remake so far.
Jul 6, 2023 1:00 PM

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Aug 2022
3027
I'm so excited for this anime since I've heard so many good things about both the manga and the original anime.
Jul 6, 2023 1:02 PM

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Oct 2014
181
Good first episode, as someone who missed and never watched the OG airing of this, I am happy I get to see it, hope the adaption is faithful.
Jul 6, 2023 1:03 PM

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Dec 2008
51

  • When I heard of a remake I was generally concerned about pacing. I don't expect the new one to feel like the original or be better but I do expect the intended emotional beats to resonate in a similar fashion even though differently. Usually condensing a story or rushing to the next big plot point can take away from the build-up that can happen in between that makes those big moments even more impactful. Making this a series is already a step in the right direction as opposed to 2 or 3 films to recount the entire story. With that being said they did something right to properly set up the emotional beats tied to character development suggesting they are going to let the characters "breath" and grow in a way that will help each build-up feel warranted. 
  • We get an interaction with a police officer when Kenshin is spotted with his sword (which is illegal to carry of course). A companion of Kaoru's slips the cop some money, bribing him to release Kenshin. This is an excellent way to not rush the story. They ABSOLUTELY DID NOT have to include this 5-second interaction. Some directors wouldn't bother, as they might not see it as moving the story forward and a bit of a filler. But to me, this was to establish the weight and the importance of Saito's principles but also clearly differentiate him from other officers as his Officer Fujita Gorō costume matches that of the police (since he's operating as one). 
  • "You can tame a dog with food, you can tame a man with money, but nothing can tame a wolf of Mibu". This interaction that may go unnoticed is an allusion to that eventual quote and our eventual meeting of Fujita Gorō the officer that carries the same principles as Saito Hajime, the 3rd squad captain of the Shinsengumi REGARDLESS of what "costume" he wears. That 5-second interaction and decent animation have given me hope that this series will do the original justice.

Jul 6, 2023 1:04 PM

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Nov 2009
38
a bit more serious remake of the 95 version not as goofy HELL YES sing me in i love this series one of my favorite animes of all time and from what im seeing so far they made it with full respect and even a more mature tone than the original more child friendly version
Hi !!!
Jul 6, 2023 1:10 PM
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May 2021
2449
Kenshin is back!! I do miss the old ost tho!! But I am liking the animation tho!!
Jul 6, 2023 1:12 PM
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Sep 2017
21
KENSHIN IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK
And its beautiful
I was scared it would end up a disappointment but it was not.
The plots much more condensed than before but its better that way,
I half expected Freckles to play off and would've died for Heart of Sword to end it but Kaoru is cuter compared to how annoying she used to feel. Her character was certainly brought out better here. It does stay true to the whole seriousness themes while also being light enough.... I'll stop before I fanboy any further like I'm a kid again.
But boy am I looking forward to when Merciless Fangs strike!
Jul 6, 2023 1:17 PM
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Nov 2016
74
I love it! "Oro" and "gozaru" staying the same :D
Also opening looks awesome!
Jul 6, 2023 1:23 PM

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Feb 2016
181
great episode. I haven't seen the original yet, but does anyone know why the hell they translated his "de gozaru" sentence enders like he's the most British man alive? It's kind of irritating and distracting. Is it localizer autism?
ZweifooterJul 6, 2023 1:31 PM
Jul 6, 2023 1:28 PM
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Jul 2015
10
The animation and voice acting are great, but that's about it. I didn't like the opening or the ending, the soundtrack isn't anything to write home about either. Obviously from a technical point of view this is way better than the first adaptation, but at the same time it feels sterile in comparision. I was really excited about having a faithful adaptation but this kind of feels like it got the generic shounen treatment.
Jul 6, 2023 1:29 PM
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Apr 2023
381
Charisma88 said:
puddinz said:
pls😐..... why such low rating after only 1 episode ? how can ppl rate a whole show after watching  just 1 episode !? 
i really have high hopes for this cuz i could never watch the old one. now i can watch it as it gets released and maybe later i watch the old version as well ! 
because this is outdated
It can't be above 7

It is a godly remake. I refuse to accept this boomer response.
Jul 6, 2023 1:30 PM
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Apr 2023
381
Perrin4869 said:
Well, this one had the opportunity to clean up some of the issues in the first few episodes in the 90s adaptation which had some hiccups along the way...
Unfortunately I feel that in the pursuit of an adaptation that is loyal to the source material, it loses a lot of the charm and chemistry that was added in the 90s offering.
Kenshin's voice is not goofy-samurai but male-model, the OST is bland as all hell (not even in the same league or same universe)
Character design and animation looks good, but nothing standout by today's standards...
I like the motivation for Kaoru here, her dad died while not staying true to his ideals, and she wants to continue his legacy, I just checked and that was omitted from the 90s version.
I'll keep tuning in for now I guess, but judging from what was on display this week I don't have high hopes

Edit:

I disagree. I like this new form better. It is on point with the story.
Jul 6, 2023 1:33 PM
Shingster

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Jun 2015
4422
A pretty intense fight scene to start things off. The opening sure wasa pretty unique one. Great visuals and catchy as well. Kaoru's opening scene huh. That fake really done a number on their rep thats for sure. Guess no matter which year you live in money is the best way to grease one's hand. Kaoru's determination really is impressive despite the painful fight last night. Now that was one hell of a betrayal that Kaoru fell for. Still it proved to be the perfect stage for Kenshin. Overall a pretty solid opening ep that featured a good balance of worldbuilding, character intros and action. Animation so far has been pretty good and on point. Pretty catchy ending theme.
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Jul 6, 2023 1:42 PM
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Nov 2021
83
Loved it👍🏻👍🏻❤️
Jul 6, 2023 2:26 PM
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Dec 2016
17
Well, i liked the old Rurouni series. I will check it.
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