I got about halfway through this and had to stop and switch over to the Japanese version. For me as a Rurouni Kenshin fan it was a huge disappointment. I have for many years been trying to get my hands on a complete series of the original Samurai X Rurouni Kenshin. Being an even bigger fan of that series I was expecting an awful lot. Unfortunately I was expecting a bit too much. Though I found the animation to be as beautiful as I remember Kenshin always being. So very eye pleasing and the music to be magnificent. I was dissatisfied with the English dialog and I think even the voice acting direction. I felt the same way about the series so I wasn't surprised. As much as I love the way Watsuki san tells a story I was disappointed by the fact that this was nothing but the last five episodes of the last season of Rurouni Kenshin with a couple of effects added. If I hadn't switched it over to the Japanese version I may have shut it off out of sheer disappointment and utter boredom. So to sum it up for Kenshin fans skip it go directly to Reflection. For movie fans go for it. It's a wonderful story.

Samurai X is the movie prequel to the anime series Ruroni Kenshin. The movie is loosely based on actual events that took place during the feudal era of Japan. The story is about Kenshin, an assassin trying to make the world a better place by the end of his sword, killing whoever is in his way. The film shows his trial and tribulations with what he is doing and how he comes to terms with himself. This particular anime has first class animation that makes the picture look amazing and the fight scenes are the best I have ever seen in an anime before. This is a very bloody yet thought provoking movie that earns its rights to be consider one of the best anime films ever. This film is nothing like the free spirited and almost heartwarming anime series it is based off of. Every scene is vey intense even though the characters might not be doing anything important. What makes the movie so great is not those awesome action scenes or the complex character development that Kenshin goes through but it is the ending that really delivers. The ending is truly moving and ironic at the same time and it leaves an impression on you that you can't forget. This great movie will go down as the best of the best and rightfully so. If you are in the mood for violent, sword slashing, though provoking, intense drama then this is the movie for you.5 out of 5 starsCool factor: Violent and Bloody but Brilliant at the same timeLame factor: Can be slow at times

Now I don't give 10 to any everyday series/movie/etc. but this OVA(originally Animated Video) was and always will be the best animation of all time in every aspect. First and foremost the Animation level is so high that it's hard to believe that it's done in the 20th century(props to Studio DEEN), and the voice actors putting their feelings into it gives the characters a whole new life. It's Original Soundtrack is one of the best OSTs there is and it fits the series greatly, done by THE master himself Taku Iwasaki, And perhaps the most important fact, the Storyline is done so well with and pushed into the last days of Tokugawa Shogunate. And last but not the least, The Samurai genre will always be successful with drama. 10/10

I watched this movie a couple years ago and it completely blew my mind away. I was not a big fan of anime thinking it was all fun and games but this movie showed me otherwise. From the beginning it pulls you right into the story. Shinta is an orphan boy who gets raised by Hiko the Swordsman after his whole family is killed by thieves. Hiko then renames the boy Kenshin, the lovable samurai we all love. However this movie shows the darker, more sinister segment of his life, and shows he is called Battousai The Man Slayer. The torment that Kenshin has to live with is unbearable. Running away from his master before his training is complete he goes around trying to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled japan during the Ninteenth Century. He kills with no regard but then he meets Tomoe. A woman who shows Kenshin that killing isn't necessary to justify his means. With many turns of events this makes for an excellent time watching this movie!