Samurai X Reflection
Publisher
ADV
Director
Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Production
Sony, Studio Deen
Country of origin
Japan
Format
OVA
Running time
85 mins
Year
2001
Samurai X Reflection
By John Huxley
23rd May 04  I'll admit that I really don't feel qualified to give Samurai X: Reflection the review it deserves. This is the final episode of the Kenshin saga and the first that I've seen myself, which, in hindsight, probably wasn't the best way to go about things. Still, what's done is done and the best I can do is offer my opinion as a newcomer to the series. The first episode follows Kaoru as she remembers her life with Kenshin, the once legendary swordsman of the Tokugawa era. Through a series of flashbacks related to current events we learn more about Kaoru's relationship with the mighty warrior leading up to her eventual kidnapping, which brings us to the second episode. Having kidnapped his lover, the vengeful brother of his deceased wife awaits Kenshin's inevitable arrival in full knowledge that a battle will be to the death. Although the first half of this OVA may read like a cheap recap of past events, this is far from the truth. As a newcomer I found it to be no more revealing of the series' past than a paragraph-long plot synopsis. This first episode is more about Kaoru's feelings for Kenshin, her sorrow during his many absences and her unwavering devotion to a husband that lives in recompense for his once murderous past. I found the structure of this episode to be more than slightly confusing - I was rarely certain if a scene was flashback or current event which led to a bewildering experience. This episode, rambling thought it may be, does help explain the relationship between Kaoru and Kenshin, giving the second episode greater impact with it. A linear progression makes the second and final episode more straightforward and more enjoyable than the last. Well, I say more enjoyable, but that's assuming you enjoy highly depressing stories. Make no mistake - Reflection is a deadpan, downbeat tale of love and sorrow that isn't going to end with a party. But credit where credit is due, it really does a good job of making you care about the characters. When Karou is at her lowest ebb in the absence of her beloved husband you really feel sorry for her, you wish for the two to be together again. It may smack of the overly dramatic, sentimental pap that was previously the reserve of the Hollywood TV movie, but I guarantee that Reflection handles the situation in less crass manner. Besides, everyone loves a good weepy now and again and this is up there with the best of them. All this drama isn't without a good scrap or two. Kenshin, the master swordsman that he is, deals with opponents using his reverse-blade sword and a modicum of athleticism. The fights are certainly not a static exchange of blows or contest of power; Kenshin and his rivals keep on the move, jumping, flipping and twirling around in one flowing movement. The direction of the fights can be compared to the Street Fighter II animated movie (which is to say they are very, very good). To enhance the feeling of movement and speed the director has used a technique that can only be described as 'camera shake', which produces the effect of the fight being recorded on a handheld camera. It's unusual, novel and extremely effective. My only gripe with the otherwise excellent action is the lack of it - there are only two memorable fights between both episodes. The animation and the artwork are both of a high quality. As expected from an OVA of this stature the movement is smooth, detail is high and the backgrounds are well painted. I did notice several occasions where live-action was imposed on top of cel animation or a scene was entirely live-action (albeit without characters). It's credit to the Reflection production team that these instances do not look out of place. As with most sentimental Hollywood blockbusters the music is all important in pulling at the audience's heart strings. Reflection succeeds in doing just that: a rousing score that blends in to the background and plays with your emotions. It's amazing how effective music can really be. I may have seen none of the Kenshin saga prior to Reflection, yet even I can tell there is enough quality here to please fans and non-fans alike. I have no doubt that my experience of Reflection would have been enhanced had I known more about the series before watching. That said, there is an undeniable quality running throughout both episodes that shines regardless of your familiarity with the series. If I liked it, anyone can.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: English and Japanese 2.0 and 5.1 audio, English subtitles, interviews with Japanese vocal cast, clean closing animation, production sketches, ADV previews
Notes: The first thing I noticed about this DVD is the unusually large amount of audio options. Both English and Japanese audio tracks have a 2.0 and 5.1 option, giving full surround sound in the latter. Sadly I lack equipment to test this feature. The other stand-out extra is the interviews with the Japanese vocal cast. Both episodes feature interviews with the major (and some minor) voice actors and actresses, each lasting a good few minutes. Although I didn't keep an eye on the time, I'm pretty sure there's at least a good half hour to an hour's worth of entertainment to be had from the interviews alone.
-- John Huxley 23rd May 04
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