9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Kyoto Arc resolved... Beautiful!, May 19, 2003
This review is from: Rurouni Kenshin - Fire Requiem [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Rurouni Kenshin's Kyoto Arc, my favorite story arc of my favorite anime series ever, comes to a close in this tape, and believe me, it's a satisfying ending, despite the fact that in my opinion, the final battle with Shishio is really not the best.
This tape includes episodes 58-62.
58-60 complete the final battle with Shishio, begun in episode 57 (on the previous tape, Innocence and Experience). As I said, this fight is *not* my favorite. Both physically and mentally/philosophically, neither side will budge. It's altogether proper for Kenshin's powers of heart and persuasion not to sway Shishio himself, but since that's my favorite thing about RK's fight scenes, for me, this one lacks the emotional power of the previous fight with Soujiro. On the level of physical combat is where the problem is worst, however. Despite my love for RK and the Kyoto Arc in particular, I was half-tempted to give this tape four stars because about the first hour of it is just Kenshin and co. hammering ineffectually at a seemingly invincible foe; everyone uses all their flashy special techniques (almost all of them anyway), none of it really gets us anywhere, and some of Shishio's parries are frankly ludicrous. I lose patience with it all by the end of 58, but 59 was more of the same. Episode 60 at last gets to the meat of the fight, and this part really is quite good. Yumi steals the show, and this battle's resolution is unforgettable.
61 and 62 are the Kyoto Arc Epilogue, and when I said I was half-tempted to give this tape four stars, in the end I had to give it five because these denoument episodes are excellent. In 61 we find out the fates of Shishio and his followers, and in 62, Kenshin and his friends all reflect on their experience and return home. A very special goodbye in Kyoto and a very special welcome home in Tokyo complete this absolutely satisfying conclusion.
These days I hear a lot of talk about "the true ending" of RK. Some may say it's the last volume of TV episodes (End Song), some say the new "Reflection" OVAs, some say it's only to be found in the manga. I understand those viewpoints, but for me, Fire Requiem is the true ending. I know that there were more episodes/OVAs/etc. and more great moments after this (which I don't want to turn you off from buying!), but to me, the tale that begins in the Trust and Betrayal OVAs is here beautifully brought all the way around to resolution.
Of course you have to see everything prior to this tape to fully appreciate these episodes, but if you see RK up to and including Fire Requiem, I give you my word, you'll be glad you did!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Finally.....the fight is on, January 30, 2002
OK, I am going to try to give the reader the most insights I can without spoiling the surprises of this DVD.
So far, the Legends of Kyoto series is the best. Well, it was great up until the end. Kenshin's fight with Shishio had to be the most drawn out fight ever. I love the anime series, but sometimes I just want to say "Finish already." I cannot beleive they used 3 episodes for the Kenshin vs. Shishio, Saito vs. Shishio, Sano vs. Shishio, and Aoshi vs. Shishio. Sure that sounds like a lot, but those fights lasted for not more than 5 minutes each. I was rather bored with most of the dialog because they are just reviewing what happened. If you've seen Samurai X: The Movie, you would understand what I am talking about on how they repeat scenes over and over again.
Anyway, enough about my gripes. Other than those minor faults, I am happy with my purchase. It was nice for them to do a wrap-up episode to inform us of what happened to the surviving members of Shishio's crew, and it was pretty cool to know that Kenshin's master may be in future episodes. As cocky as he is, Hiko III is a rather entertaining character to watch.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The End of Kyoto, January 20, 2002
The DVD Fire Requium is the last in the Kyoto series, and definately one of the best. The last five episodes, are truly remarkable, and not because of the climactic final showdown between Kenshin and Shishio. These last episodes deal with some of the deepest themes in the series, such as: Does winning a fight make the victor the one who was right in the end? and Do the the strong exist to protect the weak, or to use them as food? After the battle is over, it is then that the characters make the most important discoveries about themselves and each other. That is the real heart of it all. But, I have to admit, I totally loved the fight scenes too!
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